What is a Teacher

Teachers play a vital role in society, as they hold the power to shape young minds, inspire curiosity, and ignite a passion for learning. But what exactly does it mean to be a teacher? In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted world of teaching, exploring the role of a teacher, the qualities that make them effective, and the profession as a whole. Whether you are considering a career in education, have a child in school, or simply have a curiosity about the teaching profession, join us on this insightful journey to gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a teacher.

Definition Of Teacher By Different Authors

According to Korth, Erickson, and Hall (2009), a teacher is simply one who teaches or educates others.

The term “teacher” or “teachers” encompasses all those persons in schools who are responsible for the education of pupils or students (Obi, 2008).

Teaching is a social process involving communication and interaction between the teacher and the students with the aim of improving the standing of the students in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domain areas of learning. The teacher gives directions, asks questions, and accepts or rejects responses (Denga, 2001).

According to Wikipedia, a teacher, also called a schoolteacher or formally an educator, is a person who helps students acquire knowledge, competence, or virtue via the practice of teaching.

Igi-global.com defines a teacher as a person who helps others learn. In this context, it is used to refer to a person who facilitates learning, including higher education institutions.

According to Resources.workable.com’s definition of teacher, it’s a professional who teaches students based on national curriculum guidelines within their specialist subject areas. Their duties include assigning homework, grading tests, documenting progress, and keeping up with parent communication. They communicate and evaluate needs to ensure every student feels challenged but not overwhelmed by the material being covered.

UU No. 16 Year 2005 on Teachers and Lecturers (Article 1) states that: “The teacher is a professional educator with the primary task of educating, teaching, guiding, directing, training, assessing, and evaluating learners in formal education, primary education, and secondary education”. The teacher is a figure who plays the greatest role in determining the quality of learning in an educational institution called school.

According to Ngalim (2003:84), teachers who understand the difficulties of the students in terms of learning and other difficulties beyond learning problems, especially those that can inhibit the students’ learning activities,

A teacher in public view is a person who performs a specific education in places, not necessarily in formal educational institutions but also in mosques, surau, at home, and so on, according to Djamarah, 2001.

A teacher is an individual who plays a fundamental role in the education process by imparting knowledge, skills, and values to students. In its simplest definition, a teacher is someone who facilitates the acquisition of knowledge and helps others develop essential competencies. Beyond being a source of information, a teacher serves as a guide and mentor, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to students as they navigate the learning journey. Through their expertise and dedication, teachers empower students to expand their intellectual horizons, discover their passions, and cultivate the necessary tools to succeed in life.

The Role of a Teacher

1. Sharing Knowledge

Sharing knowledge is a fundamental role of a teacher, which emphasizes the responsibility to impart education and teach about life to students. It encompasses the act of providing information, skills, and understanding to learners in a classroom, online, or e-learning setting.

The primary objective of a teacher is to teach students the prescribed syllabus and deliver knowledge related to the specific curriculum. This entails ensuring that students grasp and comprehend the subject matter being taught. It involves explaining concepts, demonstrating procedures, and facilitating learning experiences that enable students to acquire knowledge and skills.

By sharing knowledge, teachers contribute to the intellectual growth and development of their students. They serve as a source of information and guidance, helping learners gain a deeper understanding of various subjects and acquire the necessary tools to succeed academically.

2. Tracking Improvement

Tracking Improvement and Setting Performance Goals is a significant role of a teacher that involves monitoring and assessing students’ progress, acknowledging their improvement, and setting goals to further enhance their performance. Teachers possess a unique perspective on their students’ growth and are responsible for guiding them along their educational journey.

One of the key aspects of this role is keeping track of students’ improvement. Teachers continuously evaluate and measure their students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities over time. They assess their understanding of the subjects taught, their problem-solving capabilities, their critical thinking skills, and any other relevant areas of development. By monitoring their progress, teachers can identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement.

In addition to tracking improvement, teachers play a vital role in motivating and encouraging their students. They remind students of how far they have come and highlight the progress they have made. By acknowledging and celebrating achievements, teachers boost students’ confidence and foster a positive learning environment. This recognition helps students realize their potential and encourages them to continue working towards their goals.

3. Providing Mentorship

Providing mentorship is a crucial role for a teacher that goes beyond imparting knowledge and facilitating learning. A mentorship relationship between a teacher and a student involves fostering a supportive and caring environment where students feel valued and understood. By taking the time to understand each student’s unique background, learning style, and individual needs, teachers can effectively guide and inspire them on their educational journey.

Mentorship involves not only academic support but also personal and emotional guidance. Teachers serve as role models and provide guidance to help students navigate challenges, set goals, and make informed decisions. By nurturing emotional maturity and helping students develop a strong sense of self, teachers empower learners to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and achieve their full potential.

In this mentorship role, teachers create a safe space for students to explore their intellectual, emotional, and social needs. By fostering a trusting relationship, teachers can offer personalized guidance, provide constructive feedback, and motivate students to strive for excellence. Through mentorship, teachers help students connect their academic learning to real-life experiences, enabling them to make meaningful connections and develop critical thinking skills. Ultimately, by providing mentorship, teachers play a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals who are equipped to succeed academically and thrive in various aspects of life.

