School is one of the tools for educating the individual, but family, society, and the broader social and cultural context are equally important. In fact, they play a primary role in shaping a child's personality.
Each new school year begins with a tripartite relationship: teacher, student, and parent.
The teacher should see the beginning of a new school year as a golden opportunity to express his or her talent and passion for education. If the profession is viewed merely as a job to earn a paycheck, the school year will feel long, the work will be exhausting, and there will be little satisfaction.
Teaching has become a demanding profession because of the bureaucratic obstacles and challenges that arise, most of which have little to do with actual education. However, a good teacher can always distinguish between what is useless and what is valuable.
As A. Lincoln once asked of his child's teacher, the key to good education is to nurture the talent in each child and, above all, to "find the strength not to follow the crowd, even when everyone is running after the winner.
But to teach this philosophy to a child, you must first believe in it and live it. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a mere collaborator, often less inspiring than your students, who may respect you in school, but as they grow and reflect, they will make a deeper and more critical assessment.
Parents often distance themselves by sending their children to school without getting involved in what happens there. When problems arise, they demand accountability as if they didn't live under the same roof as their child. Of course, there are exceptions-wonderful parents who show constant concern and involvement. These are model parents, often raising high-achieving students who would likely excel without much intervention.
Parents face a paradox: on the one hand, they recognize that something is wrong with their child, but on the other hand, they are predisposed to believe their child's version of events and sometimes demand more than is due. Ultimately, children are a reflection of their parents, although there are exceptions.
Students today often view teachers as adversaries. The respect that once accompanied the role of the teacher has diminished. However, this problem is not theirs alone, for education is an ongoing and dynamic relationship. There are exemplary students with clear goals, as well as lazy, manipulative students who expect more than they give. These latter students may even influence their parents, who may unwittingly help their children develop a negative view of their teachers.
There is no easy solution to this three-way relationship, but every new beginning offers a chance for improvement and growth.
My wish for my fellow teachers is that they will remain true to themselves, maintain their dignity, and be courageous and steadfast in what they offer and demand. Look at children with responsibility and treat them as you would want others to treat your own child.
For parents, my wish is that you stay involved with your children throughout the school year, continually monitoring their progress and asking for what is fair. Asking too much may seem easy to you, but it can become an injustice to other children.
I want students to work hard, diligently, and systematically. Respect your classmates and especially your teacher. Teachers are not your opponents, they are there to help you. Think of your teachers as partners in a meaningful and beneficial collaboration.