You must dress as a teacher. Your khaki shorts, your white shirt, your black shoes and socks. When students see you, they will be convinced that it is a teacher coming
Related Content
Charles Baako Kweku Nyatsui Moses has expressed concern about what he describes as declining standards in Ghana’s teaching profession, comparing modern teachers with educators of his generation.
The 99-year-old educator said teachers in his time were respected because they demonstrated discipline, professionalism and commitment to their work.
“In our days, when you say this is a teacher, this man is a school teacher,” he said.
According to him, teachers were easily identified by their appearance and conduct.
“You must dress as a teacher. Your khaki shorts, your white shirt, your black shoes and socks. When students see you, they will be convinced that it is a teacher coming.”
Mr Moses said teachers commanded respect because of the way they carried themselves both inside and outside the classroom.
He, however, expressed disappointment about some current practices within the education sector, particularly examination malpractice.
“Currently, very few of the people who teach are real teachers. I’m telling you the truth,” he said.
He argued that some educators and students have shifted focus from learning to finding shortcuts.
“When questions come, instead of allowing them to learn at home or learn at school, they leak the questions.”
Mr Moses, who taught during Ghana’s early post-colonial era, believes restoring professionalism and commitment among teachers is necessary to improve the country’s education system.
“Unlike our days, when you say teacher, you know this is a teacher,” he added.
