I am Cher

There seems to be something sacred about the bond between a teacher and his or her students. The press has revealed how certain people have violated this bond. Young or old, in close proximity or distant, male or female, this bond should never be disrespected. But, the public must know episodes such as those that appear in the press are very rare. Teachers and students appear to honour this bond long after either or both have left the school. As I was told, once a Cher always a Cher. And I am not referring to the pop diva of the 70s and 80s.

           

Likewise, the public ought to know though, that teachers are not immortal beings. I would be the first to raise my hand should the community ever be asked if we have ever made a mistake. In fact, I would raise my hand multiple times, if need be. Not out of pride. There is nothing to be proud of in making mistakes.

                

Yes, it is important to forgive oneself and quickly move on. This includes the follies of youth which come back to haunt and taunt your fitness for the profession. (If Naughty was a race, it would have been on my Identity Card. Haha!). After all, one of my favourite men, Paul, did say, “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”. But, it is equally important that all effort be put in to ensure mistakes are not repeated. Mistakes should never be shrugged off with a cold: “I am sorry. Now, let’s focus on the bigger issues” templated type of attitude that seems quite prevalent these days. The critical function and noble nature of the profession demand that we teachers always strive for growth. This calls for constantly evaluating words, thoughts and deeds— both in school and out of school to ensure that we deserve the honourable title of “Cher”.

              

One of the pre-nuptial issues I had to discuss with my then girlfriend was with regards to my commitment as a teacher. To me, a teacher’s role is not confined in the classroom, in school or any other physical building for that matter. I remember communicating to her that Teaching is my calling. My higher calling to serve as Divine Warrior (So, I liked to call myself. [Those who don’t know, Anselm is “Divine Helmet” in German. But who would want to be called a helmet??]). As my wife, she would have to share my time with my young charges. I am glad that she more than understood. I am not only thankful to her for tolerating the hazards of my occupation, but really also for her partnership.

             

So, do I add my students as “Friends” on Facebook? While they are currently in my class/school, I don’t. The rationale for which is best left for another note. But once they move on, and if I am able to make out who they are, I do add them. I have been blessed (or is it cursed?) with an elephant’s memory for remembering people and events. But recognition does become a problem when students alter their names. Besides, we all know how fast a person’s looks change at this stage of his or her life.

              

One of the greatest values Facebook adds to teachers and students is the ability to maintain the teacher-student bond even though once pupils leave school, this tends to take on a different shape. One of the ways in which the shape changes for me is that I am less judgmental, more candid. Thanks to Facebook, it is now possible for me to send that occasional “Hi, how’re things?” message. And I do hope that my former pupils, or as they are labelled, "Pupils of the Past" know that I am always a message away should they need me.