Pay attention to our teachers – they’re critical

Martin Zagnoev, Johannesburg

We have all been profoundly influenced by our teachers. It’s arguably the most important profession, and has a direct influence on the world.

Japan, where teachers are considered an elite and are well paid, sets a good example.

In a perfect world, those who are accepted into this vital profession would be carefully screened, as is the case with psychologists. Only those who love children, are positive and well balanced, should be accepted.

As with psychologists, they should have to undergo ongoing self-improvement courses. However, existing teachers mustn’t be made to feel that they are being harshly judged.

In Grade One, we had a teacher who positively glowed with love towards us children. She was an old Dutch woman who had saved Jews from the Nazis during World War II.