The responsibility, expectation and trust that comes with the teaching profession is one that can never be underrated. Every player in the education sector from governments, researchers, scholars, policy makers, Non-Governmental Organizations among others, put their hope on the teachers to actualize their dreams in offering quality education.
To appreciate and emphasize on the good job that teachers do in Kenya and across the globe, GPF-Kenya joined hands with key stakeholders for a webinar to share outstanding roles that teachers take in their line of duty to change lives, transform immediate society, share knowledge and skills while growing their careers as well.
The event was sub-themed “The Fingerprints of a Great Teacher,” in line with the national celebration theme of “The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers.”
The webinar was moderated by Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President, Education, Global Peace Foundation, who elaborated on key mandates that puts a teacher in a very significant space within the education circle.
He expounded on the critical responsibilities vested on the teachers by all players in the sector to drive home knowledge and skills which can positively impact the lives of learners and mold then to fit in the contemporary society. “There is nobody who has a greater responsibility in achieving the dream of education than a teacher.”
Speaking on “Spaces of Teachers in the society,” Ms. Linah Anyango who is the Head of Teacher Professional Development at Merishaw School challenged the teachers to view education provision beyond classroom work and create learners who can offer solutions to world challenges by venturing into the untapped education areas.
“Other than Grades, learners can explore more areas of their interest and talent to achieve their dreams,” she explained. She however agreed that continuous training and acquisition of latest trends in education by teachers is one sure way of developing their career and advancing training skills.
The same sentiments were also shared by Mr. Deogratius Magero, Youth Empowerment and Employability Advisor, Plan International, who encouraged teachers to be entrepreneurs and expand their financial ability. “Every elementary and primary teacher improves the lives of their learners, and so they should also grow and become teacher-entrepreneurs.”
Mr. Hesbon Otieno, Deputy Secretary General, Kenya National Union of Teachers and Mr. Peter Tabichi, Winner, Global Teacher Prize 2019, also shared their milestones in the field as teachers, from Kenya School of Government, where the national celebrations were held concurrently.
Mr. Otieno, stressed on the need for the government to give adequate renumeration to teachers, check on their welfare, career development and favorable policy frameworks.
“As a union, we have participated in curriculum reforms and establishment of policies that can work best for all stakeholders in education, to achieve a conducive working environment for our teachers.”
Mr. Tabichi, however advised teachers to set up innovative centres in their schools to help students have hand-on practical activities which can not only make learning process interesting, but also act like eye-opener of what the reality of life is about.
“We believe that as teachers, we have to empower young learners so that in future, they can do the same to others for a developed-peaceful society.”
To the teacher we say, “Good Teachers Build Knowledge, Great Teachers build Character.”