New teachers reminded of their impact on students

Freshly graduated teachers were urged yesterday to weigh every single word and to treat schoolchildren as individuals.

“You have to be conscious of every word you say – whether good or bad – because it will have an impact on the children,” Education Minister Dolores Cristina said at the start of a three-day induction seminar for 230 new teachers organised by the Education Directorate.

Once a teacher herself, Mrs Cristina said schoolchildren hung on to every single word teachers said.

“Children have to be seen and treated as individuals, even though sometimes it isn’t an easy task,” she added.

The teachers, who are heading for Church and state schools, were reminded that they would be responsible for implementing the education reforms which mainly revolve around easing children’s transition from primary to secondary school. Teachers, the Minister said, had to work towards getting the best out of the children and to help establish their self-esteem and self-confidence.

“Teaching is a vocational profession – it carries with it great responsibility but also offers great rewards.”

The government was also focusing on providing more facilities for sports, drama, music and the arts. “There are not enough facilities for these subjects and students are losing out on careers in this area,” Mrs Cristina said.