I never dreamed to be a teacher, let alone to
be an excellent teacher. I was not the best students in my class during my
school days. I was timid and too introvert to react to my surrounding, most of
the time; I will shy away from any limelight that will project of my
achievement. But there was a teacher in my class who always drummed the idea
that all her students will be able to succeed in their life. Her consistency
and enthusiasm were the elements that made me a teacher, believing that I can
bring the same belief into my own classroom.
I have been thrown many curve balls in life and
especially after 19 years in the teaching profession, having a positive
attitude has helped me to cope with juggling the balls with my students. They
are used of my high expectations to hail the flag in their achievement, not
only in academics but also as a person. This is achieved by creating a positive
learning environment as my students need to know what is expected from them every
day. A positive learning environment is essential but to have this, I have
learned to be flexible because everything is in a constant state of change as
very few days are 'typical' and interruptions and disruptions are the norm.
Therefore, I realised a flexible attitude is important for my students who
expect their teacher to be in charge and take control of any situation.
Looking back at my old days as a student has
taught me valuable lessons as a teacher. I remembered having to deal with a
teacher who has treated the last class students as unreachable, lazy and a
failure in their life but at the same time, there was another teacher who
without any hesitation or a second thought led most of my classmates and me to
a better road when we have lost our ways.
So, all in all, my students’ success is what
drives me to continue because once I enter my class each day and begins
teaching; I was really the one who decides what is going to happen next. I want
to keep on being that teacher.
I hold to a principle that a teacher actually
not only teach but also a trendsetter because we affect eternity. We can never
tell where our influence stop as we transform young, impressionable lives with
our knowledge and skills making us exemplary disposition as ambassadors of
Education Policies. As we are the key factor in promoting knowledge acquisition
and I believe as a trendsetter, I hope to be able to maximise the students’
potential by combining my past experiences as a student, as a teacher, as a
trendsetter and as myself!
Being a teacher is like being a chef concocting
a special menu fit for a king. We use the best ingredients with flair of
clairvoyant because the mixture comes from our heart and soul with a pinch of
fun of what we are producing. We give our very best which come from our honesty
as a person who wants only the very best to be serve on the table. That is why
to be a teacher; we have to have a heart of a mother, a touch of love and a
sword of a knight. All these are the recipe to build a nation which will be the
global player on the world stage.
Based on the stringent stages in choosing a
teacher, MOE have to be sure that any individuals chosen are selected among the
best. So, even after having the best candidates, these teachers still have to
continuously attend long-term and short-term courses, seminars and workshops to
upgrade and update themselves with the latest knowledge, techniques and
strategies to understand the ever changing needs of students. As the
implementer of policies, teachers do face a lot of constraints in executing
duties and they are a part of interdependent stakeholders in schools. I think
as a teacher who understand her role inside and outside of the classroom will
be able to carry this duty gloriously because once her students excel in their
life, it is a living prove the she is an excellent teacher herself.
In conclusion, I have a vision that an
excellent teacher portrays a teacher who understands her role and her duty to
her students. Not only that, she is able to mix all the best elements in her
classroom to give her students a sense of pride in their achievements in
academic and in their life. As a guide and a trendsetter, she sets an example
of true meaning of a wholesome human being who believes in herself and God.
