Education – Being a teacher: calling, doubts and staying on

חינוך – המחנך: שליחות, ספקות והתמדה בעבודה

The Rebbe's guidance to teachers themselves — the calling of education, doubts and difficulties, and whether to continue:

A holy calling. Investing one's talents in education is especially important today (IK 3414). Educators carry unique merit and responsibility, and they must keep growing themselves (IK 8905). Graduates entering teaching should embrace both the privilege and the responsibility (IK 9527, 8849), and teach children according to pure Torah values (IK 6818).

Stay the course. When a teacher is positively influencing many children, he should remain in his place (IK 1764, 9865). There is a duty to continue in Jewish education, in the Diaspora and in Eretz Yisrael alike (IK 9298). Persist in holy educational work despite financial challenges (IK 6948), and don't cut teaching hours over salary disputes, since that harms innocent students (IK 3018). Use every opportunity, even vacations, to further the work (IK 5700).

When it's hard. Emotional ups and downs are normal, even for tzaddikim; a teacher facing self-doubt should keep going (IK 7131, 10274). Classroom difficulties often come from fatigue or misplaced expectations and can be remedied (IK 7556). A kindergarten teacher facing challenges should remember the great worth of teaching Jewish children (IK 9121). Never despair over an apparent lack of results — sincere efforts always leave their mark (IK 3809).

Training. Professional training for teachers is vital, but it must go together with an unwavering commitment to Torah and Chabad standards (IK 7193, 616, 8085, 9147).

See also: Education – How to teach; Emotional well-being – Self-confidence and feelings of failure; Jewish outreach – Opposition, setbacks and not seeing results.

Shiurim in this topic

1764. Remaining in One's Place as a Teacher and the Path to Yirat Shamayim הישארות במקום כמורה ודרך ליראת שמים

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1781. Surgery Advice, Timing, and Blessings for a Teacher's Health עצה לניתוח, תזמון, וברכות לבריאות מורה

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3018. Reducing Teaching Hours Due to Unpaid Salaries and Its Impact on Students הפחתת שעות הוראה בגלל משכורות שלא שולמו והשפעתה על התלמידים

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3809. Encouragement for Educators Facing Doubts About Their Impact עידוד למחנכים המתמודדים עם ספקות לגבי השפעתם

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3414. Choosing Between Counselor Work and Kindergarten Teacher Certification בחירת עבודה כמדריכה ותעודת גננת מוסמכת

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5700. Dedication in Teaching and Using Free Time התמסרות בהוראה וניצול זמן פנוי