WHO IS A TEACHER

Many scholars have defined a teacher in different ways based on their opinions, ideas, exposure, and interactions. Here are some of the definitions:

“A teacher is the only person who is capable of imparting knowledge and shaping the youths to the wider scope of knowledge. Teachers are capable of living and molding the youths such that their power is paramount as they determine the fate of the society. Both teachers and parents live with the children for a long time and hence they are capable of imparting knowledge, skills and values that cannot be easily challenged by the society” (Nyerere 1966)

A teacher is also “an expert who is capable of imparting knowledge that will help learners to build, identify and to acquire skills that will be used to face the challenges in life. The teacher also provides to the learners, knowledge, skills, and values that enhance development. An educated person is capable of utilizing the available opportunities in both private and public sectors. The educated person can easily secure employment as well as having life skills that will enable him/her to interact well in the society” (Senge 2000:26)

Moreover, a teacher has been defined as “a person who has knowledge, skills and special training in teaching, explaining and educating. The teacher is the person who is capable of creating behavioral change in terms of cognitive, psychomotor, as well as effective domain.” (Mbise 2008)  

A teacher can be liken to a gardener who understands the plants (students) that requires bending, straighten and other pruning in order to help the plant to grow and develop. A teacher is someone or something (event) which causes a change for the better and allows growth. He/she inculcate a novice and expect the product of the action to be fully grown and influence the environment.