THE HIGHEST REWARD OF A TEACHER

Contributed by Jessa S. Alarcon – Mariveles, Bataan

Maybe these lines from F.W. Robertson, an author, sound familiar to you.  It goes “The true aim of everyone who aspires to be a teacher should be, not to impart his own opinions, but to kindle minds.”   

Relating this quote to the role of teachers we can say that teachers embrace a job that they consider as their lifeblood. They give it their best and really do everything to succeed in touching and shaping the lives of the young.

Teachers are happy reaping the fruits of their labor. Although they are not usually given accolades and commendations for a job well done, it is said that the highest reward for their toil is not what they get from it, but what they become by it.

As teachers, our main goal should not be the monetary gain, although it is the prime reason why people work. When it comes to assessing the success of man, the best gauge is what has become of him because of his endeavor. In fact, the highest reward for the hard work of teachers is not the money but the strength of character, creative and critical thinking, empathy and compassion, that is developed by that particular endeavor.

A teacher would be remembered not like saints or great men, but by his unselfish love and dedicated service to his students. When doing a task, a teacher gives his all.

Teachers give kind words to others. They alleviate the sufferings of those around them simply by giving a smile, by saying an encouraging word, by making others laugh.

There are many other things that teachers do to make other people’s lives light and comfortable.  However, more than anything else a teacher offers love, care, concern and encouragement to those who need it.

Although what these teachers do are a far cry from the deeds of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Princess Diana, the Peoples’ Princess, I am certain that God will give them a special place in heaven.

Compared to a little blade of grass, God will surely imprint the names of teachers in the Book of Life when they finally ascend in heaven.

Reference:

W.C. Tapalla Woman’s Home Companion, 25(48) 43