If you want to impart knowledge and inspire others, you should consider teaching. Being an educator is a life changing profession, for both the teacher as well as the student.

What is an educator? Broadly speaking, an educator is someone who teaches other people. Educators may have different job titles and roles; are experts in different fields or subject matter; work in different settings, and with different age groups and abilities. For example, educators work in schools as teachers and tutors; in colleges and universities as lecturers and professors; and in skill-based institutes as instructors.

What Does a Teacher Do?

In Malaysia, the two main areas of employment for teachers are government schools and private schools. Other than teaching according to the guidelines set by their respective schools, teachers have to establish a healthy relationship with students to ensure learning takes place. Also, they are responsible for meeting learning and development goals for their students and they record their progress constantly. In addition, teachers have to motivate pupils while instilling discipline at the same time. Besides that, teachers are obliged to take part in school activities and complete a slew of administrative tasks.

Training as an Educator

Training as an educator is dependent on what and whom you would like to teach. If you want to teach at government schools, you need to acquire relevant teaching qualifications (such as a Bachelor of Education specialising in the subject you want to teach) from recognised universities or enrol in a
teacher training college. The local Ministry of Education (MOE) regulates the admission and placements of teachers at primary and secondary levels.

For those who want to teach in private schools, a postgraduate diploma or degree in education is necessary. Graduates may secure teaching positions after getting their academic qualifications and fulfilling the requirements set by the institutions they would like to work for.

Generally, those who enrol in an education degree programme will learn basic educational theories, educational psychology, pedagogy, teaching methodology, and curriculum and course design, among others. In addition, students will have classes that aim to improve their communication skills, leadership skills, and presentation skills. A degree in education takes a minimum of three years to complete.

Personal Skills of a Teacher

The personality of an individual is key when it comes to being a teacher. Firstly, a successful teacher must have a passion for teaching and a positive outlook on life. Teachers who project this will produce a classroom environment that results in happy students. Next, individuals who aspire to teach must be prepared to perform multiple tasks including administrative duties in addition to teaching. Also, a teacher must have a creative mind as they have to come up with interesting teaching methods and adapt those methods to cater for students with different abilities.

Beyond Teaching in Schools

It is important to know that teaching as a profession extends beyond schools! For example, those who want to focus on English language teaching can opt for a degree in Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). English teachers can teach anywhere around the world in various settings. Also, those who have an affinity with children may take up a degree in Early Childhood Education and eventually teach in kindergartens and preschools.

Alternatively, graduates may take up teaching positions in skills-based training institutes and community colleges. After gaining teaching experience, individuals can try opening up their own childcare centres and private learning centres. Those with an education degree may also find employment as social workers or education consultants. In addition, those who wish to teach in a college or university need to pursue postgraduate qualifications in their area of interest.