Heroes of the school system

SHANE MOHAMMED, who was voted male teacher of the year at the 2006 graduation of the Corinth Teachers’ College, is advising persons wishing to enter the teaching service, “for the salary and holidays alone,” to rethink their position.

Having taught at the ASJA primary school in Rio Claro in 2001, prior to entering college, Mohammed, a staunch Muslim, said teaching is a “noble profession” and those whose “ambition is to make a positive difference in the life of children should join the service.”

“One must be dedicated to the profession. The salary does not justify the work and time put into the service, as teachers always have to think of a strategy to encourage children to learn.”

Mohammed said he got into teaching because of his “morals, ethics, religious beliefs and love and admiration to assist children.”

He said as a child he could not understand the concepts taught, having only seen the rules, rather than how the rules were formulated.

At age 17, Mohammed said he decided to become a teacher to “help children in understanding the concepts and to ensure the transfer of learning takes place and long-term memory is achieved.”

He added that he wanted to make a difference in society, a goal which he hopes to achieve. Mohammed said he believes he is a good role model for students. He pointed out that students model the behaviour of teachers, and his character, leadership and communication skills, in addition to his spirituality, versatility, discipline and willingness to assist others, ability to listen and offer advice or comfort, as well as his openness to criticism, make him a role model.

Mohammed said he regards himself as an “imparter of knowledge and also an embodiment of what I teach.”

He said his success at college means a great deal to him, as “I am finally seeing the rewards of my diligence over the last two years.”

It was difficult at times, he noted, having to attend classes on weekends and public holidays. But overcoming the challenges is “very motivating and will increase my self-esteem, which I will use to help others to try to make society a better place where harmony, goodwill and relationship with others are instilled.”

Mohammed served as both Assistant Treasurer and Treasure of the Students’ Guild at college.

He also offered math lessons to colleagues who needed assistance.

He currently practices his religion at the Rio Claro ASJA Mosque where he works with youths and teaches Arabic. In his spare time, Mohammed enjoys playing football and cricket.