In the world of education, it is long overdue to reconsider the widespread misconception that an individual’s intelligence is synonymous with effectiveness in the classroom. While intellect does play a role in a teacher’s abilities, it is the qualities, skills and dedication that define good educators, rather than mere academic prowess.
I consistently emphasise that teachers serve as the backbone of any thriving society. It is no wonder our society is not thriving with teachers who do not meet good standards. Given that children spend approximately 7-8 hours each day in school, which accounts for one-third of their day, it becomes evident that teachers influence a substantial portion of a child’s daily life.
Therefore, teachers should possess more than just intellectual acumen, as they significantly impact a child’s development, thought process and mindset. Children, akin to sponges absorb everyone in their surroundings.
In this article, we will delve into the critical differentiation between good teachers and intellectually gifted individuals, underscoring why the former should take the lead in shaping the future of education.
Just as one cannot accidentally, stumble into the medical profession, the same principle should apply to teaching. Teachers are entrusted with the lives of children and should approach their role with the utmost respect and care. It is not uncommon in Nigeria to find individuals who have studied engineering at university teaching subjects like mathematics or physics, primarily due to circumstantial factors. While there is no fault in these circumstances, it is high time to instate a more stringent and structured training process for individuals responsible for educating youth in any society.
Teacher education stands as a foundational component of the education system.
Teachers should possess qualities such as emotional intelligence, empathy, patience, adaptability, effective communication skills and the ability to inspire students.
One of the most concerning issues I frequently encounter is the fact that in a class with a specific number of students, only 40% manage to pass. It is imperative to recognise that the problem does not lie with the students. Rather, it signifies a deficiency in the teaching process. Boasting about a course/module being “difficult” or that only a small percentage of students pass is not a testament to one’s success as an educator. Instead, it reflects shortcomings within the system, curriculum, testing methods and most importantly, teaching methodologies.
Exceptional teachers are those who understand the diversity of student minds in the classroom and can tailor their approach accordingly. They possess the ability to identify their student's strengths and limitations. Effecting communication and support in times of need are also hallmarks of great teachers. Furthermore, inspiring curiosity among their students is a distinctive trait of exceptional educators.
On the contrary, teachers who rigidly cater to one type of learner and expect all students to conform are ineffective educators. Impatience with students is an indicator of subpar teaching. Those who employ negative language and exhibit disrespect toward students due to their age are also far from being considered good teachers.
Teachers who say negative things to students and speak to them with little respect because they are ‘kids’ are not good.
Even though it should go without saying, ‘teachers’ who physically, emotionally and sexually abuse their students are not teachers; They are criminals.
These criminals are given access to our children for one-third of their day, 5 days a week( at least) for an extended period.
Unfortunately, most Nigerian students experience these types of teachers
The significant questions that arise are as follows:
How did they attain their teaching positions?
Who vetted individuals with abusive tendencies and deemed them suitable to be educators?
Who assesses emotionally unstable candidates and grants them the role of a teacher?
How did adults lacking self-restraint or emotional intelligence find their way into the realm of education?
What kinds of training processes produce teachers who engage in bullying behaviour towards their students?
Understanding the foundation of this issue and its negative impact on our future generation is paramount.
Teacher training should include:
Subject Knowledge Enhancement: Teacher candidates must have a deep understanding of the subject they will teach. This part of the training program includes subject-specific coursework and is particularly important for secondary school teachers.
Pedagogical Training: Pedagogy is most commonly understood as the approach to teaching, which is the theory and practice of learning, and how this process influences and is influenced by, the social, political and psychological development of learners. It is the study of how knowledge and skills are imparted in educational content and it considers the interactions that take place during learning.
Teacher candidates must learn the art and science of teaching. This includes instruction on lesson planning for different types of students, Special Education Needs (SEN), classroom management, assessment methods and educational theory.
Gradual Classroom Experience: Similar to how healthcare professionals go on placements during their University courses, practical classroom experience is a fundamental aspect of teacher training. Candidates for this need to spend time in schools, observing good experienced teachers, assisting in classrooms and gradually taking more teaching responsibility. It is not an easy job. It cannot be expected to learn overnight.
Assessment and Evaluation: Teacher trainees are already assessed on their teaching performance and ability to meet standards for qualified teachers. Part of this standard should include mental health capacity, emotional intelligence (EQ), background checks and more.
Inclusion and Special Education Needs (SEN): Training programs must emphasise the importance of inclusive education and teachers need to be prepared to work with students with varying special education needs. They must be able to understand the differentiations and effective strategies for supporting ALL students- not just the ones they like. Most teachers teach the way learn and forget that other people in the room might not learn that way.
