Why Are Teachers Considered to Have Many Roles in the Classroom?

I chose to write about this subject because I feel that the role of the teacher is a really important part of the classroom and also in the student's life.

This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.

The most common role of a teacher in class is to teach some knowledge to their students.

If the class is boring, then the students don't have any interest in learning, so it is up to the teacher to teach knowledge to their students but also making the class interesting for their students. This is not an easy thing for the teacher, it requires a lot of thinking and lesson planning.

In my experience, almost anything entertains younger students but the older they get it gets harder to find things that catch their attention.

Another important thing that a teacher needs to remember when teaching their students is that students mimic anything and everything that they learn. Whether it is the way the teacher talks, pronunciation or the gestures the teacher uses when talking to their students.

Also Read: Step-By-Step Guide To Legally Teaching English in the Czech Republic

Teacher as a Parent

The role of the teacher is not just teaching the language to their students, but many parents these days work all day, so the amount that parents spend with their children is decreasing. Because of that, many parents rely on the teacher to teach discipline and common sense to their children. That is why I feel like the role of the teacher is very important. It almost feels like a teacher needs to be someone perfect, because if the teacher isn't careful about what they say or teach to their student, it may come back on them.

Especially in Japan, the teacher "Sensei" is highly respected. Anyone with the "Sensei" title is looked up to from everyone.

Also Read: 7 Activities for Teaching the Simple Past for the ESL Classroom

The Japanese culture views the school as a basic training ground.

Teachers are entrusted with major responsibilities such as moral education and character development and for instilling fundamental Japanese values, attitudes, and "living habits" in students at all levels.

Teachers are expected to infuse cultural values throughout school activities and to be concerned about students' lives both in and out of school. Their efforts and influence often extend into the home and the community. That is why being a teacher in Japan is so hard. There is a lot of pressure from Japanese society and also from the parents.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Turkey is a Great Destination to Teach English

The teacher needs to be able to read their students.

Many students may have issues going on at their homes which they don't have anyone they can rely on and talk to. I feel like the teacher must build that relationship with their students because once the student feels like he/she can trust their teacher, they will open up more and the teacher can help their students more. Whether it is issues related in or out of class.

Usually when students start misbehaving or showing signs of distress or if they start giving an attitude, the teacher knows that something is going on with that student. I feel like the teacher should do their best to get to the bottom of it and try to help their student out, instead of overlooking the problem. Once the teacher builds that trust with their students, it makes it easier for the student to come to the teacher whenever they have a problem, instead of the teacher going to that student and trying to figure out what the problem is.

So as you can see, the role of the teacher is very important. Education is very important but being a part of the lives of your students is more important to the teacher.

Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!

It is not an easy job because there are many responsibilities and requirements, but the more the teacher makes an effort to bond with their students and gain their trust, I feel like that teacher will be the best role model to his/her students, and also to many others too.

Apply now & get certified to teach english abroad!

Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad!

Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today.

Related Articles:

• Evaluation and Testing of Students in the ESL Classroom
• 10 Questions You Need to Ask Before Enrolling In a TEFL Course
• 11 Fun ESL Activities for Young Learners
• Online or In-Class - Which TEFL Course Should You Take?
• The Best Government Programs For Teaching English Abroad
• ESA Methodology - What Is It and Why Should You Use It In The Classroom?