Why The Role of a Teacher as a Moral Guide is Critical

Teachers are more than tutors in the classroom. The role of a teacher as a moral guide in a student’

Why The Role of a Teacher as a Moral Guide is Critical

Teachers are more than tutors in the classroom. The role of a teacher as a moral guide in a student’s life extends beyond the classroom. It has been likened to that of a sculptor, who, with skill and expertise, gives shape to the sculpture. Similarly, the role of a teacher as a moral guide, which lends direction to a student’s dreams and aspirations, is vital.

In other words, a teacher can be a friend, philosopher and guide. No system has espoused this more than gurukulas, which is native to India and an integral part of our heritage. Teachers have been celebrated for their contribution to maintaining the moral fibre of society. The role of a teacher as a moral agent is universally valued. In a world plagued by violence, a teacher can nurture voices of sanity, empathy and peace. Role of a Teacher as a Moral Guide

Role of a Teacher as a Moral Guide

“I am a teacher. It’s how I define myself. A good teacher isn’t someone who gives the answers out to their kids but is understanding of needs and challenges and gives tools to help other people succeed. That’s the way I see myself, so whatever it is that I will do eventually after politics, it’ll have to do a lot with teaching.” Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, Canada

The quest for Knowledge: Asking the Right Questions

Children begin the first perceptions of their life by emulating the world around them. Parents form the world for infants. And as they grow up to attend school, teachers share this mantle with parents. Therefore, teachers occupy critical space and time in the life of the student. The challenge, too, is equally daunting. And the questions are abundant.

Do you provide readymade answers to every question students might have? Or should a teacher leave the pursuit of finding answers entirely on the student? The answer lies somewhere in between. The balance, a teacher has to find, is all about deciding on the degree and nature of freedom provided to students. A teacher who is never tired of questions, and enjoys answering more of them, is undoubtedly a student’s greatest encouragement.

“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Former President, Republic of India.

The Moral Binding: Freedom and Responsibilities

While skill, talent, intellect and other qualities contribute to success, it is kept intact by the moral binding. It provides the much-needed balance, helping individuals keep their feet firmly on the ground, as they pursue their goals. Despite excellence and success, lives have gone astray and plunged into a downward spiral. Examples for this are plenty, and all of us have known such stories.

Certainly, the effect of this is not limited to individuals and families. It extends to all spheres of the society-Science, Politics and sports among others. It is here that the role of a teacher as a moral guide is tested. A teacher can help mould a child’s ideals, and define for them a moral framework to guide them for the rest of their lives. In doing so, they nurture a generation of youngsters, who will form the pivot of a morally robust society. Such individuals, leaders stand out because they understand the importance of achieving the right balance between freedom and responsibilities.

“Now, what really makes a teacher is love for the human child; for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.” Maria Montessori

Teachers make our world a better place

Granted that, technology has opened a window of new learning avenues and changed the course of education. Smart learning, innovative teaching methods have taken over the old school classroom culture. Not just that, the student-teacher relationship, too, has changed.

Despite all this, at the heart of education is a teacher who believes society is their responsibility. Their commitment to a child’s future is the greatest gift of education. The role of a teacher as a moral guide is pivotal and deserves nothing less than immense gratitude.

Also Read: Inspiring India, Inspiring Teachers – Teacher’s Day Special

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