From prophetic pedagogues to marginalized mentors: reflecting on the sacred bond of teaching and the urgent need to restore educators’ esteemed role in the 21st century

Since time immemorial, we have heard people say that teaching is a prophetic profession. Teachers are the builders of nations, the saints and seers of every era. But who are teachers in the true sense, and what is their contribution to humanity? These questions often strike my mind as I recollect the past memories of my school days and my sacred bond with my teachers. It was a time of decency and purity, where one felt as if they were in the presence of God. The connection provided a sense of dignity and security, and we trusted our teachers more than our parents and other relatives. To quote Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Teaching, as a divine design, was entrusted to prophets, saints, avatars, and holy men to train mankind. Evaluating the role and importance of teachers compels one to connect the values of education with the essence of teaching. In the context of religion, every prophet was tasked with educating people about the creation of the universe and the natural laws. They were also entrusted with teaching moral values and human ethics. Many revelations were bestowed upon them to impart knowledge about worldly life and the world hereafter.

From a religious perspective, the Holy Quran states, “Like (a favour which you have already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our verses, and purifying you, and instructing you in scripture and wisdom, and in new knowledge” (Quran, 2:151). According to this verse, the Holy Prophet (SAW) was sent to teach the Quran, wisdom, and unknown things to the people of this world. A teacher, therefore, is a person of obedience and respect, a figure of great influence in society. Teachers bear the responsibility of shaping students’ personalities and educating them. Islam, in particular, grants high status and rights to teachers, acknowledging their role in social development and the perfection of individuals and communities. Hazrat Ali (RA) emphasized this by stating, “If a person teaches me one single word, he has made me his servant for a lifetime.”

Philosophically, John Dewey believed that the role of a teacher is to cultivate intelligence, skill, and character in each student, so they become citizens who can think, act, and contribute to society intelligently and morally. Teaching is seen as a collaborative act, a foundation of creativity. Plato viewed teaching as guidance into objective knowledge through reason, while Confucius saw it as leading to self-cultivation. Buber highlighted the importance of building relationships with students, and Alexander the Great famously referred to teachers as friends, philosophers, and guides. Alexander himself was moulded by his teacher, Aristotle, into the great leader he became.

How do poets evaluate the position of a teacher?

Allama Iqbal says:

Sabaq Phir Padh Shuja’at Ka, Itaa’at Ka, Ibaadat Ka,     

Liya Jaayega Tujh Se Kaam Duniyaa Ki Imaamat Ka

Akbar Allahabaadi says:

Yun Qatal Se Bachoon Ke Wo Badnaam Na Hota

Afsoos Ki Fira’oon Ko College Ki Na Sujhi

Teachers’ Day, celebrated on 5th September in India, honours these educators. This day commemorates the birth of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a great educationist, teacher, and the 2nd President of India. Globally, Teachers’ Day is observed on 5th October, as established by UNESCO in 1994. On this day, students express their respect and gratitude towards teachers, often through gifts, role-playing, and performances that celebrate the teaching profession. The theme for Teachers’ Day 2024 is “Empowering Educators, Strengthening Resilience, and Building Sustainability.”

However, as we celebrate, we must also introspect: where does the teacher stand today? What has happened to the revered status of a teacher? Who is responsible for its decline? How do students perceive today’s teachers? These are pressing questions that demand consideration.

In some Western countries like the USA, Japan, Germany, and France, teachers still enjoy the same respect they did in the past. But in many places, the role of a teacher has been reduced to that of a mere tutor. Unprofessional behaviour by some has tarnished the profession, and changes in laws have stripped teachers of the authority they once held. The impact of social media has further eroded the respect for teachers, manipulating the mindset of students. Education has become commercialized, particularly in the private sector, where the essence of teaching has been lost.

Moreover, the contractual system in teaching has created a divide between regular and contract teachers, a division that students are acutely aware of. When a teacher enters a classroom, the first question often asked is whether they are a regular or a contract teacher. This has demoralized the teaching community, creating a future where young people may no longer aspire to join the profession due to its diminished social status.

The need of the hour is to restore the status of teachers. Laws must be framed to protect the dignity of teachers, just as they protect the rights of students. By empowering educators and ensuring their resilience, we can build a sustainable future where teachers are once again respected as the true architects of society.

By Mohammad Ishaq Shah

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Mohammad Ishaq Shah