Teacher-honour:Why it matters

 

As a teacher, excellence begins with self-honour. Sometimes we tend not to notice that until we honour ourselves as teachers, respect will not come our way.

According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, self-respect is simply -'a proper respect for oneself as human being’ It went further to say 'regard for one’s own standing or position'.

Do you know that you are not an ordinary teacher but a human being carefully created by God to be a teacher? Why do you not carry yourself with dignity?

Teacher honour is simply the respect, value, and importance that you place on yourself and your well-being as a teacher. It has much to do with your self-belief, how you see and represent yourself.

Your image and how you present yourself will go a long way to determine how people will respect you so it starts with you.

Sometimes when teachers say that people don’t honour and respect them, my immediate question is always: Do you respect yourself? Most times this question is left unanswered because most do not even know how to respect themselves. They believe they are nothing but ordinary, not worthy of honour.

That narrative has to change because teaching is a noble profession, and teachers are noble people. Until you learn to honour yourself, it is rare for anybody to honour you.

A teacher should respect himself or herself in all dimensions - physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The level of respect that some of us show ourselves as teachers is one reason why the profession is not honoured by some people. Many see teachers as poor and the profession as undignified instead of noble. I want to emphasize that teaching is the most powerful profession on the planet, and teachers are unique because of the significant role they play in society across all occupations.

It's important how we conduct ourselves as teachers. A teacher should act and work with dignity. Value yourself, knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do not settle for less. Say no to wrongdoing like examination malpractice and other vices that can be found in the profession.

Be spiritually attuned by prioritizing a connection with God. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your own identity and to acknowledge your belongingness, as all aspects of life are closely linked to one's sense of self. For further insights, refer to our previous episode on 'Teacher Identity'.

Self-care is essential for our well-being. It is important to prioritize self-care. A healthy body is crucial for optimal functioning, so it is important to eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. Regular health check-ups for eyes, ears, teeth, blood pressure, and sugar levels are also important.

Additionally, it is important to dress professionally and present oneself well. The first impression matters, so it's important not to undermine the profession with a poor appearance. (Remember, you don't have to appear expensive to look good). I once had someone question whether I was a teacher or a banker at a conference because of my professional appearance. I believe it's important to represent the teaching profession well by dressing and acting professionally.

Emotionally, it's important to maintain a positive outlook and high emotional intelligence. Understanding our strengths and weaknesses and managing our emotions is crucial for effective functioning as a teacher. With emotional intelligence, we can relate to others authentically and understand their behaviors. It's important not to let our past define us and to focus on a bright future.

For more insight on Emotional Intelligence, click on the links below and watch the video

What is emotional intelligence and how does it apply to the workplace?

Why Emotional Intelligence is Important in Leadership

The Power of Emotional Intelligence | Travis Bradberry | TEDxUCIrvine

Cast off negative thoughts and beliefs, and do not settle for less. Be who God says you are, not who people say you are. Do not stay around negative people, people who tear you down or abuse you in any way. Surround yourself with people who encourage you. Do not dwell in the past; move beyond it and do not let it define you. Forgive yourself to avoid guilt and shame. Refuse to carry the burden of unforgiveness, as it's too heavy to make a significant impact. Speak positively to yourself and about your future. Do not belittle yourself.

Get professional help if you need it; remember your mental health is crucial, without it, your actions will not be meaningful.

Intellectually

 Part of honouring yourself is to improve as a teacher. Be a lifelong learner and commit to personal and professional growth. Stay informed, don't become obsolete, and attend trainings, seminars and workshops. Professional development is a way to honour yourself as a teacher. When you are uninformed, it can lead to low self-esteem and loss of respect. Be open to learning and stay teachable, and engage positively with others.

Integrity- Honour your values and say no to wrongdoing such as examination malpractice, bribery, and the like. Remember, it hurts to say yes when you need to say no. Lack of integrity can jeopardize an entire society.

Above all, serve and give back to society. Do not withhold because 

We cannot cover all aspects of self-honor here, but know that you can act and work excellently when you respect yourself."