Munwarunissa Nazneen Saudi Gazette World Teacher's Day is celebrated around the globe on September 7 every year. This day is celebrated to honor the teachers who mold our personalities, nurture our ethics and prepare us for a bright future. Schools are our second home and teachers are like our mothers. And just like how we shower our love, care and respect for our mothers, we should do the same with our teachers as they are caretakers in school. In many schools, students hold celebrations for their teachers and they are given the day off to relax. In some schools, students don the avatar of their favorite teachers, adopt their school schedule of the day to relieve the teachers for a day and to experience what all they go through. It's a learning experience for the students in a fun way. On teacher's day, students also give their favorite teachers flowers, cards and sweets to show them their respect and love. Being a teacher is one of the oldest and noblest professions. It is a profession that creates all other professions like doctor, lawyer, business magnate, philosopher, among many others. A teacher imparts in her pupils the most valuable concepts of life via education. Students are the building blocks of a nation and are the future architects. It is the teacher who polishes these blocks to make a bright nation. According to Zehra Quadri, a grade-2 teacher of Al-Firdous International School, Jeddah today's students are tomorrow's leaders of a country and the qualities of the student clearly determine the students' bright future and carrier path. Rehab Hafeez Siddiqui, a kindergarten teacher of Al Waha International School, Jeddah said, “As teachers, it is our duty to conquer a child's hesitation with encouraging smiles, to instill self-belief rather than self-limitations. Happiness is the key to extract the most unique forms of expression.” Ayesha Sabiha Shariff, Coordinator/Instructor, King Abdul Aziz University (Salama Campus) says, “Teaching for me is more than a career. It is a responsibility that has always given me a great sense of achievement and fulfillment. In addition to transferring knowledge and interacting with students coming from a different culture and mentality, teaching leaves me with a sense of academic and moral satisfaction. I try to prepare my students for the world we live in today. My philosophy of education is very simple. I believe that learning should be fun while still conducive to learning!” Mumtaz Rizvi, an accounting teacher at Orbit International School, Al-Khobar said, “The parents start to dream even before a child is born that, one day their child would be highly educated and earn a name for him or herself. A teacher perceives the child as a complete person who is a precious being with a never ending interest in life and the world.” On the occasion of teacher's day, some students expressed their gratitude and love for their favorite teachers. Aaisha Bah said that her favorite teacher is Ms. Zaida who taught her in grade 3. Bah said her classes were lively and Ms. Zaida treated her students like sisters. “She supported us all the time and encouraged us to excel in our studies. Even when she screamed, I knew that it was for my own good. She had a melodious voice and I know I will never forget her. She was, is and will always be my favorite teacher. On teacher's day, I'm planning to buy a wonderful gift for her.” Fadul Awad, a grade 3 student of Nujoom International School, Jeddah said, “My favorite teacher is Miss Juliat. Miss Juliat was my grade 2 English teacher. She is pretty and nice. She would give us gifts when we did well in our studies. She was also a very good friend apart from being a good teacher. On teacher's day, I hope to get her a beautiful ladies bag.” Zainab Ali, grade 5, Pakistan International School, Jeddah, said, “My favorite teacher is Mrs.Shahnaz. Mrs.Shahnaz was our home room teacher in grade 4. She is kind and caring to kids and adds to the pleasure of learning. She adds energy to the classroom and makes us feel comfortable and happy. And, on the Teacher's Day, we are planning a surprise party for our teachers.” The most precious of all the gifts for a teacher is when they see their students transform into responsible citizens and human beings with morals and values.
