The True Value of an Educator
Educational leaders often seek to hire people with educational qualifications such as Bachelors in Education, Masters in Education or a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. They do this in the hope that such people will be coming to their institutions with baggage of pedagogical expertise needed in the industry. This thinking is, to say the least misguided. While subject area mastery is desired for a teacher, this is not enough for a teacher to navigate successfully the demands of the moment.
The value of an educator lies in his ability to connect with the learner. It does not lie in his educational qualifications (M.Ed., B.Ed., PGDE, etc.). And surely not in the scam called Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). And very recently, par ouϊ-dire, I understand that one cannot practise journalism in Nigeria without having a degree in Mass Communication or Media Studies. This is a discussion for another day.
My dear hiring managers, next time you are contracted to hire a teacher, a headteacher or a head of school, do well to look beyond the so-called degree in education. A teaching qualification can be acquired on the job. The human side of teaching which cannot be replaced with technology is a sine qua non for a contemporary teacher or school head. Educators who understand this truth and design and facilitate learning experiences that align with this truth have been the most successful in navigating this challenging moment in education.
Ike Ngwoke
17th February, 2021
Corporate Trainer| Editorial Consultant| Columnist|Speaking&Writing Coach| Applied Linguist| Branding Enthusiast| Award Winner| AI Enthusiast| I help individuals and organisations achieve their communication goals by 80%
3yI totally agree with you, Mr. Ngwoke. Someone can possess a PhD but lack the dynamics of teaching and connecting with the learner and may be arrogant to do so because of the highly held qualification. A true teacher is one who seeks to have his student learn, understand, and be inspired to make a change. I appreciate and applaud all true teachers.