Influence of Teacher in Changing the Life of Students

You can do better, just believe in yourself. 

During our school days thousands of times we have heard such motivational words from our teachers. Teachers are the centre of students' universe. They are like the sun that brightens thousands of lives by teaching them the real lessons of life that are beyond the textbooks. Numerous teachers have stepped into our lives, but each of us has that special teacher who leaves a lasting impact. The teacher who guided us when we needed it, motivated us, shared their life lessons and dreams with us, and inspired us will always remain in our memories.

The teacher whose teaching style captivated us, whose passion for teaching can be felt in each of their classes, who was an encyclopedia for solutions to our problems. The teacher who made those mundane lessons into interesting ones made us when the class time was up. Gregory Chahrozian mentioned during his TED talk that “Behind every great mind is a teacher who believed in the power of education and the magic of learning” The statement rightly signifies the importance of a teacher in the life of a student. Their personality impacts the student's lives so deeply that they start copying the way a teacher talk, move, or dress up and most importantly how the teacher behaves.   

Students are great observers and always take note of what type of teacher you are. These young minds always search for kindness, love, care, empathy, and a positive attitude in their teachers. These qualities help them to become a better person each day, underlining the significance of teachers in transforming a student’s life. A teacher has a great responsibility to nurture these young plantlets, make them learn how to choose the right path in life and equip them with moral values that can lead to crafting them into a better human and laying the foundation of a better society.

The role of the teacher is undeniably important as by their unwavering support students learn the practical skills of life, get ready to achieve excellence, and leave a remarkable impression in society to be a better version of themselves.  

 The Influence of Teachers on Students:

“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.” – Alexandra K. Trenfor 

This quote entirely signifies the role of teachers in the student’s life. They show students the right path, guide them, create a supportive environment, and inspire them to explore their strengths and passions while also challenging them to step outside their comfort zones. We all know about Anne Sullivan also known as the “ Miracle Worker”, being the teacher to Helen Killer, who was blind and deaf, aiding her in learning, communicating, and writing. Later on, she became an accomplished author and an activist. Sullivan being a teacher never gave up on her students and with her unwavering determination Helen made a lasting impression in society, signifying that a great teacher can change the life of a student as well as society through the power of education. 

We all have heard about a very popular coaching institute named “Khan Academy”, that provides free education to students who cannot afford it. Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy is known for his clear, understandable style of teaching and revolutionized education by providing high-quality online educational resources to students. He has proven the famous quote of Ignacio Nacho Estrada  “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”He always kept the resources easy to understand and in the local language, which made students cultivate interest in the classes aiding them in clearing various competitive exams too. Such examples reflect that if a teacher is determined to change the educational landscape and connect with the students by heart, no obstacle can turn their path to success.

In what captivating ways can a teacher's personality profoundly influence their students?

The personality of a teacher can profoundly influence and shape a student’s learning experience. They can ignite curiosity allowing students to think and evolve a new solution for their problem. Gregory Chahrozian said in his TED talk that the warmth of a compassionate teacher can foster a safe space for students where they can express themselves, ask questions, and share their thoughts. 

A teacher spends almost 19,000 hours of their life with students, providing sufficient time to layer the student’s subconscious and it's also enough time for students to build themselves into individuals they wish to be. They play a crucial role in making the students believe in their potential, nudging them to challenge their limits and build the confidence to handle any situation they face. They want to set their students free from a confined mindset, push beyond all boundaries and breathe in an environment where they can think freely.

Let's dive deeper into How the personality of a Teacher impacts students' lives:

• A teacher who is passionate about their subject can significantly change the learning environment for their students. For instance, a science teacher who can change the complicated gravitational rule into an interactive story, use different examples to teach them complex human anatomy, and emphasize more on practical skills rather than theory, will surely turn the dry subject into an interesting one and get the complete attention of the whole class. Students will be engaged in the subject so deeply that they will eagerly wait for the class for the next day.

• Students always love those teachers who talk to them politely, understand them, make them feel valued, and support them when needed. As we know “a good teacher brings out the best in every child” Teachers can bring positive changes in the behavior of students as well as encourage them to overcome challenges by inculcating moral values. Malala Yousafzai the young girl with her unwavering determination demonstrated to the world that education has the power to change the world, teacher’s role is not limited to the classroom but they can bring societal changes by nurturing a new generation who know the value of empathy, love, and care.

• Thanks to Maria Montessori who revolutionized the way of teaching, especially for those who are intellectually disabled. She dedicated all her life to studying children with cognitive delays and learning disabilities and her hard work ended up in the pedagogy, the methods which to date we use for young learners. A teacher who is curious and a lifelong learner themselves can instil a love of learning in their students, encouraging them to explore and ask questions and work on the actual area where the students have to focus.

• Students need emotional support from their Teachers as they are still in the growing phase so it's important to understand and value their feelings. By empathetic and understanding behavior teachers can show the right path to students to navigate through personal and academic challenges. School is a second home and teachers are mentors, who guide, support, and build strong relationships with students so they can adapt to the changing situations and easily grasp the things in their learning journey. 

Overall, a teacher's personality plays a crucial role in shaping students' academic experiences, personal growth, and lifelong attitudes toward learning and Gregory Chahozian does justice in highlighting that through TedTalk.