TEACHING is a noble profession. Many students have been inspired to achieve greater heights through the efforts of teachers.
They are given accolades on Teacher’s Day, but this is where we need to reevaluate ourselves. Do we stop singing praises about our teachers and forget them after Teacher’s Day?
Often, teachers make sacrifices without expecting much in return. At other times, they become easy targets for disgruntled groups who belittle them and their efforts.
Many teachers work in less than ideal conditions but produce the desired results the school administrators wish to see.
This is where the Johor English Language Teaching Association (Jelta) did not disappoint when it organised the 8th Johor English Language Conference recently. Six teachers had been chosen by a select committee to honour those who made outstanding contributions to their respective schools.
They were awarded certificates for outstanding achievement, patience, diligence, commitment and going beyond the call of duty to make the classroom a better place for students to learn.
Most of these teachers served in rural schools at one point in their careers. Resources were limited but they managed to make the best of whatever limitations.
We talk about student recognition, but it is equally important to recognise teachers who work steadfastly in challenging conditions. One of the award recipients became teary-eyed, and related how the recognition will further motivate her.
Jelta also recognised the media’s contributions as it awarded certificates to newspaper editors, journalists and photographers from the New Straits Times. The paper has covered educational issues and provided a platform for matters related to English language teaching and learning to be discussed in a constructive manner.
In our effort to improve the standard of teaching and learning English in Malaysia, let us not forget to recognise teachers as they are at the frontline of providing this noble service. We cannot measure their efforts and sacrifices in any currency. However, honour them we must.
This is where organisations such as Jelta complement the government’s efforts to recognise teachers’ contributions.
With support from the Johor Education Department and main sponsor M Suites hotel in Johor Baru, next year’s Jelta conference will continue to recognise contributions made by teachers and bring English language teaching to greater heights.
DR HARIHARAN N. KRISHNASAMY, Universiti Utara Malaysia Sintok, Kedah