Teaching is one of the most noble undertakings. We needed to reflect on this sacred task as we celebrated World Teachers’ Day recently.
“Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is education and training of children…”, state the Bahá’í Writings .
Those who undertake the important task of education and training of young minds must see themselves as rendering a most valuable service to their community.
Teachers, in addition to imparting academic knowledge and skills, must become role models and the transmitters of morality and builders of character.
According to the Bahá’í Writings: “The proper education of children is of vital importance to the progress of mankind, and the heart and essential foundation of all education is spiritual and moral training ….” and “Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character”.
Teachers must practice and cultivate in the younger generation qualities such as tolerance, brotherhood, equality, compassion, understanding, trustworthiness, sacrifice, humility, and a commitment to justice.
Teachers can be role models by giving up all prejudices – be it national, racial, religious, gender based, or occupational – and treat all children as equals. The education they provide should help to instil in every child the awareness of the oneness of humanity. It should prepare them to live in peace in an atmosphere of understanding, dialogue and respect for others.
The task of the teachers is to see each student as an individual full of potential and valuable talent, and helping each one of them to discover and develop this potential.
In addition to assisting in the development of the individual’s potential, teachers should see the role of education as a means of bringing about transformation to society. “The minimum requirements of education” according to a statement of the Bahá’í International Community “are the basic knowledge, qualities, skills, attitudes, and capacities that enable individuals to become conscious subjects of their own growth, and active, responsible participants in a systematic process of building a new world order”.
Education, as envisioned in the Bahá’í Writings, should make the child a collaborator both in their own growth and in the development of their community. Even when teachers are well equipped to teach, there is still always a great deal to learn.
As the Bahá’í International Community says in one of its statements: “they [teachers] should form a partnership with their students in a shared learning process, demonstrating by their example that they, too, are learners. This can have a liberating effect on students in that it helps them see themselves as directors of their own learning and as individuals who can determine the course their lives will take”.
Teachers must enjoy the support of their communities and the respect which results from their sacrificial services to society and as role models for the younger generation.
For feedback please contact: tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 083 794 0819
Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
