THIS refers to the letter ‘A good teacher’ (Sept 30). Apart from being competent and knowledgeable, a good teacher should also be a man of upright character because education without ethics is futile.

Unfortunately, in our society, the teaching profession is not given due importance. It is not regarded worthwhile and preferable as nobody aspires to be a teacher. The first option of our youngsters is to be doctors, engineers, bureaucrats and business managers, but when they fail to achieve their aims, they join the teaching profession as a last resort.

It is the lack of options, not the passion for teaching, that drives them to become teachers. They mostly never prove to be enthusiastic and successful teachers.

More importantly, the appointment of teachers is not made on merit. What can they teach when their own concepts of the subjects are not clear? This is the main reason behind the alarming deterioration of educational standards.

The fact is that teaching is a very painstaking job. It demands patience, perseverance and devotion to teach the students diligently. Good teachers do not merely teach, but inspire the students with their in-depth knowledge, dedication and sterling character in order to groom them to become not only good profess-ionals, but also good citizens of a good society. The names of such teachers remain etched in the memories of their students forever, while the mediocre teachers are soon forgotten.

Prof Sarwar Pathan
Sukkur

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2021