Recently, I came across a reflective post by a teacher on a widely used social media platform. The post posed a seemingly simple question to fellow educators: “What gift do you most appreciate receiving for Teachers’ Day?” The comments section was soon filled with a mix of humorous and heartfelt replies, among which suggested practical items like brooches, pens, whiteboard markers, and reams of A4 paper.

For many teachers, the gifts are more of a necessity than a luxury. Others shared jokingly: “Please, not another mug. They always end up broken.”

Behind the humour lies a deeper truth about the teaching profession. Teachers live in quiet sacrifice and steadfast dedication. While the world may honour them once a year, their commitment is lifelong, and their true reward rarely comes wrapped in ribbon.

The Indispensable Role of Teachers

Teachers are, and have always been, among the most critical architects of society. They lay the foundation upon which knowledge is built, character is shaped, and futures are forged. Every doctor, engineer, policymaker, or community leader once sat before a teacher who guided their journey from uncertainty to understanding.

As the late Tan Sri Dr Abdul Rahman Arshad, a prominent Malaysian educationist, stated, “Education is the way out of poverty and ignorance. And teachers are the ones who open that path.”

Their influence is immeasurable, not only in the classroom but also in the enduring values and discipline they cultivate in their students.

Teachers Also Wish to Be Remembered

Despite their numerous responsibilities, teachers yearn for recognition not by receiving trophies or material presents, but through sincere gestures of gratitude and acknowledgement. A simple message of appreciation, a thoughtful gesture, or a student’s kind words can mean far more than any physical gift.

According to the 2024 Ministry of Education Malaysia report, over 70 per cent of teachers indicated that moral support from students, parents, and the broader community is their primary source of motivation. In an age of increasing pressures on educators, these small acts of appreciation carry substantial weight.

When Hard Work Bears Fruit

The recent release of the 2025 SPM results marked not only the achievements of students but also the tireless efforts of teachers who supported them. Improved outcomes among rural students and those with special needs illustrate a broader, more inclusive success story where educators have gone above and beyond to ensure equitable learning opportunities.

Equally inspiring are the moral successes emerging from many schools. One of the many widely shared stories tells of a student who treated the school’s security guard with profound respect, a reflection of empathy and integrity rarely seen in youth. Such character is not taught through textbooks alone, but shaped through a school culture grounded in ethics, often modelled by teachers themselves.

Teachers and the Reform Agenda

“Teachers as Drivers of Education Reform”, the theme of this year’s Teachers’ Day celebration, is both timely and significant. In the face of rapid social change and technological advancement, teachers are knowledge facilitators and agents of change. They play a vital role in implementing educational reform, adapting curricula, integrating digital tools, and fostering critical and creative thinking.

Nelson Mandela once remarked, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

Yet the power of education can only be realised through the hands of capable, resilient, and forward-thinking teachers. Teachers play a vital role in preparing students to face challenges with confidence and empathy.

Ultimately, the greatest gift we can offer our teachers is not found in tangible form, but in who we become: responsible and thoughtful individuals who uphold the values they imparted.

To all educators, your legacy lives on in your students’ success, kindness, and integrity. As we celebrate this Teachers’ Day, let us not simply offer words but renew our collective support for your invaluable role in national development. Your dedication is the cornerstone of a brighter future, and your influence resonates through generations.

Happy Teachers’ Day. May you continue to inspire, lead, and transform lives.

-- BERNAMA

Assoc Prof Dr Sazuliana Sanif is Deputy Dean (Academic & Students), Centre for Language Studies (CLS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).