Teachers are the foundation of every profession. They shape doctors, engineers, lawyers, politicians, and every other professional who contributes to the progress of society. Despite their crucial role, teachers often find themselves neglected by the very individuals they helped mold. This paradox raises an important question: Why are teachers overlooked and undervalued by the professionals they trained?
The Role of Teachers in Nation-Building
Teachers do more than just pass knowledge; they inspire, mentor, and guide individuals to achieve greatness. Every successful doctor, engineer, or lawyer once sat in a classroom under the instruction of a teacher. Without teachers, there would be no professionals to run hospitals, build infrastructure, or draft laws. They are the silent architects of a nation’s future.
The Reality of Neglect
Despite their importance, teachers face several challenges, including:
Low Wages: While professionals like doctors and engineers earn high salaries, teachers often struggle with meager wages that do not reflect their impact.
Poor Working Conditions: Many schools lack basic infrastructure, teaching materials, and modern facilities, making the teaching profession challenging.
Lack of Recognition: Teachers rarely receive the honor and respect given to other professionals, even though their role is just as vital.
Limited Career Growth: Unlike other professions that offer clear paths for advancement, many teachers remain stuck in the same position for years with little or no incentives.
Why Are Teachers Neglected?
- Short-Term Gratitude: While professionals acknowledge their teachers in their early years, they often forget their contributions once they achieve success.
- Economic Priorities: Governments and private sectors invest heavily in industries that generate immediate revenue, neglecting education and its long-term benefits.
- Political Neglect: Many policymakers, despite being taught by teachers, fail to prioritize education in budgets and reforms.
- Cultural Attitudes: In some societies, teaching is seen as a fallback career rather than a prestigious profession, leading to underappreciation.
The Need for Change
For any society to progress, it must recognize and support its teachers. Governments, private organizations, and individuals must:
Increase Teachers’ Salaries: Fair compensation will attract and retain the best minds in education.
Improve Working Conditions: Schools should be well-equipped to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment.
Recognize Teachers’ Contributions: National awards, incentives, and public appreciation can uplift the profession.
Invest in Teacher Training and Development: Continuous learning opportunities will enhance teaching quality and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Teachers are the backbone of every profession, yet they continue to be undervalued and neglected. Without teachers, there would be no doctors to save lives, no engineers to build, and no leaders to govern. Society must acknowledge their contributions and give them the respect, recognition, and resources they deserve. A world that neglects its teachers is a world that compromises its future.
– Comrade Adabara Abduljelil writes from Okene, Kogi State.
