When we think about education, “teacher” is a word we need to highlight.
The power of a teacher can’t be measured.
A teacher has “enriching effects in our children’s lives and their lifelong education and career aspirations” (Tucker and Stronge, 2005). On the other hand, effective teaching strategies also have direct influence in student learning.
Even though teachers are a main component of the learning process in schools, their appreciation worldwide rarely matches their contributions to our children. This is one of the biggest issues we have with education. Some professionals do not value the impact teachers have in the present (and future) of our childrens’ lives.
Experts have performed studies comparing teachers’ low salaries to their performance level.
An educator’s lack of excellence often stems from different sources. Factors depend on the teacher’s aspiration, personal beliefs, and passion for their job. However, salary is one of the factors that enhances a teacher’s motivation to continue working and developing professionally in the educational field (Liana, 2013).
There are other key components that are missing to enrich the professional development of these teachers such as: time, money, professional feedback on their performance, coaching opportunities, and many more.
Another question remains regarding the requirements teachers need in order to work in public or private settings. Some states impose minimal requirements to qualify for a teaching position, which results in hiring teachers who are not qualified, or those having poor backgrounds in education. On the other hand, in some cases, highly effective teachers are not always “formally” certified.
In the end, a teacher’s impact seems to come down to a mix of their personal investment/passion, and their skills/their formal credentials.
A teacher who receives ongoing education throughout their career is more effective because those teachers are constantly renewing their passion for education while also learning strategies and methods to enhance their teaching skills.
There is no questioning the role teachers play in society and the importance that should be given to their careers in terms of salary, professional development, and employment opportunities. We need to cultivate and support effective teachers for our schools.
“Effective teachers not only make students feel good about school and learning, but also their work actually results in increased student achievement”. (Tucker and Stronge, 2005) Teachers influence student’s enthusiasm, verbal ability, content pedagogical knowledge, expectations for themselves and their peers, and so much more. Also, when they are effective, they will have a better planning time, use of instructional time, more time for collaborative work, more certification status, and better teaching strategies that will impact and influence the learning and development process of students in a positive way.
Teachers dedicate their lives to children and have the power to make a difference in a child’s development. Why isn’t a teacher considered one of the most valuable professions in the world? Even though we are sure about this, society does not seem to agree.
Let’s keep standing for those who make the difference everyday. Let’s have an open mind and start acknowledging that this is the best job anyone could have. Let’s give teachers opportunities to keep growing professionally and enhance their teaching strategies to be more effective.
Let’s invest in teachers and make it worth it!
Tucker, Pamela D. and Stronge ,James H. (2005). Linking Teacher Evaluation and Student Learning. Retrieve from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/104136/chapters/The-Power-of-an-Effective-Teacher-and-Why-We-Should-Assess-It.aspx on October 5, 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/03/average-teacher-salary-around-world_n_4037534.html
Sawchuk, Stephen. (2013) Teaching Profession Missing Key Structures, Expert Teachers Say. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/teacherbeat/2013/10/the_teaching_profession_is_mis.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter. on October 4, 2013.
Heitin, Liana. (2013) Study: Where Are Teachers Most Respected?. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2013/10/study_where_are_teachers_most_respected_china.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter on October 8, 2013.
