Teachers: The profession of leading children.

Sometimes, even teachers don't realize that they are the "leaders" of their students, both in the expectations of society and in the eyes of the students themselves.

There is a role of teachers that is often overlooked and rarely mentioned: the role of leading children. - Photo: NHU HUNG

If teachers are aware of their role as "leaders," they will strive harder to live up to the trust placed in them as "leaders" in their profession.

In the new general education curriculum, the role of teachers is defined much more comprehensively than before.

Teachers are "instructors and educators," "mentors," "participants in the learning process," and also "learners and researchers." However, there is one role of teachers that is often overlooked and rarely mentioned: the role of leading children.

There are many different types of leaders in life, but they all have some things in common.

In addition to professional competence, which is often demonstrated through qualifications, a leader's abilities and qualities are also reflected in social intelligence, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, decision-making ability, change management, and more.

These kinds of skill sets and competencies seem to be a novelty in current teacher training programs, even though the school environment is becoming increasingly complex with greater involvement from the media and various public groups.

So what does being a leader entail?

It's about setting goals and a vision for the group, motivating each individual, encouraging, supporting, and guiding. If teachers only know how to find fault, scold, and punish, they are not good leaders.

It's about setting an example for others. A teacher who doesn't read cannot expect to encourage their students to read.

A teacher who is disillusioned and tired of their profession cannot hope to inspire a student to later strive to choose a job they love, pursue their passion, and contribute to society. A teacher with inappropriate language cannot blame today's students for being disrespectful and rude...

When does a leader fail?

That's when a leader lacks faith in the work they're doing, and also loses the trust of the rest of the team. The essence of leadership is based on the collective trust in the leader's personal credibility.

The more personal and collective credibility teachers build, the better their chances of successfully leading their students. Only when teachers truly act like teachers can we hope to have truly outstanding students, thereby creating truly effective schools and classrooms.

The media has highlighted shortcomings within the teaching force, somewhat tarnishing the image of teachers. But these are isolated cases; the silent contributions of millions of other teachers who diligently work to care for and educate our children every day cannot be denied.

They are silently dedicating themselves to the cause of national education through their teaching hours, working days, and years of schooling, bearing countless responsibilities and pressures.

They may not have the opportunity to defend themselves or explain their actions through the media. They may not have the opportunity to demand additional rights such as mental health care or overtime pay for working at home. They may not have the opportunity to see the fruits of their education after several decades...

But if teachers know they are leaders of children, they will accept the loneliness and silent sacrifices to move forward without complaining or grumbling, because only time can fully tell the legacy of a leader.

If teachers know they are leaders, they will be more tolerant of mistakes, and will focus on what students can do and are striving to do, rather than what they cannot or have yet to do.

If teachers know they are leaders, they can apply their knowledge of educational science and psychology to design an environment that helps all students be happy, instead of forcing them to "climb a tree."

If a teacher knows they are a leader, using force to discipline students is a betrayal of their professional mission, which is to "protect children at all costs."

And if teachers know they are leaders, they will always feel that they are not good enough, not selfless enough in the eyes of all their students.

If every teacher is aware of their role as a leader for children, they will understand how important they are to society. That sense of professionalism and pride is worth more than any praise or appreciation from others.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/giao-vien-nghe-lanh-dao-tre-em-20241122091637013.htm