World Teachers' Day, observed annually on October 5th, is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of teachers worldwide. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of societies, imparting knowledge, nurturing young minds, and inspiring the next generation.
Teachers are the unsung heroes of society, shaping the minds of the youth who will become tomorrow's leaders, scientists, artists, and innovators. They provide not only knowledge but also guidance, mentorship, and support. Teachers are instrumental in instilling values, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing creativity in their students. They serve as role models, demonstrating dedication, hard work, and the importance of lifelong learning. A great teacher can inspire a lifelong passion for a subject or even a career. The impact of a teacher extends far beyond academic achievements. Teachers shape character, instil confidence, and encourage personal growth.
It is thus worrying that in Malta we are currently experiencing a shortage of teachers in a number of areas. Apart from the obvious repercussions this will have in schools and classrooms, an adequate supply of suitably trained and qualified teachers can impact the dignity and respect afforded to both teachers and students. If teachers are overworked and overstressed, students’ opportunities for personal growth and development will be limited and the quality of education will suffer, as they will struggle to provide individualised attention to each student
We are already aware that teachers are laden with huge responsibilities and if more work is piled upon them, this can lead to lack of time and energy to properly prepare for their students, with an eventual burnout. While being a teacher can be very rewarding, and most individuals are attracted to this profession because of the fulfilling nature of this career, we also acknowledge that salaries and working conditions need to be competitive, to ensure that teachers maintain their standard of living and the dignity they deserve.
As a Faculty of Education we give a lot of importance on the development of the teacher’s profession, and through our Master in Teaching and Learning we provide a professional experience of learning and growth to ensure that teachers are well equipped to face the challenges that today’s classrooms have to offer, and to live through school scenarios confidently and with the right acumen and attitude. In order to continue doing this, we need the support of the authorities and the local community. First and foremost, it is imminent that the Education Act, which is still not implemented, is put into effect to send a clear message of what the country believes a good quality initial teacher education entails. Moreover, we believe that more resources should be allocated to education, particularly increased funding in teacher salaries, training and continual development. Teachers need ongoing support to handle the evolving needs of society, as reflected in the classroom, and the changing nature of their students’ profiles, especially considering how diverse student communities are becoming, across all schools. Policies need to be devised and implemented to attract and retain talented individuals in the profession. Countries with the best educational systems are among those whose teachers are highly qualified and motivated. We must also put into place career benefits and advancement opportunities to ensure that teachers still find the classroom attractive. As things stand today, teachers have to move out of the classroom and take on leadership roles, in order to advance in their careers.
One of the current local reforms that teachers are experiencing has brought a change in the way teachers assess, and a more ongoing and diverse approach in assessing students is being encouraged. Let us make sure that this approach, which is pedagogically sound if executed well, would not increase teachers’ administrative tasks and paperwork to the point which reduces time for instruction and self-care. Moreover, we should explore more innovative classroom set-ups and teaching methods to maximise the impact of available teachers, and group students in a smart and sustainable manner.
Recognising teachers on World Teachers' Day is important, but it is equally vital to support them all year-round. We need to keep fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for teachers in society. Parents, students, and communities should understand the importance of educators in shaping the future and provide the necessary support to create a conducive learning environment. While World Teachers' Day serves as a reminder of the remarkable contributions of educators and the challenges they face in their profession, it is also a day to celebrate their dedication and express gratitude for the crucial role they play. So, let us honour teachers on this special day, but also remain committed to support and value them throughout the year to ensure that they can continue to inspire and educate generations to come.
Prof Colin Calleja, Dean and Dr Michelle Attard Tonna, Deputy Dean