Teachers And Moral Leadership
I have always believed that teachers have a far more important role than merely teaching our children the subjects that they have in school. Of course, the role of teachers in making sure that the children will be equipped with the knowledge that they need is crucial. However, with the problems that the nation – nay, the world – is currently facing in terms of school safety, I see a greater role that the teachers can play; have to play, in fact. And this is the role of providing moral leadership.
I was actually reminded of this fact when I read an article at the Jamaica Information Service. It was actually a call from their Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, where he states:
Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, has called on teachers to exercise the highest standards of moral leadership in the classroom.
The Minister, who was the guest speaker at the 2008 graduation exercise of the Bethlehem Moravian College held on November 29 at the college campus in St. Elizabeth, argued that poor moral leadership in the classroom is reflected in the performance of students, and standards of behaviour at school.
“Teachers occupy a unique space in society. They must be role models to students and provide moral direction. Their authority should extend beyond instructional authority to moral authority in the classroom. Teachers are moral leaders and moralising agents, who should take some responsibility for developing students’ belief systems,” he stated.He noted that while the home environment and parents are primarily responsible for the moral development of students, teachers must also play an important role.
As I was reading it, I was thinking “Preach it brother!” I have the utmost regard for teachers. I understand how unique and critical their roles are in the lives of people. My own life has been changed in many ways because of some key people – including some of my teachers. I fully understand how important they are in our children’s lives.
I think that this kind of thinking should be reinforced in our society today. Though many kids have seem to lost respect for some of their teachers, all is not lost. You just have to hear or read about stories like those they have made into movies – Coach Carter and Dangerous Minds are pretty good examples. But you do not even have to look far for evidence. Like me, you probably have had teachers who impacted your life in some positive way.
Here’s to hoping that America realizes just how important teachers are.
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Posted on December 5th, 2008 by Deborah J Thomas
Filed under: Administrators, College, High School, K-6, Parents, People Involved, School Grade Level, Students
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