Role of Teachers in Learning Skills Aligning with Emerging Technologies - Happy World Teachers's Day 2024

On this Teachers' Day, as we celebrate the individuals who mold minds and shape futures, we are reminded of a simple yet profound truth: teachers remain the bedrock of human progress. While technology revolutionizes workplaces and redefines how we live, the importance of teachers - the people who pass on knowledge and values, grows ever more vital. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, the Vice Chancellor of National Skills University Islamabad, offers a heartfelt tribute to educators within his institution and across the globe. His reflections underscore the universal truth that behind every success story lies the guiding hand of a teacher.

 According to the UNESCO "World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education. World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994."

 Prof. Mukhtar owes his life's achievements to the influence of both his parents and his teachers. "All that I am," he notes with humility, "is a testament to the lessons passed down by those who shaped my journey." This acknowledgment resonates with many, for regardless of our paths, teachers are the unsung heroes behind the development of our skills, character, and vision.

 According to Prof. Mukhtar, teachers' roles transcend barriers of religion, creed, or culture. In classrooms worldwide, teachers are responsible for nurturing not just knowledge but humanity's potential. In an increasingly divided world, this task is more important than ever. A good teacher does not simply impart lessons from a textbook; they inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and equip students to face the uncertainties of tomorrow.

 Yet, in the digital age, the role of teachers faces a unique challenge. With online courses, artificial intelligence, and algorithms taking over many traditional teaching functions, some might question whether teachers are still as necessary as they once were. Prof. Mukhtar offers a compelling answer: the more technology advances, the more essential the human touch of teachers becomes.

 Machines may be able to present facts and figures, but they cannot replicate human empathy, mentorship, or the ability to inspire. Particularly in technical and vocational education, in which Prof. Mukhtar's National Skills University operates, the relationship between students and teachers becomes all the more critical. The transmission of skills in areas like technology, engineering, or science is not merely about information; it is about honing a craft, learning the subtleties of problem-solving, and cultivating an innovative mindset. These qualities require instruction and mentorship — a role no machine can replace.

 According to the World Teachers' Day 2024 concept note "This year, the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession published a set of Recommendations that seek to strengthen the role of teachers in the transformation of education and to advance SDG 4. The recommendations highlight the need to review and enhance these normative instruments, and to transform teaching, through social dialogue, for a new social contract for education. This year’s celebration thus highlights the need to value the knowledge, voice, and participation of teachers in decision-making processes in education."

 Dr. Mukhtar urges today's youth to honor and respect their teachers. "Be respectful to those who guide you," he says, a call that transcends the boundaries of time and place. As we celebrate Teachers' Day, this sentiment is significant. In a world so often caught up in the rush for the next big technological breakthrough, we must pause and acknowledge that behind each innovation stands a teacher who helped make it possible.

 At its core, the celebration of Teachers' Day recognizes that teachers are the architects of society. They mold the minds that will one day shape the future, and no amount of technological innovation can diminish their role. Instead, precisely in this era of rapid change, we must recognize their irreplaceable value. Teachers, after all, are not just preparing students for today; they are preparing them for a future that none of us can fully predict.

 Prof. Mukhtar's tribute reminds us that teaching is not merely a profession; it is a calling. It is an investment in the next generation and in humanity's long-term progress. As we move into an increasingly digitized world, let us not forget to celebrate the teachers who, through their dedication and wisdom, ensure that our technological advances are grounded in human values.

 On this Teachers' Day, let us pay homage to the teachers who continue to light the path, reminding us that even in the age of machines, it is the human spirit that will always lead the way. Their influence, their wisdom, and their dedication are the true driving forces behind our progress, and they inspire us to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges we face.