Excerpts from Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's Teachers Day message.

“TEACHERS must work together to strengthen the profession to meet the challenges of the next 50 years.

As educationalists, teachers must make a commitment to adapt and prepare themselves to accept change.

Global trends require educationalists to analyse and review the changes in the teaching profession.

In Mahatma Gandhi’s words: ‘If you want to see change, you must be the change you want to see.’
It follows that we, as educationalists, are those who will spearhead the changes. Not only do teachers execute our policies, teachers are also the Education Ministry’s internal clients.

The nation’s success depends on the roles played by stakeholders and everyone associated with education and I am aware of the extent to which parents and the public rely on educationalists.

They can and are entitled to evaluate us, but no one should forget that they, too, have a role to play in national education.

The relationship must be constructive, amiable and complementary.

It must also be based on a shared responsibility and founded on honesty and sincerity.

The relationship between the ministry and educationalists is a complementary one.

In executing an education policy, the feedback of teachers should be a priority.

I am aware of the need to listen to the opinions of teachers, including whatever grouses, worries and needs they may have.

Various improvements to the profession have been introduced.

These include a special location and hardship-based allowance and the balik kampung allowance, introduced to lessen their financial burden.

The quota for the outstanding teacher recognition was raised to Special Grade C while the outstanding headmaster programme was introduced.

The intention is to motivate and inspire teachers to compete in a healthy environment to boost their expertise and skills.

We will continue with our efforts to elevate the status of the teaching profession.

Decisions cannot be made without looking into others’ eyes, without thinking of the implications for other government service areas.

Improvements will be carried out in an even manner, including taking into account the views of teachers.

This is one of the principles that has been the cornerstone of my strategies and approaches.”