Part 7 – Happy Teachers Day – 5 September 2014 (Friday)

Teachers have a tough job.

Unlike most jobs, they invest in human lives and that’s why they cannot detach themselves from their work. They constantly carry in their minds the educational needs and overall well being of their students.

They have to put in their commitment, hearts and minds to do a good job in developing the next generation.

Teachers operate in a noisy, messy and chaotic environment. I cannot imagine trying to work with and control about 40 students in a class and about 2000 students in a typical school.

In the knowledge-based economy, they are increasingly being put on a spotlight. They are being evaluated by different stakeholders because of the significance of their profession.

In this fast-changing time, there are also inert pressure on them to change and stay relevant. They need to address multifaceted challenges within the classroom and without.

In the age of the ‘new normal’ (or abnormal), a term that has been commonly used to describe a more discontented and demanding populace, teachers are increasingly being put on a spotlight. They have to sometimes undergo undue performance pressures.

There were occasions in the past when they have also been unfairly criticized in the social media.

Besides addressing multifaceted challenges, they have to respond to higher expectation from members of the public, including demanding parents. The increase in contacts with parents and superiors have also added to their stress level.

I have voice my concerns for teachers in the past. They are as follows:

How do we ensure that the scope and pace of change can be implemented in such a way that teachers can adapt and adjust accordingly?

How can we develop teachers’ capacity, ability and agility to handle stress and cope with changes?

How can we alleviate teachers’ administrative and operational duties so that they can better focus on their students?

How can we ring fence teachers from overly-demanding parents and unreasonable expectations?

I believe we can do more to enhance teachers’ image, professional dignity, and respect.

I’m confident that our government and community will continue to accord to them due recognition and an important place in society.

Every one of us should continue to encourage teachers by encouraging them, sending them ‘Thank You’ notes, and supporting them.

Thank you teachers.

Go4It!

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For my opinions on social affairs, please visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com/

Please read my reflections and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!