There is a Japanese proverb that says, “Better than a thousand days of diligent study is a day with a good teacher.” This means that even one day with a truly good teacher can make more impact than many days of trying to learn alone. Teachers play a special role in our lives, yet many people do not value or respect them as they should, this includes students, parents, and even society at large.

Being a teacher is not an easy job. It requires love, patience, and dedication. A good teacher is not just someone who comes to class to talk. A good teacher cares. They take time to understand their students, know what motivates them, and help them grow both in knowledge and in character. A successful teacher touches the hearts of their students, makes learning interesting, and helps the students believe in themselves.

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However, the reality in our schools is different. Teachers face so many challenges, large classes, too much paperwork, poor salaries, little appreciation, and sometimes rude or unmotivated students. Despite all these problems, many teachers still give their best. They stay back after school to help, spend their own money to buy teaching materials, and keep pushing students to aim higher.

Sadly, society often treats teachers like they are not important. Some people see them as glorified babysitters or people who chose the profession because they had no other option. Students, too, at times, don’t respect teachers. They talk back, ignore advice, or even mock the very people who are trying to help them succeed.

Let me share something that happened in our school. Our SS3 students just finished their WAEC exams yesterday. Even though a few of them still have one last paper, they already did their “sign out” yesterday. And to be honest, I was shocked. The way they celebrated it was so glamorous that you would think it was a wedding or red carpet event. They wore matching outfits, hired DJs, took lots of photos and videos, and some even had banners made. It was loud, flashy, and well-organised.

But guess what? These same students, when asked to contribute towards extra lessons, mock exams, or anything that would actually help their success, they don’t want to hear it. They would complain that there’s no money. Yet, look at the money they spent to organize their “sign out” day. It makes you wonder if they really understand what matters most.

The saddest part is that some of them are still asking us teachers what we have for them, asking if we will give them gifts, money, or “packages.” It is painful and disappointing. Many of us teachers have been working hard, offering free advice, encouragement, and sometimes even our own money to help them. But instead of showing appreciation, they are demanding more from us. It’s as if we owe them something.

People need to remember that teachers are not magicians. We are not robots either. We are humans with families and bills, too. What keeps many teachers going is not the salary, but the little joy of seeing students succeed, and sometimes, just a simple “thank you” can go a long way. Unfortunately, that’s becoming rare.

It’s time for society to change its view of teachers. Parents should teach their children to respect teachers. The government should treat teachers as professionals and pay them well. And students should learn to appreciate those who give so much to guide them in life.

Because at the end of the day, no matter how far we go in life, we all owe part of our success to a teacher who believed in us.