BY ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG
ACCORDING to American writer, John Steinbek, a great teacher is a great artist and teaching the greatest of arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.
I totally agree with the writer’s comments.
Indeed, teachers have one of the most challenging jobs anyone could have, yet they do it with grace, compassion and a genuine love. I salute them for that.
Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of these incredible individuals.
For more than 15 years, teaching has been quite a journey full of challenges and moments of joy for Jalil Orange, a boarding school teacher at Mara Junior School College (MRSM) Kuching.
Starting his career as a teacher in 2008 at his first school in MRSM Tun Mustapha, Sabah, made him witness the changes in the lives of his students, from watching them grow up, overcome obstacles and achieve success.
For him, learning is a never ending process for both teachers and students.
“Teachers are constantly learning new ways to teach while students are learning new concepts and skills,” he said.
The Moral Education teacher said the acquisition of knowledge, skills and experience was a continuous journey that shaped lives and helped everyone become better versions of themselves.
“I have seen the impact that living in a boarding school environment can have on a student’s character. He/she becomes more disciplined and independent.
“I work hard to create a safe and nurturing environment where my students can thrive while enhancing their skills like teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity,” said the 39-year-old teacher.
Apart from that, Jalil is also adapting to changes in the education system, from new technologies to new teaching methods.
“One way to adapt is by embracing new teaching methods. Now, most of us use project-based learning to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“This approach involves students working on a project that is relevant to their interests and goals, which helps make learning more meaningful and engaging,” he said.
The new system is an opportunity for him to be more flexible and open-minded.
Over the years, Jalil has built strong relationships with students and they have become an important part of his life.
He celebrated their successes, comforted them in times of sadness and watched them mature into confident and capable young adults.
“A positive relationship between teachers and students leads to better academic performance. It creates an atmosphere of trust, respect and mutual understanding,” he added.
Jalil hopes future educators will be prepared for the new world of teaching, pointing out that sincerity, empathy and sympathy in this field is a must.
Meanwhile, for Fletchelle Arleen Apoi, 25, because she looks young, there can be times when classroom control can become an issue.
Luckily for the students she teaches at Spaoh Secondary School (SMK Spaoh), Betong, patience is well-entrenched in her and she is able to handle them.
“I try to take into consideration the activities and learning materials I could prepare to suit my students’ proficiency level and keep them engaged,” she said.
Since she started her teaching career last year, Fletchelle realises that the world is never black and white; there are many subtle nuances which make people unique individuals.
“As a new teacher, I hope I can open doors for students to see a different world outside what they are familiar with,” said the English teacher.
As someone who is stationed in the countryside, she interacts with students from all walks of life, different family backgrounds, life challenges, temperaments with different desires, hopes and dreams.
“Everyday is a new story and things may not always go as planned. Hence, you’ll have to adapt as you go,” she said.
Making the best out of her career, she has built strong bonds with her students as a sense of trust is important for their relationship.
She feels this will bring walls down and make it easier for them to learn. Despite being a greenhorn in the profession, the new system has not been much of a challenge for Fletchelle.
She pointed out that in some cases, the same data had to be prepared both online and offline.
“Also, I do observe a struggle among senior teachers with the addition of many digital platforms which are intended for ease of use,” she said.
Fletchelle uses her free time to help prepare students for competitions, reading, hiking on beautiful trails and spending time with her friends.
For her, education will always be an ever-changing landscape.
At the end of the day, one small change at a time is what matters.
Happy Teacher’s Day!
