As October marks a significant month for acknowledging the impact of teachers in society, one educator, Lehlohonolo Mofokeng, shares his perspective on why teaching is more than just a profession. For Mofokeng, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about inspiring and nurturing students to reach their full potential. He recalls his own experiences with remarkable teachers who made a lasting impact on his life, despite attending a dysfunctional school.
Mofokeng fondly remembers teachers like Mme Mahlatsi, Mme Lebitsa, and Mme Radebe, who demonstrated exceptional dedication and punctuality. Their influence on him was profound, shaping his approach to teaching and inspiring his pedagogic actions. One teacher, Mr. Popo, stood out for his ability to make complex English passages accessible and his intellectual curiosity, which has remained with Mofokeng to this day. These experiences instilled in him a passion for teaching and a desire to replicate the positive impact he had on his own students.
As a teacher, Mofokeng sought to instill in his students the value of reading and learning. He would often buy books for his students as gifts and take them to the library to read during breaks. His goal was to ensure that the intellectual curiosity and love for learning that Mr. Popo had inspired in him were passed on to the next generation. Mofokeng's commitment to his students extended beyond the classroom, as he sought to provide them with opportunities to grow and develop.
Mofokeng's own educational journey was marked by challenges, but he was fortunate to have teachers like Mme Mohapi, who provided guidance and support. When he needed help with transport money to submit his university application, Mme Mohapi generously gifted him R20, a significant sum at the time. Her confidence in his academic abilities and her rebuke when he was slacking off had a lasting impact on him, shaping his approach to teaching and mentoring his own students.
As a lecturer in education management and leadership at North West University, Mofokeng continues to inspire and mentor students. He emphasizes that teaching is not just a career but a calling that requires a lifelong commitment to nurturing and guiding students. For over 10 years, Mofokeng worked as a township secondary school accounting teacher, driven by a desire to serve his country and make a positive impact on his students' lives.
Mofokeng's approach to teaching was centered on serving his students and his country, rather than seeking popularity or accolades. He believes that teachers have the power to shape the lives of their students and that their influence extends far beyond the classroom. By sharing his story, Mofokeng hopes to inspire a new generation of educators to embrace the challenges and rewards of teaching.
As the education sector continues to grapple with challenges like the early-grade reading crisis, Mofokeng's experiences and insights serve as a reminder of the critical role that teachers play in shaping the future of their students and society as a whole. His story highlights the need for dedicated, passionate, and committed educators who can inspire and nurture students to reach their full potential.
Key points
- Teaching is not just a career but a calling that requires dedication, passion, and a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure students succeed.
- Exceptional teachers can have a lasting impact on their students' lives, shaping their approach to learning and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
- Educators play a critical role in addressing the challenges facing the education sector, including the early-grade reading crisis.
