Q: What do you think the most important role a teacher plays and why?
I think the most important role a teacher can play is that of a coach. Yes, kids need an educator and a good coach teaches them what they need to know. However, a good coach is also there loving, supporting, and urging their student on. It is important to remember kids come from all sorts of different backgrounds. Some of their life at home is not very good. Sometimes all kids need is someone to show them positive attention and cheer them on. Kids won't remember what you've said, but they will remember how you made them feel. It is sad but true, in some kids' life, you are the only positive they see. As a coach, you need to be there to build them up and give them hope.
How many of us remember "that one" teacher who was just awesome and made us feel good about ourselves? How long ago were you in that class but can still remember anyway? How many of us remember that one "bad" teacher who made us feel worthless? How long did that stick with us? That is why being a "coach" is so important. Sometimes all is takes is a little confidence building and cheering on to completely change a kid's life. Sadly, all it takes is one teacher who belittles their student or is harsh to tear down a kid's life.
Yes, a teacher needs to teach. I think a good teacher looks beyond just reading, writing, and arithmetic, and teaches character, love, and self-confidence as well. A little coaching in the right direction can go a long way.
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