Following National Teachers Day, Megan talks teaching and why the profession should be celebrated.

October 5th marked National Teachers Day, a day in which we celebrate the teaching profession and acknowledge the immensely positive impact teachers have on society. However, in an age where classroom violence is becoming a daily occurrence for many teachers, it’s time to address why respect for teachers and the incredible work they do is diminishing.

I’m sure many of us can remember one teacher, at some point in our school lives, who we remember for being an inspirational figure and who was pivotal in terms of our current mindsets and ambitions. In my case, this is my year 2 teacher who inspired me to play the violin – an instrument I am still playing and enjoying thoroughly nearly 13 years later.

All teachers consistently go above and beyond their job description purely for the welfare of their students, yet many parents relentlessly criticise their children’s teachers for society’s ills. Lack of entrepreneurs? Blame it on teachers. A lack of good manners? Fault of the teachers. With many issues plaguing today’s youth – rising mental health issues and antisocial behaviour to name a few – it becomes easy to use teachers and the education system as a scapegoat, considering their significant role in young people’s lives and their influence.

Without teachers, who will be there to inspire the future workforce?

It’s interesting to compare how the teaching profession is viewed around the world. In China, teachers have a similar status to doctors, whereas they’re seen in a less-respected bracket of workers in the UK, and fewer people would consider teaching as a potential career path. Our attitude towards teachers could be depriving the country of talented graduates who now no longer want to go into teaching for fear of this treatment and lack of respect. In a culture which consistently recognises and rewards celebrities for their hard work and contribution to the arts and therefore society, where is the recognition for the teaching profession? The dwindling levels of respect are detrimental to our education system which is arguably facing more and more pressure with each year.

When compared to the medical profession, which rightfully receives so much respect for its role in society and its importance, it’s time we hold teaching to the same standard, as teachers are the ones who can inspire the next generation of doctors, dentists, lawyers, politicians, artists and businessmen. Without teachers, who will be there to inspire the future workforce?

Megan Wall