ABSTRACT
The chapter begins by waxing enthusiastically about the special role of the teacher in education. It then discusses the reality of today, which suggests that something radically is wrong. It argues that there are four factors operating against the success of teachers. The chapter notes how various educationalists see the role of the teacher; it then develops five ways in which the teacher can help to educate students: (1) being a role model, especially of commitment to the foundational values discussed in Chapter 4; (2) being alive to the present moment instead of feeling bound by what has been decided beforehand; (3) being relaxed about immediate results and adopting a common-sense attitude to assessment; (4) consciously seeking to counteract the insidious impact of the exam culture; and (5) teaching in a critically affirming manner which can include all the benefits of critical thinking but in a way which affirms the learner as a person. The chapter finishes with a plea to trust teachers, especially as the Digital Age can enable them to fulfil their real roles far more effectively.
