Reasons Why Teachers Are Important
In this modern age of technology where Artificial intelligence (AI), and other online learning tools have made access to information and knowledge readily available, the relevance of teachers and traditional classroom-style learning is increasingly debated.
But while these tools have made learning more convenient and accessible, some argue that they cannot replace the role of teachers in the education process. After all, the role of teachers goes beyond simply providing information.
Not only do teachers impart knowledge and skills, but they also guide, mentor, motivate, and foster curiosity and creativity in the next generation.
So, let’s take a look at why teachers are still important in the development of our youth and society in general.
Why Teachers Are Important
As a teacher, I may be slightly biased but this article will provide an unbiased outlook on the relevance of teachers in our modern world.
Everyone reading this article had to go through a teacher’s instructions at some point in their life. With this in mind, it’s easy to think that teachers play a critical role in society.
However, recent technological advancements put this into question as artificial intelligence and online learning tools continue to make information easily accessible.
The best way to determine whether these tools can replace teachers is to identify the specific reasons why teachers are important in the first place.
Role Models And Mentors
Students spend the majority of their days in school which means interaction with teachers and students. Not only do teachers provide academic training, but they also serve as examples by demonstrating qualities such as respect, responsibility, kindness, and honesty.
They also provide guidance and support by helping students to identify their individual strengths, interests, and goals. This can be especially helpful for students whose parents have busy schedules.
Teachers play an integral role in nurturing students to be responsible, confident, and well-rounded adults.
Knowledge And Skills
We all learned to read, write and spell with the help of our teachers. Teachers taught us history, science, math, English, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
This knowledge serves as a foundation for any future endeavors. This includes both academic and non-academic as the knowledge and skills we gain from our teachers are used in every aspect of our lives.
Besides the fundamentals, teachers also teach professional skills necessary for students to qualify for their chosen professions.
Prepare Students For The Workforce
Advancements in technology are only possible because people are equipped with the knowledge from previous attempts and products.
Teachers play a crucial role here as they help students develop the skills and competencies necessary to succeed in their chosen profession.
The youth don’t need to start from scratch as teachers equip them with past knowledge and established processes.
Students get to find out what to expect in the workplace and also develop their skills and expertise in these areas. This helps them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for success in the job market.
Inspire Curiosity And Creativity
Teachers encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, which can promote innovation and research. They encourage students to think outside the box and design lessons that challenge students to ask questions and think critically about complex issues.
By so doing, students learn to approach problems from different perspectives and tackle these issues. Students willing to tackle these issues as research projects can receive guidance from these teachers.
These teachers may even provide help in the research design, data collection, analysis, and more.
Academic Support
Teachers are responsible for ensuring their students are academically well-equipped before they move on to newer classes or the workplace.
To do this, teachers may provide extra tutoring sessions, and even implement specialized teaching strategies to help students who may be having challenges with the subject matter.
At the tertiary level, some professors encourage their teaching assistants to provide extra teaching sessions to students depending on the area they find most challenging.
This may be done through one-on-one sessions or group sessions and can be very helpful when students are preparing for an examination.
Teamwork And Collaboration
In the workplace, employees are expected to work in groups depending on the project requirements. This means learning how to work in teams would be instrumental in the implementation of these tasks.
Knowing this, teachers provide lessons and design activities that require students to work in teams which helps students develop their interpersonal skills.
Learning to work in teams helps students learn to manage conflicts, share ideas and work towards an expected or specified goal.
Creating Positive Learning Environment
To encourage curiosity and creativity among students, teachers need to create an enabling learning environment.
To engage students and encourage active learning, they make use of modern technology, effective classroom management techniques, and new teaching strategies.
This makes it easier for students to relate to content and engage in classroom activities. Classrooms become less boring for students.
Train Leaders And Innovators
To be effective leaders and innovators, students need critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Teachers prepare students to be future leaders and innovators by encouraging critical thinking and providing opportunities for extracurricular activities to develop these skills.
They also motivate students to pursue their passions, research new ideas and innovations and identify innovative solutions to problems.
Economic Development Of Country
Education is key to the economic growth and development of the country. Without the necessary knowledge and skills, the youth would be unable to adequately contribute to the workforce, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Teachers can help students identify their areas of interest and also equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market.
Advocating For Education
Teachers serve as advocates for education in their local communities and the country in general. They advocate for policies that support learning and enhance access to education in underserved communities.
In collaboration with parents, policymakers, and other stakeholders, teachers also work to secure the resources necessary for schools to provide high-quality education to students.
Additionally, their approach to teaching and classroom management can help students develop an interest in a specific subject area.
Identify And Assist Struggling Students
Teachers are able to identify students who may be struggling academically or emotionally, to provide the necessary support.
They work closely with counselors and other professionals to identify the root of these issues and also provide individualized plans that could help the student through their challenges.
Depending on the needs of the student, teachers may even provide extra lessons, and other forms of academic interventions to help students succeed in their classes.
Bridging Cultural and Linguistic Divides
Modern classrooms are becoming more diverse with students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Teachers can create lessons that incorporate these diverse experiences and perspectives in order to create cultural awareness.
Successfully bridging the cultural and linguistic gaps would enable teachers to create a more inclusive and accepting learning environment, where students feel valued and respected.
Dedicated
Most teachers enter the teaching profession out of their love for working with the youth. They know full well that teaching isn’t going to make them rich but they enter the profession because they’re passionate about helping the youth.
Even when parents are busy with work and other activities, teachers are available to help students. They even carry their work home and try to provide any necessary assistance to struggling students.
In our modern world where parents have busy schedules, teachers are able to fill in the void through their dedication to helping students reach their potential.
