Good teachers approach a learner at a personal level in order for them to help nurture them. They are also meant to help students achieve success beyond their term papers and standardized examinations. It is fascinating at how the author makes reference to McFarland, who reached out to students, made an impression and made them as their class work (Sizer 185). It takes the effort of a dedicated teacher to ensure their students do the right thing at all times. Even if it meant making them do extra exercises, because at the end of the day it is these exercises that will help learners learn and internalize their course content. It is true that there are some teachers who would care less about student performances, but then there are those who will go an extra mile and ensure their students are kept on their toes all the time. That way, they will be required to study and who knows that might be the extra effort that will lead them to success.
But more importantly, it takes the efforts of a committed student to progress from low grades to high grades. Such students can in turn help transform the lives of other students they come into contact with in their lives. I believe that in most cases these students make impressive progress in life, and live to inspire others. Sometimes it does not have to be a life of academics, but identifying the strengths of students and nurturing them. Students too, have a role to play in heeding the calls of their professors. It is not that they are picking on them, but there is that one thing they see in them that can transform their lives for the better. Their combined efforts will go a long way into forging a successful academic future.
I can easily relate to the high school experiences of the author because I was once in a position where I thought I could not make it to college. Some of my teachers in high school sounded too boring yet so much interested in my grades. My English teacher was the king that was so much interested in the personal lives of other students including myself. Little did I know that it was the kind of interest that sought to identify my weaknesses and strengths so that together we could devise a way of bettering my academics! At first, it seemed as though he wanted to know too much for my comfort, but as time went by I warmed up to him and his counsel helped me a lot. Today, I look back and appreciate his efforts because indeed it helped me realize my potential. I applaud that one teacher for his consistency and determination to seeing me pass my examinations and proceed to college.
Through proper guidance and help from teachers, learners can achieve great success in their academics. Sometimes students lack the knowledge and skills to handle certain academic tasks they might repeat the same mistake a number of times, but eventually they will come to know how to go about completing their tasks and assignments. It is not surprising that I regard teaching as a very important profession because it determines the future of everyone who goes to the teaching and learning process. There is no better resource for a country than teachers because they are the driving force behind the successes of all professionals. Students should, therefore, learn to trust their teachers because their mutual trust in each other will be the birth of a journey into success in and outside of the classroom.
The piece of writing is an important one. It has inspired me and created in me an appreciation for teachers. It is true that the progress of any nation lies squarely in the hands of teachers because they play an important role in nurturing learners and helping them become professionals that will enable a country grows. Teachers have done an incredible job of personalizing learning and reaching out to individual students to help them achieve their potential. They step up the challenge and ensure they do their job as expected. Of course, there are few exceptional cases of nonperformers, but it is not the teachers who fail to help them, but they help nurture their talents beyond the classroom.
Work Cited
Sizer, Theodore R. What Students Should Learn. What High School Is. PDF File.