Assessment Literacy: teachers must learn how to design and use assessments effectively. Somewhere along the line, assessments became something schools use for the sole purpose of bragging about how many "A" students they have. This is wrong. Assessments are meant to understand how much the students have learned. The assessments are not just for the students but also for teachers, to know what they need to do better. It is data, and it should be used to inform instructions, not rank students from 1st position to last.
Continuous Professional Development: Like we tell students, even for teachers, there is always more to learn.
I mainly need to emphasise the importance of ensuring teachers who get access to students are emotionally intelligent people.
Growing up, a prevalent deficiency among many teachers was effective communication. Regrettably, this deficiency often leads to a breakdown in conveying educational concepts to students, culminating in instances of raised voices, insults and in some cases, physical harm directed towards children.
It is crucial to recognise that such behaviour does not enhance a child’s learning experiences; instead, it instils trauma and trauma-induced responses. Within our Nigerian society, numerous adults must comprehend that children should not bear the brunt of their unresolved trauma. Children should not be subjected to distressing circumstances due to their teachers’ inability to communicate effectively and manage their emotions.
The pervasive cycle of abuse that students and children endure is deeply concerning, Disturbing accounts emerge encompassing issues such as “sex for grades” and instances of teachers physically assaulting students to the point of injury, all while resorting to derogatory name-calling.
Let's look at some studies!
A Teacher's job spans beyond the walls of a classroom.
During my time in secondary school, I struggled with severe stage fright. Whenever I had to step onto the stage for a presentation or speech, my voice would waver, and I often felt unwell afterwards. My teacher recognised this challenge and made a consistent effort to support me before and after every stage appearance, ensuring I felt secure and wouldn't back out. We would practice my speeches daily, and he taught me techniques to speak confidently in public without feeling overwhelmed.
This teacher went beyond their academic role and actively contributed to my personal development. Even during challenging periods, when I was grappling with typical issues faced by 13-14-year-old girls, my teacher provided a safe space for discussions and problem-solving. They never judged or belittled my concerns, recognising that what might seem small to adults can be genuinely significant for a young student.
I've also encountered less-than-ideal teachers in my educational journey. Some of them resorted to threats, repeatedly undermined my self-esteem by questioning my intelligence, or engaged in inappropriate comments about my appearance and body (this one particularly cuts across every Nigerian girl).
There were clear differences in my performance in these different teacher's classrooms.
The overarching concern here is that the negative experiences with teachers tend to outweigh the positive ones.
It is so important to remember that children must be protected and treated with respect. They are young individuals who do not deserve less respect solely due to their age; they deserve respect simply because they are people. Respect should be mutual and unwavering. We teach them that by doing just that.
Given that children spend one-third of their day under the care of teachers, anyone with such extensive access to children must undergo comprehensive training and rigorous screening.
We can no longer afford to be negligent in this regard.
I asked Nigerian students this week," To describe an average Nigerian teacher with one word". The responses were mostly negative.
A lot of the emotions described by students are not single-handedly the fault of the teachers. There is a systemic issue in the way teachers are treated and the benefits they receive, which negatively impacts their work. It leads to them being angry and frustrated and taking it out on the children.
Here are 10 benefits good teachers deserve:
It is important class size is limited. This not only benefits students but also helps teachers manage the classroom more effectively.
Teachers should receive competitive salaries that reflect the importance of their role and their level of education and experience. Fair compensation helps attract and retain. good educators.
Access to comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage is essential for teachers and their families. it provides financial security and promotes well-being.
A secure retirement is crucial. If good educators are going to give their lives to prepping young minds, they should have access to pension plans or retirement savings accounts to help them plan for their future.
Ongoing professional development opportunities and financial support for continuing education are vital for teachers to enhance their skills and stay current with best practices.
Teachers should receive paid time off for sick days, personal days and holidays. This ensures they can maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage their stress levels.
Access to mental health resources and counselling services can help teachers cope with the demands of their jobs and maintain their emotional well-being.
Adequate funding for classroom resources, materials, and technology is essential for effective teaching. Teachers should have the tools they need to create a dynamic learning environment.
Teachers should work in a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
Paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child ensures that teachers can balance their professional and family responsibilities. This should include both maternal and paternal leave to remove the grunt of parenting from the women in our society only.
This week, I want us all to think back on the teachers we had, the good and the bad.
Did we have teachers or really smart people teaching?
See you soon!
This blog post definately need more attention, especially from educators, because this highlighted an important issue negatively impacting the educational system. I recently watched a video on the why behind Finland's exceptional education system, and it primarily stemmed from the teachers. Being a teacher is not a back up plan, or something to fall back to when nothing seems to work, it is a rigorous program that one must prioritize because only the best is chosen. Also, teachers are respected and given the independence to control their classroom the way they see fit. I definately agree with the points you listed. In addressing the mistreatment and abuse teachers show towards students, the Nigerian culture is partly responsible. Do teachers, parents,…
God bless good teachers!