Education is mainly regarded as the passport for the future. No society which can progress positively without investing its resources in educating for ‘character and intelligence’ to its younger generation. Global economics are propelled to greater heights by educated, committed and hardworking citizens. Teachers are therefore trusted with the responsibility of molding the learners from a very tender age to grownup adolescents and mature adults who are able to make independent moral decisions and contribute positively to the workforce.

Teachers are the best reflection of the society; they have a sole responsibility of making a positive change in the life of students. While doing so, every teacher would love to horn and craft his or her teaching skills for higher accomplishment hence improving the learner’s behavior, academic performance and achievement. Students on the other hand, they do bring their life to school and some tend to be dull, angry, distressed, unforgiving and stubborn. No wonder the saying, “You can’t teach them unless you reach them.” In order to be successful towards imparting knowledge, values and excellence; a great teacher should be a caring teacher. A caring teacher embraces special qualities of attraction that are appealing to learners such as love, care, understanding and enthusiasm among others. For example, a caring teacher makes students feel connected to each other, cared for, understood, and worthwhile within the classroom or school community.

A caring teacher strives to nurture enduring positive relationships with the colleagues, learners, parents and the surrounding community. Positive relationships across the board are essential in reinforcing discipline, enhancing a reading culture and building a sense of community. The caring teachers usually go an extra mile by greeting and welcoming the learners with a smile to school every morning; motivating learners; and helping them to approach the difficult subjects positively. In addition, caring teachers ought to develop new models of teaching techniques grounded by morals, values, mission statements and golden rules. The statement/ golden rule serves as a reminder to the learners to commit themselves in respecting the self and others as well as working towards achieving high standards of expectations.

Lastly, caring teachers protect and safeguard children from toxic environment, toxic words and mishandling by their fellow learners. They do so by urging learners to embrace positive attitude; appreciate each other through use of kind words; be good listeners; care for each other; and practice good habits. Good habits are the basis of good character development and academic achievement within the school community. And so the BIG question is: Are you a caring teacher? Are you a caring Parent? Are you a caring adult?