The educator and educated, student teachers.

Ask anyone if they remember their kindergarten teacher, and watch as the answer flashes before their eyes in a nostalgic gleam. Teachers have played prominent roles in the childhood of so many- after all, teachers choose to believe in their students, unlike a parent. Exemplary figures like Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Maya Angelou are just some out of the hundreds considered to be a teacher in their own right, yet the love and need for them goes denied in the world. 

In an article for the United Nations’ World Teachers Day, David Edwards writes, “Today, teachers are overworked, undervalued and underpaid, and more and more are forced to leave the profession.” Moreover, according to UNESCO, the world needs nearly 69 million more teachers by 2030 to achieve universal basic education.“

To discover more about the teaching crisis, an interview with students Julie Anne Christine Calisto- a major in Special Needs Education, and Felicity Duane Licayan- a major in Early Childhood Education, was conducted.

“The tendency is, they [teachers] get lower salaries, and it’s draining because they tend to work almost 24 hours,” notes Julie, “there are jobs that offer bigger salaries, with workloads not as much as teaching.”

The Economic Policy Institute finds that teacher quality in terms of certification, relevant training, and experience, are experiencing an even more acute shortage. This combination of factors results in a non-conducive environment for both the teacher and the students.

“Some teachers can also see that their work is not being appreciated,” adds Felicity. “The resources they’re being given may also not be enough to give their best.”

Psychological hurdles also prevent a teacher’s ability to effectively educate.

“We have to always adjust, whether it be parents or children, they might have an issue with how we teach, so we really need to be flexible,” they say.

The Mental Health Foundation (2018) found that 51% of teachers reveal that the pressures of their job has led to the development of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or the job augmented pre-existing conditions. 

With the odds stacked against them, becoming a teacher isn’t the most obvious choice.

“When people ask us what course we’re taking and we say a teacher, they say, ‘Just a teacher?‘”

It isn’t about JUST being a teacher, there is passion and a mission to be found in the career. Julie attributes her aspirations to becoming a teacher- specifically a Special Needs Educator- to her life experiences. From her hometown to mission trips in the mountains, she noticed educational resources were scarce, especially for kids with special needs.

“I have a cousin who has autism, and in my province, only 3 teachers and 1 program offers special-needs education,” she says, “Imagine in one town, there’s only 1 classroom for them.”

She finds that most of the kids have to give up their opportunity to learn, while others are taught by their parents, many of whom are not educated enough to handle their own children in a classroom setting.

“That’s why I advocate for special-needs education.” states Julie, “There are lots of students with disabilities, we need to be more aware of them especially now.”

Similarly, Felicity also notes that her life experiences shaped her love for teaching. Many of her direct family members from her mother’s side are teachers to this day and their example paved the way for her to study early childhood education. She notes that the way she was raised was another influential factor in her choice.

“In the environment I grew up in, I was always surrounded by younger kids, and they [kind of] always followed me around,” she laughs.

Her opportunity to first teach came when she taught Sabbath School, and it was the experience of being able to: impart knowledge, and how they absorb it, then apply it- that warms her heart. 

“It’s a happy feeling,” she smiles, “some people say it’s difficult to teach younger children, but once you get to know the kids, it’s really fulfilling.”

Both Julie and Felicity have roots in Christian teaching, and their experiences with teaching have garnered heartwarming responses. With hugs from their students, and sweet messages from parents, their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“I want to be that kindergarten teacher that students remember for the rest of their lives,” Felicity says. 

Julie adds, “It’s fulfilling when you see students progress, and help others to learn more.”

Reflecting on the heartwarming stories of both Julie and Felicity, let us not forget the countless others who share the same sentiments and passion for education. The very posterity of our society depends on the dedication of the teachers. These unsung heroes deserve more than just recognition; but fair compensation, reasonable working hours, and the resources necessary to thrive and learn.

While student teachers fight for education for everyone, it takes immense support to ensure the changes needed to continue molding the minds of tomorrow without sacrificing anyone’s well-being. Let the narrative be redefined, and teachers are not just remembered, but cherished for their invaluable role in our future.