Teachers' Day is the right time to look at who our teachers and lecturers themselves remember most fondly as their role models, what makes a good teacher, what they enjoy most about teaching, and what challenges they face.
Asked what is the greatest lesson or knowledge that one of her own teachers or lecturers has given her, apart from academic knowledge, Aet Toots, lecturer in economics at EBS, says: "The most important thing that I have tried to take into my own teaching career by following a role model is, above all, enthusiasm, energy and a cheerfulness in sharing knowledge." She has succeeded very well, as EBS students who have enjoyed her lectures over the years can attest.
George Franchi, teacher of history, civics, and geography at EBS High School answers a question what qualities make a teacher unforgettable. “The natural attributes of charisma and charm certainly play their part. In addition to them is a passion for the subject in question. Students can see this a mile away. Finally, there is the presentation aspect of teaching. It is an art not unlike acting, which engages students and holds their interest.”
Jim Seltenrijch, lecturer and Head of Master's Studies believes that there is not one single quality that makes a teacher unforgettable, rather he would say that everyone has their own style. “When I look at the amazing teaching team that we have here at EBS, I see that all of them as individuals bring something unique to the classroom. For me personally, "unforgettable teachers” are those teachers that really inspired me during my studies with their passion. They managed to create new connections or provide new ways how look at things, no matter the subject. So perhaps an unforgettable teacher manages to transfer their passion to you while challenging you to explore something new.”
There are bound to be good times and hard times for teachers. But what truly delights a teacher? For Allan Männi, an Estonian language and literature teacher at EBS High School, the biggest joy comes from an intellectual conversation with a student, colleague, or another teacher that culminates in hearty laughter. He believes, “When one laughs, they understand. That's all that's needed.”
Aleksandra Kekkonen, sustainability topics lecturer at EBS remembers her funniest moment with students. “It was when we were having a lecture on "Greenwashing," the students' task was to make a greenwashing campaign for their business. They created the slogan "Green Diesel. So clean you could almost drink it" for their company and made an excellent presentation, which was also very funny.”
As a most humorous episode in his career, Jim Seltenrijch remembers teaching his first class at EBS. ”It was supposed to be a 90-minute class and I was through all my materials within 40 minutes. Mostly because I was nervous and talked a lot quicker than I should have, but also because I did not give enough time to the students to answer my questions or open for discussions. By now I have noticed that I am more on the opposite side of things, and very often find myself in the situation where I must remind the students that our 90 minutes are up.”
Merle Viirmaa, EXED Training Partner and Lead Trainer for the Marketing Manager Development Programme was asked about a favorite teacher or lecturer. On Teachers' Day, Merle fondly remembers her piano teacher, Hilja. She deeply appreciates Hilja's capacity to instill both understanding and love for music in her students. “Even when faced with a student like me, who perhaps wasn't a prodigious musician, Hilja showed patience and adaptability. Instead of pushing solfege lessons, she introduced me to music history and discussions, even taking me to concerts to nurture my enthusiasm. A truly exceptional teacher impacts the student well beyond the confines of the subject. Hilja Soone was one such teacher, always igniting a spark of curiosity and guiding me where to seek knowledge."
Jim Seltenrijch points out that it has probably been said way too often but teaching and learning is a two-way street. “To be a good teacher you always need feedback. It does not matter whether that is in the classroom by smiling or nodding, participating in discussion, or performing team tasks, but also after sessions in an informal chat or the official feedback forms. I am happy that at EBS we have created these feedback loops and I hope that our students will continue to help us in providing better education.”
While festive days are a time for celebration and joy, what challenges do lecturers face in their profession? Lecturer Marge Täks believes the most significant challenge for educators is adapting to our rapidly changing world and offering a learning experience tailored for the upcoming generation of experts and leaders. As the head of the Impactful Entrepreneurship programme, she faces this challenge daily. Marge sends her warmest wishes to all teachers, hoping they continue to inspire with bright eyes and unwavering strength!
Lots of different experiences, memories, and good wishes. However, surely we can all agree that it is a great fortune to have inspiring teachers and lecturers. Teachers sow seeds. We might not see their impact immediately, but eventually, they transform the world.
Happy Teachers’ Day!
