Unsung Magicians

      In one of my classes, we discussed that teachers are the collective conscience of the nation. We also conversed that they are the best influence for good since that they constitute a large number of workforce. True, I said to myself. Teachers are everywhere. As such, their power in the society is unfathomably great!
      I instantaneously remembered the universal axiom “unsung heroes” which is always attached to them. The service they render is beyond measure. In fact, they do more even with less remuneration, salary and earnings. How admirable!  I want to be like them, said I again.

 

 

      On another occasion, I heard a group of students talking. Unfortunately, their conversation was clear to me while I was waiting for my turn at the peanut stand. I guessed they were classmates, if not close friends, because they were all in P.E. uniform. They were complaining about their instructor in a certain subject. A gay among them cursed that teacher which caused them to laugh very offensively. They also talked about some teachers whom they liked. They weighed one against the other. I didn’t realize that I was heading the same direction with them. Inside the tricycle, I barely heard their endless chit-chats. From time to time they hooted. They cursed. They protested. One thing I was sure of: it was all about their teachers.
    The world is never ideal, I reflected. There are always exceptions to the rule! Just like teachers. The world agrees that they are heroes; nonetheless, some of them ought not to be called as such. By and large, I still believe the first even though I myself have seen, heard of, and been with teachers who took advantage of their profession.
     I couldn’t blame those P.E. students if they acted that way. It’s real hard to have a teacher who suddenly appears and mysteriously disappears; who tricks requirements and invents assignments; and whose formula’s unknown in making a potion of grades. Magical indeed. It then becomes a game of luck on the part of the students. But, that luck is ambiguous. You only have a little chance to learn and a tiny possibility to get a good grade from a teacher who practices black magic.
    Either you get a high or a low mark is not an issue (at least, for some). What matters is the example of them, our supposed model. Imagine those teachers who are centers of criticisms because of their irresponsibility and laziness. They are but a disgrace to the highly looked up institution where they should not belong.
     Coincidentally, I got an illumination on this social enigma in another education class. My professor said that some teachers did not sign their psychological contract before they served. That is to say, they did not pledge in their hearts to be the kind of educator the society expects them to be.
     Thus far, I am grateful enough that though many profess wizardry and magic in the academe, they are still outnumbered by upright and responsible mentors.