4. Nurturing Healthy Curiosity In Learners

Nurturing healthy curiosity in learners is a fundamental role of a teacher that fosters a love for learning and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Exceptional teachers understand the importance of creating an engaging and interactive learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles. They design lesson plans that encourage active participation and exploration, allowing students to discover and develop their own interests and passions.

Instead of simply being a source of information, effective teachers see themselves as facilitators, guides, and co-learners in the educational process. They encourage students to ask questions, seek answers, and think critically. By valuing and promoting curiosity, teachers empower students to take ownership of their learning journey and become independent learners.

Furthermore, skilled teachers establish connections between the learning objectives and their relevance in real life. They help students understand the practical applications of the knowledge and skills they acquire, emphasizing the lifelong value of education. Rather than focusing solely on memorization, they design assessments that measure students’ ability to apply knowledge and demonstrate their accomplishments. By doing so, teachers inspire a genuine sense of achievement and encourage students to continually seek new knowledge and challenge themselves.

5. Mediating and Liaising

Mediating and liaising is a crucial role that teachers undertake to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among different stakeholders in the education community. Teachers often find themselves in the position of being intermediaries between students, parents, administrators, and even other teachers. They play a vital role in relaying important information and ensuring that all parties involved are well-informed and engaged.

One aspect of mediating and liaising involves facilitating communication between students and parents. Students may rely on their teachers to convey important messages or concerns to their parents, such as academic progress, behavioral issues, or upcoming events. Conversely, teachers may need to communicate with parents to gain insights into a student’s individual needs, address specific concerns, or provide updates on their performance. By acting as a bridge between students and parents, teachers contribute to a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Additionally, teachers can serve as mediators in situations where conflicts arise between different parties. They can help resolve conflicts between students, encouraging peaceful resolutions and promoting positive social interactions. Furthermore, teachers may be involved in mediating discussions between parents and school administrators when there are disagreements about school policies, educational strategies, or decision-making processes. Their role as mediators allows them to advocate for students’ best interests while maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a sense of understanding among all stakeholders.

Qualities of an Effective Teacher

1. Emotional and Mental Stability: Good teachers exhibit emotional and mental stability, which positively impacts their teaching effectiveness. Their sense of affection, security, and self-respect creates a nurturing environment for students. They have the ability to control their emotions, avoiding temper outbursts that can hinder students’ emotional, mental, and behavioral development.

2. Constant Learning: Good teachers are unsatisfied with stagnation and are eager to continually learn and grow. They actively seek new knowledge, expand their expertise, and experiment with innovative teaching methods. By being lifelong learners themselves, they inspire a culture of continuous learning among their students, fostering a love for learning and promoting lifelong learning habits.

3. Knowledgeable of the Subject: Effective teachers possess a deep understanding of the subject matter they teach. They have a mastery of the content, which enables them to manipulate, simplify, and individualize the information to suit the needs of their students. Their expertise in the subject allows them to provide accurate and comprehensive explanations, answer questions confidently, and make connections between different concepts. This knowledge enhances their ability to deliver meaningful and engaging lessons, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject among students.

4. The Ability to Teach and Explain the Lesson in a Different Way: Good teachers are adept at catering to diverse learning styles. If students are struggling to grasp a particular subject or concept, effective teachers have the flexibility to present the material in alternative ways. They recognize that not all students learn in the same manner and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. By using different instructional techniques, they can reach students with varied learning preferences, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. This ability to teach and explain the lesson in multiple ways ensures that all students have the opportunity to comprehend and connect with the material. Effective teachers are skilled at transitioning from simpler to more complex concepts, using a range of teaching strategies to facilitate student learning and promote a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

5. Objectivity and fairness: These are essential qualities that great teachers possess. They treat all students equally, striving to be fair, empathetic, and encouraging in their interactions. They maintain consistency in their behavior and consciously distance themselves from any form of partiality.

Great teachers understand that students have an inherent understanding of fairness. When students feel that they are being treated unfairly, it can have a negative impact on their motivation and emotional well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for teachers to create an environment where all students feel valued and respected.

By being objective and fair, teachers create a level playing field for their students. They ensure that each student has an equal opportunity to succeed and receives support based on their individual needs. They avoid favoritism, bias, or discriminatory practices that can undermine students’ trust and confidence in their education.

Teaching as a Profession

Teaching is not merely a job; it is a noble profession that requires dedication, expertise, and a genuine commitment to shaping the minds and futures of learners. As a profession, teaching involves a deep sense of responsibility, as educators are entrusted with the task of imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking skills, and nurturing the holistic development of their students. Teachers play a pivotal role in society, shaping the next generation and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the world. This profession demands continuous learning, adaptability, and a genuine passion for education. Effective teachers inspire, motivate, and guide their students, creating a positive impact that extends far beyond the classroom. Teaching as a profession carries the power to transform lives, instill values, and empower individuals to become active, informed, and responsible members of society.