Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
In the current fast moving world, where change is the only constant and expectations are constantly rising, one thing that must never change is our respect for teachers. Unfortunately, I believe we are moving away from this simple value. When I glance around, I notice a disturbing trend the declining respect towards teachers, not just students, but from society in general. It is not only disappointing, but it is a threat to the very core of our educational system.
We all recall those days when teachers were next only to parents. They were taken to be words of wisdom and their deeds as guiding lights. For indeed, most of us are where we are today because some teacher at some point believed in us. But today, things are not what they used to be. The respect that previously characterized the student teacher relationship is gradually being eroded and supplanted by criticism, complaints and even public humiliation. The society today is more inclined to have its eyes on the fault lines of teachers than to appreciate their work, sacrifices and commitment.
You and I know that nobody is perfect. There is every profession with its flaws and every professional has space to develop and have scope for improvement. But the extent of inquiry and judgment that comes to teachers today is relative and unjustified. Rather than providing solutions, we tend to nitpick at their errors. We want them to be ideal knowledgeable, emotionally stable, disciplined, compassionate and always present yet we sometimes forget that they are human beings as well, with their personal problems, families and weaknesses.
Let’s think for a moment. How many times have people complained, saying, Teachers don’t work hard anymore, or Teaching is an easy job? These phrases are not even near the truth. As a close observer of the education system, I can safely state that teachers work tirelessly every day and sometimes even after school hours to plan lessons, grade assignments, deal with behavior problems and accommodate different needs of their students. During the pandemic, did we not see teachers learning new technology overnight just to remain connected with their students? Did we give them enough respect? Not perhaps.
As a community, all of us share the responsibility of fostering a respectful climate for our teachers. Respect cannot be legislated but has to be nurtured. Parents need to instill their children with the importance of showing respect towards their teachers from a young age. When children listen to their parents belittling teachers at home, they take this disrespect to school. Conversely, when we, parents and guardians, praise teachers and tell our children to work with them, it fosters a culture of respect and appreciation.
Teachers, also, have their role to play. I appeal to those in authority to regard teachers as collaboratives in the teaching mission rather than as subordinates to be frequently checked on and corrected. At the time of policy making, teachers should be consulted. During the time of reviews, the process should be encouraging, fair and growth oriented, not fear mongering. Unfortunately, in most instances, even good, sincere teachers get demoralized because of a lack of appreciation or public appreciation from their seniors.
And also common people like you and me do have an important role to play. Teachers must be respected not only by students and schools, but also by every citizen. We need to realize that the teacher who educated us to read, write and think is as important as the doctor who heals us or the engineer who constructs bridges. Society needs to stop perceiving the teaching profession as a “last resort” career. Rather, we need to raise the profile of teachers to the height that they rightly deserve.
Now, you may wonder, What can we do to turn this around? It starts with small but significant actions. Thank a teacher. Share their work in community events. Stand up for them in school events. Speak out when they are unfairly criticized. Fight for higher pay and working conditions. When we elevate teachers, we elevate education and when education is elevated, society thrives.
Let us not forget that a nation’s future is determined in the classroom. The minds that will lead, heal and innovate tomorrow are in today’s classrooms. If teachers lose their passion because they feel devalued, the harm will resonate for generations. Disheartened teachers cannot motivate students. Disrespected teachers cannot build resilient learners. If we truly care about our children’s education, then we must first care about those who teach them.
I want to say this directly to every reader, If you have ever had a teacher who impacted your life, take a moment today to remember them, thank them and speak well of them. If you’re a parent, guide your children to treat their teachers with honor. If you are an officer, make space in your policies and decisions to appreciate and support your teachers. And if you are a student, understand this your teacher is not merely imparting knowledge, they are shaping your destiny.
Respect for teachers is not merely a moral obligation it is a social investment. Let’s revive that respect before it’s too late. Because when we lose respect for teachers, we are not merely disrespecting persons we are undermining the very foundations of education itself.
(The author is a teacher. He hails from Boniyar, Baramulla and can be reached at [email protected])
