Teacher.
Definition: one whose occupation is to instruct (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)
This definition for a teacher is accurate but incomplete. Yes, a teacher’s job is to instruct. But there is so much beyond just instruction that teachers do.
Providing instruction is only achieved when it is done in a nurturing, welcoming, and safe learning environment for all students (Bartleby Research, n.d.).
It is only achieved when a student feels as though the teacher can be trusted and is a reputable source of information.
A teacher can only provide successful instruction when she knows the needs of her students and knows how to best meet those needs.
Teaching is not just instruction. Teaching is so much more.
So what’s the point?
The social responsibility of a teacher is to transmit to the next generation appropriate values, traditions, skills, and cultural norms (Sihem, 2012).
The work of a teacher is not just about delivering academic content, but instilling in students the skills, characteristics, and values of being a good citizen.
Exodus 18:20 (ESV) instructs us to “Teach them his decrees and instructions and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.”
The social responsibility of teachers is to instruct the future generation in how they are to behave and live.
We are to instruct them with our words and with our actions. As Titus 2:7-8 (ESV) says, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech.”
This is the responsibility of teachers to their students.
References
Bartleby Research. (n.d.). The Importance Of A Teacher, Social Responsibility | Bartleby. https://www.bartleby.com/essay/The-Importance-Of-A-Teacher-Social-Responsibility-F39TAVKVU5YQ
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.-b). teacher. The Merriam-Webster.Com Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teacher
Sihem, B. B. (2012). The Social Responsibility of Teaching. SSRN Electronic Journal, 4–5. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2180026