Teacher’s career a noble one; shapes destinies – Pres Ali on World Teacher’s Day

Joining the international community in observing World Teacher’s Day today, President Dr Irfaan Ali says teachers do not just teach but shape the soul of the nation.
“The career of a teacher is a noble one, perhaps the noblest of all. It does not make headlines, but it shapes destinies. It does not raise skyscrapers, but it builds character. Those who spend a lifetime shaping our children must themselves be assured of dignity, honour, and respect,” the Head of State said in his message to mark the occasion.
“As a Government, we will ensure that a career in teaching is made worthwhile. We are committed to better pay, improved allowances, grants to support teaching and learning, more opportunities for training and greater morale. We are working to ensure improved working conditions today and a dignified retirement tomorrow.”
President Ali gave special recognition to Guyanese teachers, whom he said stand at the front of classrooms and at the heart of our nation’s future.
On this day, he said the country recognises and heralds all teachers, acknowledging that every success story in this country begins with a teacher.
“Our teachers are the hands that lift up entire generations. But in celebrating our teachers, we must also face the truth that our children deserve not just education, but quality education. And quality comes from trained teachers. It is not enough to place a person in front of a blackboard; we must place skill, care, and professionalism there. Our children deserve no less than the best,” he stressed.
According to the Guyanese leader, it is for this reason that his Government has set a clear and firm goal to have every teacher either be trained or in training by the end of 2026. “When I speak about the need for trained teachers, it comes from both policy and personal experience. I know the sacrifices behind the title ‘teacher,’ because I saw them lived out in my own home. Both of my parents were teachers. I grew up watching them prepare lessons late into the night, marking papers, and carrying their commitment far beyond the classroom. And doing all of this while juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and family life. From them, I learned that teaching is more than a job; it is a labour of love,” the President noted.
Teachers, he added, do not just pass on knowledge; they light the flame of possibility in young minds. To this end, the Head of State posited that preparation matters.
“Preparation is respect for the subject, for the classroom, and for the child. Students know when their teachers are ready, and they respond with energy and curiosity. Timely marking of scripts and assignments is just as important. It tells students that their work matters and their effort counts. Feedback is the bridge between effort and improvement. When feedback comes quickly, it builds confidence, corrects mistakes, and keeps learning alive. Marking is not simply grading; it is part of guidance, and it shapes the pace of a student’s growth,” he added.
President Ali went on to say that the true power of feedback is realised only when the teacher is there, day after day, guiding, encouraging, and inspiring persons. Nothing, he outlined, replaces the regular and consistent presence of a teacher in the classroom.
“Presence should be the first promise every teacher makes to every child. To be present is to show commitment, reliability, and love for the children entrusted to you. Technology may assist, textbooks may guide, but the living voice of a teacher cannot be substituted. It is in that daily presence – in the patience, the guidance, and the example that the deeper truth of teaching is revealed: teachers do not just instruct; they transform lives.”
“On this World Teachers’ Day 2025, I extend my warmest and genuine thanks and best wishes to every teacher across our nation,” the Head of State noted.