Perceptions About The Teaching Profession
As the revived precautionary measures of taming the deadly coronavirus pandemic take shape, it is necessary that we continue sanitizing our minds, all the same. As such, a concern that emerged during the seminar for teachers that we conducted in February 2021, somewhere in Laikipia County, could still be of great interest. “Thank you for analysing the pathways of most of the known careers. What are your perspectives about the teaching profession?” Wondered one participant.
Ever since, I have been considering whether or not to share my views on the same, in this forum. However, since the forum is for educationists, who are engaged in the empowerment of our future leaders, it may be necessary to openly bring out some irresistible observations. This is particularly important since teachers can never give what they don’t have, isn’t it? The question however took me back to our early days of empowerment, when all the top schools were seemingly science oriented, as articulated in chapter 2 of “Career Dynamics in the 21st Century.”
This was especially guided by what was then known as the school science project -SSP, whereby all science subjects were compulsory. That includes Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. English Language and Geography were also added to this, thus leaving space for only 2 optional subjects. If one was strongly humanities oriented, a great degree of care was needed when making the right choices. But, during those days, were there any reliable advisors on such matters?
So, the science orientation led to most students eventually focusing on becoming Engineers, Doctors, Pharmacists, Pilots etc. Those who correctly followed the humanities orientations focused on the legal profession most often.
As students struggled for top grades to qualify for those perceived high end professions, some were unable to reach the same, but still qualified to join university. Are majority of teachers not in the cream of those who were unable to qualify for the high end careers?
Obviously, some had unknowingly pursued sciences even when they belonged to the humanities orientation. But, who cared anyway? Haven’t we in the recent years heard that studying humanities is a waste of time? Further, haven’t we heard of teaching sciences in universities becoming more emphasized and financed appropriately? Further, these mentalities of perceived high end careers are still persistent even now, aren’t they?
The truth is that the orientations of each of us are as natural as day follows night. Ignoring of this fact by the education system has led to majority of teachers joining the career, as a worst case scenario, isn’t it? It’s no wonder then that only about 10% of teachers join the profession based on their own violation. The issue of dispassion in teaching, now seems almost obvious, isn’t it?
There is some good news all the same. The sky is the limit for every teacher. Why?
All the best Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers etc have ended up becoming teachers, but this time in Universities. Is it possible then for every teacher to re-align him/herself and still reach the top of the teaching ladder?
In the recent years, I have interacted with such initial secondary school teachers, who ended up becoming university professors. Somewhere in Kitui, some years ago, I met a principal who was already in the process of becoming a full-time university lecturer. The concept “Career Dynamics in the 21st Century,” became a great encouragement to that principal.
As such, why be dispassionate about teaching when the best professionals in different fields end up being called into teaching? After all, is teaching not a noble and nurturing profession? As a seasoned trainer of trainers of many years, I believe it is, what about you?
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach
Consultant/Seasoned Speaker/Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Officially UNSUNG Architect of Competency Based Curriculum-CBC
Author of
1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century,
2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
- The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254772516210
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