The COVID-19 pandemic was bad for economies worldwide and also bad for education. We experienced approximately 24 months of uncertainties and downtime in the sector, causing learning loss, anxiety, and, most importantly, stagnant teaching. Teachers could not fluidly conduct their jobs in the caring way they are accustomed to. There was a silver lining, however. The value of the work of teachers heightened as parents found a new awareness and appreciation for teachers.

Pandemics highlighted the role of the teachers in more ways than the world knew. It forced us to understand how much in-charge teachers are and how unprepared we are to care for our children by ourselves. Teachers not only teach, but they also fill the gap so that we can go to work and not worry about our child’s safety. Teachers provide a conducive place for children to learn, but we quickly realized how much more value the teachers bring to the table. As parents, we don’t know the mechanics and methodologies of teaching to maximize learning. Teachers also take on the brunt of our childrearing responsibilities during the days while parents are working.

During the lockdown, when parents had to teach their children online or otherwise, we noticed some were not tech-savvy; some threw their hands in the air, while others did the homework for the children because they lacked patience and realized how difficult teaching was.

The silver lining shone brightly in the pandemic. When the world needs to reset, reimage, reboot, and retool, the governments are turning only to teachers to prepare the next generation to lead the future.

Let me wish all teachers today Happy Teachers Day. I hope that you get all you deserve. Thank you for being so dedicated to duty and the children.

Happy Teachers Day, Jamaica.