An appreciation of the teaching profession in Guyana

‘TEACHING is the profession that creates another profession’ is perhaps the most popular quote that we hear around Teacher’s Day. Now, Teacher’s Day is in September and to think that we only seek to recognise them on this day is not exactly the right thing to do. In my life, I have many teachers not only from school but the people I have encountered. My parents, friends, acquaintances, relatives have all helped me one way or another to learn new concepts and better understand old ones.

Surrounding the news lately, a lot has been going on with schools in Guyana and I thought this piece would be necessary. The teaching profession originally sought out to ‘monitor’ children by teaching them necessary and basic education using a standard system. I wouldn’t say the system today is complex but rather is an upgrade to what previously obtained. Teachers now try to teach in a manner that accommodates most learning needs of students. An argument is placed around the fact that teachers are not responsible for any other needs apart from education. If children are expected to be with teachers for at least eight hours a day, parents should be able to trust the teacher to be a responsible and mature adult. ‘What a teacher is, is more important than what he/she teaches.’

From Miss Shaundel Phillips at New Amsterdam Multilateral, to Miss Anita at Port Mourant Primary School and Miss Zalimoon at the Rose Hall Town Nursery School, teachers have helped to shape the character, mindset and skills that I currently have. The most impactful teachers were the ones who taught me academics through the eyes of practical real-life scenarios. I was more attentive in a class if I could’ve related to examples, if the teaching methods appealed to my senses. I do believe that not everyone is ‘fit’ to be a teacher and it should be a profession, like any other profession that must be taken seriously; seriously to the extent of recognising that they have the ability to make or break the next generation. In my opinion, students fresh out of high school should not automatically become teachers. It’s a great way to practice your training by teaching, however, students are not ‘guinea pigs’.

The highest levels of schools would not have been as successful without teachers. We stress that education is the key to success but fail to acknowledge those who actually aid in the service of education (better salaries, recognition of hard work, etc.) While students have the ability to retain information and learn on their own, they still need proper guidance. There may be teachers we may not get along with, perhaps some that we always disagree with. I had those experiences as well. However, it took at least one teacher to believe in me and that was the greatest gift one can ask for. I mean it with confidence, take a look at where I am today and it was mostly because of the cooperation between my parents and teachers. Both parties should co-relate for the child’s best interest. Hence, it is also important for parents to attend general PTA meetings and class meetings so both teacher and parent can have discussions about the child’s well-being.

Here’s a quote I found that I thought was perfect to end off today’s piece: “I used to think good teachers inspire you. Now I think I had it wrong. Good teachers inspire you; great teachers show you how to inspire yourself every day of your life. They don’t show you their magic. They show you how to make magic of your own.”

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