In today’s modern era where as a society we are striving to keep our values alive, it has become important to educate our children about respecting their teachers and educators. A teacher basically teaches students and is qualified to do so while an educator educates students in terms of moral, social and intellectual values.

On one end our children are highly influenced by the media and therefore have more westernized values. They do not look up to their teachers and professors the way our generation used to. On the other hand, there are numerous qualified and experienced teachers in every other institute but there are very few educators.

 Institutes especially schools need to ensure that the teachers they are hiring, not only hold degrees and work experience certificates but also have high moral values. These teachers are responsible for shaping the personality of our children. Hence they need to have what it takes to make these children good citizens of Pakistan. Nicholas Ferroni defines educators just simply and perfectly:

“Educators are the only people who lose sleep over other people's children"

The quote reflects compassion and love of teachers for their students. If a teacher is so devoted that they are willing to go any length to educate his/her students, then definitely such a teacher is an educator.

So when you are hiring teachers make sure they are educators also. Here are a few tips to help you find such teachers. The following qualities are found in educators:

An engaging personality

An educator is able to hold his/her students’ attention even through boring and dry subjects like history and economics.

Clear objectives

An educator is very clear on the objectives of his/her lesson and makes sure they are met.

Discipline

An educator has effective discipline skills that reinforce good behavior and bring about positive change in the class.

Classroom management skills

He/she possess the ability to ensure effective study and a sense of respect in the class.

Effective communication with parents

A good teacher is open with parents and keeps them well-informed about student progress. He/she is available to parents for meetings and/or calls.

High level of expectation from students

A good teacher maintains a high standard of education and encourages his/her students to meet those standards. 

A good rapport with the school

At the same time, an educator also keeps the school satisfied i.e. he/she has complete knowledge of school rules, requirements and expectations and strives to fulfill them. He/she is always making an effort to make his/her subject interesting and conducts research to find the latest developments in the subject.

Passion

These teachers are passionate about their work, children and bringing about change in the society. They eventually have strong relations with their students.

So do your teachers have all these qualities or some of these qualities? I remember many of my teachers as role models for me. They were not simply teaching me but made a difference in my life. These are educators who aim to add value to their students’ lives.

 Education is one of the strongest tools in the world. Giving it in the hands of people who are passionate and want to educate their students and not simply conduct a lecture in the class, will benefit the entire society.