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Gabriel Manyeruke
TEACHERS are expected to wear many hats and juggle multiple responsibilities. They play a crucial role in shaping the minds and future of young people at school.
Many educators are motivated by their passion to disseminate knowledge and skills that can make a positive impact on the lives of learners. They see teaching not just as a job, but as a calling and a way to inspire and sustainably empower the next generation. It is this sense of purpose and dedication that keeps teachers going, even when the job can be thankless at times.
Teachers are often undervalued, yet they go out of their way for the sake of their learners.
The demands of the job can be overwhelming, with long hours, large class sizes and limited resources, making it difficult for them to do their best.
The increasing demands and expectations on teachers can contribute to the negative perception of the profession. They are expected not only to educate learners but also to address the schoolchildren’s social and emotional needs, manage classroom behaviour and meet strict academic standards.
This can be overwhelming and exhausting, leading many educators to feel unappreciated.
In every school setting, there are learners who misbehave, with some of the actions directed at their teachers. The behaviour includes talking back to the teacher, being disrespectful, not following instructions and even disrupting a lesson.
Although this type of behaviour can be annoying for teachers, they remain committed to grooming learners so that they grow and become responsible, productive and civilised global citizens.
It always gives teachers a sense of pride and accomplishment to see their learners reaching unmatched levels of excellence in various aspects of life. In this respect, teachers’ efforts deserve to be reciprocated and appreciated by the learners they strive to develop at school.
It is important for schoolchildren to appreciate their teachers for their hard work and dedication.
One of the simplest yet most priceless ways to show appreciation towards teachers is by treating them with respect. This includes actively listening to them during lessons, following given instructions and being polite to them.
A handwritten thank you note can go a long way in expressing gratefulness to educators at school.
Teachers put a lot of effort in organising school events such as concerts, trips, sports days and parent-teacher meetings. Being cooperative and showing support and enthusiasm in these events demonstrate appreciation of their determination in making the school a conducive environment for everyone.
Learners can also offer to help out with small tasks such as organising materials and cleaning the classroom to alleviate work for staff members. Teaming up with classmates to organise a surprise celebration for a teacher in the classroom is another gesture of kindness.
It could include decorations, a cake, a class photo or sharing artwork that can highlight a teacher’s impact in the lives of learners.
Ways of showing appreciation to teachers can be many and varied. This can increase a teacher’s motivation and desire to tap immeasurable potential in every learner.
There is nothing as heart-warming for teachers as having learners with an element of gratitude and a positive attitude. It makes the learning experience enjoyable, engaging and memorable for learners and teachers in equal measure.
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: 0774122288, [email protected]
Online Reporter