Teachers, the heart of education
ILI LIYANA MOKHTAR
Teachers are a special breed that understands the essence of education is the close relationship between a knowledgeable, caring adult and a secure, motivated child.
The most important role is to know each student as an individual in order to comprehend his or her unique needs, learning style, social and cultural background, interests, and abilities.
For English and biology teacher Ili Kamila Mokhtar 37, her decision to teach has been and will continue to be the best decision she has ever made.
"I love teaching simply because I love being around my students, my students keep me young at heart.
"I also love to get to know students from different backgrounds and have new experiences each year, there is definitely a sense of satisfaction when your students are successful in life and to know that you played a part in their education," she told SInar Daily.
Ili said besides traditional classroom lessons, she also loves to advise and counsel students as they grow and mature and help them to integrate their social, emotional, and intellectual growth, this will enable them to seek, understand and use knowledge to make better decisions in their personal lives; and be of value to society.
For art teacher Nareha Mat Salleh 45, teaching is about shaping the next generation and making an impact outside of the classroom.
"I like to inspire my students to love learning, I love to see them become successful in life. It means I have made an impact on the community in a meaningful way.
"As teachers you meet so many students from different backgrounds and even though you are the teacher, sometimes the students can also teach us many life lessons along the way as well," she said.
She added that teachers do more than teach, their impact extends far beyond the classroom, as a teacher, you are more than just an educator, you are sometimes a mentor, a confidant, and a friend.
As for history teacher Muhammad Safiuddin Setaffa 34, the satisfaction of being a teacher is to make a positive difference in the lives of his students.
"I love seeing my students smile when they have practiced what I teach and are successful in a task that I have given them or have gone far with my guidance, I love the feeling of being able to motivate, guide and teach the younger generation.
"The importance of being a teacher cannot be overstated. Helping just one student can make the job worth it, but over a long and productive career, you have the chance to help thousands of students and create an impact," Safiuddin describes his vocation passionately.
