Friday 5th October marks World Teachers’ Day; the annual recognition of the implementation of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Commemorated since 1994, World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of educators across the globe in providing a high quality education to the next generation. This year, we decided to mark the occasion by asking a few of our students about their online teachers:

“My Mathematics HL teacher, Darryl Clement, is from the US but based in Bangkok, Thailand. His genuine care for all his students (even though there are many of us) and his willingness to go the extra mile to help make him a wonderful teacher to have. He encourages us to think for ourselves, investigate things one step further (or maybe two), and work well with other students. I am truly grateful for all he has done to help my classmates and I grow as students.”
Hope, student at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio, USA taking Mathematics HL with Pamoja

“This is for Mr. Hernandez, Madrilenian acoustic-guitar playing teacher of philosophy! To say that Mr. Hernandez is a great teacher is an understatement. It’s gotten to the point where I sometimes wonder if he’s a robot – but what kind of robot would care so much for their students? Asking Mr. Hernandez a question on Canva would probably elicit a faster reply than if you were to ask a teacher in person. His commentaries are also always incisive and constructive. Additionally, if anything, his recommended readings evince his experience and insight (have you ever wondered how Darwinian evolutionary ethics influenced Nazi eugenics?). In regard to the accumulation of all of his teacherly virtues, Socrates’ oft-quoted phrase; ‘I know that I know nothing”, meant little to me before I came under Mr. Hernandez’s instruction. For that, I am so grateful.”
Alice, student at Ciputra High School in Surabaya, Indonesia taking Philosophy SL with Pamoja

“I am an American student taking an online Mandarin course with a teacher who lives in England! This is the first time I have ever had to take an online course, especially that of a different language, and it has been very interesting. Coming into this program, I thought that it would be very difficult to really gather the support/help I needed to thrive in this new language I am learning as I thought it was simply unrealistic to have a meaningful connection online. However, my Mandarin teacher proved me wrong as she has been by far one of the most helpful teachers I have ever encountered. She is always prompt to respond to any questions I have (through email) and always asks about how I am doing. She makes it her best to truly accommodate my needs and during calls, makes me feel that it is okay to make a mistake in an oral call.”
Lydia, student at Lausanne Collegiate School, USA taking Mandarin ab initio with Pamoja

Do you have a teacher that has had a big impact on your learning experience? Tweet us @pamojaeducation and tell us about them for #WorldTeachersDay!

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