More Than Just Teaching

Every year on May 16th is a significant date dedicated to celebrating the dedication and sacrifices of educators who never give up in nurturing future leaders of our beloved country, Malaysia. Being a teacher is not just about going to school and teaching in the classroom; it is actually much more than what is expected. As someone who once served as a substitute teacher, even for a short period, it opened my eyes to the reality of being a teacher. Today, we will delve into the sacrifices that teachers have to endure in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them. As someone who once served as a substitute teacher, even for a short period, it opened my eyes to the reality of being a teacher. It is a job that demands not only knowledge but also patience, understanding, and an incredible amount of emotional strength.

Sacrificing Personal Time

One of the biggest sacrifices teachers make is their personal time. While students go home after school, teachers often stay back to prepare lesson plans, mark assignments, and even attend school meetings. Some teachers spend their weekends creating educational materials or planning fun learning activities for their students.

For example, a teacher I know used to stay up late every night preparing new exercises and practice questions for her students to ensure they understood their lessons better. This is time she could have spent with her family, but she chose to dedicate it to her students.

Emotional and Mental Sacrifice

Teaching is not just about sharing knowledge; it also means being a mentor, a counsellor and sometimes even a second parent to students. Teachers often have to manage not only the academic needs of their students but also their emotional well-being.

There are times when students face problems at home, struggle with low self-esteem, or have difficulty making friends. Teachers are always there to offer a listening ear, give advice, or simply provide a shoulder to cry on. But this emotional support can be exhausting. Many teachers take their students' problems home with them, worrying about how to help them.

Financial Sacrifices

Not many people know that some teachers use their own money to buy teaching materials, decorations for the classroom, or even simple rewards for students who perform well. For teachers who work in rural areas, this expense can be even higher, as they may need to buy basic supplies for their students.

One teacher I know used her salary to buy books for students who could not afford them. Another teacher prepared small gifts for her class during special occasions to make learning more exciting. These are simple gestures, but they mean a lot to the students.

Health and Safety Risks

Teachers also face health risks, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Even when it was risky to be in crowded places, teachers continued to teach, whether through online platforms or by being physically present in classrooms.

In remote areas, teachers often have to travel long distances, facing dangerous roads or poor weather just to reach their schools. Some even have to cross rivers or climb hills to teach their students.

Shaping Values and Character

Lastly, teachers do more than just teach subjects like Science or English. They also help shape the values and character of their students. Teachers teach students to be honest, disciplined, respectful, and kind. They serve as role models and inspiring students to be the best versions of themselves.

Final Thought

Teachers are more than just educators. They are mentors, counselors, heroes, and role models. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed, but their impact lasts a lifetime. On this special day, let us take a moment to appreciate and thank all the teachers who have touched our lives. Let us not forget that behind every successful person is a teacher who once believed in them. Thank you teacher for all of your scarification.