The teachers interviewed by DW talk about the value of the education system and why they face challenges such as weaknesses: “We work for love, and even if you want to give up every day, you will find reasons to return.” Beatriz Valeria de Lima, a biology teacher for six years, responded to the question: “What would you say to a teacher who is at the beginning of their career?” Another 51 teachers from five regions of the country were asked the same question, and this paragraph summarizes what they said.
“We can't lie, it's a challenging industry”
All the teachers interviewed stated that they were more realistic about the role of the teacher in Brazil today.
“If it is for love, be firm in your professional choice. Whether for recognition, social or financial, do not have false expectations. At the end of the day, being an academic means facing the difficulties of social and financial marginalization,” he said. Nia Kawa, teacher for ten years.
In addition to demonetisation, Raoul Anderson, a teacher at Amaba for a decade, points out that the need to adapt to different student profiles and the pressure for results are the challenges they face.
“Be patient, experiences teach us to face everyday life in the classrooms, because it is very common for us to be surprised by the history or social status of the students or the weaknesses of the educational system. “he suggests. The newcomers are Johnson Fernández, a physics and mathematics teacher at Serkip for 15 years.
Alexandra, a history teacher on the Amazon Network for 16 years, offers valuable advice: “Be sure what you are doing and be prepared. Because reality is very different from what they drew in the academy.”
Why resist?
The challenges are many, but thousands of teachers face the profession and the motivation of most is a genuine concern for students.
Amanda da Costa, a mathematics teacher in Pará for four years, says: “Despite the challenges, it is important to remember that this is a transformative industry. Education has the power to impact lives and communities, and the teacher plays a fundamental role. It is a career that requires dedication, patience, and constant learning along the way, but also offers great emotional rewards as you watch students grow and succeed.
For Raoul Andersen of Amaba, despite the difficulties, the balance is positive: “The benefits are enormous: the opportunity to impact lives and shape the future and the constant learning that this profession offers. Plus, the relationship you develop with students can too. Maintain your passion for education as one of the most enriching experiences of your life and always seek your personal and professional growth.
Guilherme Lima, a history teacher for six years in the state of São Paulo, has a similar opinion: “Between the disinterest and lack of respect of some and the social and economic devaluation of others, the hope of making a difference in the “Life shines firmly and strongly, thus hiding most of the problems, despite everything, as a teacher, the good side of being is so good that, honestly, it is worth the effort.”
How to operate in business?
“Don't be stupid,” advises Professor Erika Fernanda, who has been working in the field of sociology for 14 years. I found that phrase very powerful. I myself, the author of this column, have visited countless schools in various states across the country and speak with teachers regularly. I have seen countless teachers who say that they are not as motivated and enthusiastic as they were at the beginning. It's a great shame, but understandable given the context. I think it is important to remember the reasons why you made the decision to become a teacher.
Jonas Gabriel, a sociology professor at Red Santa Catarina, advises a first-year student: “Let a creative desire and a perspective to protect public education be your guiding force.”
Maria Vittoria, a professor at the Sergib Network, confirms Jonas' statement and adds: “There are conflicts, obstacles and power relations everywhere. As a teacher, your dedication to education makes a difference. Let's not lose the revolutionary bias that we have. Let's fight for ourselves and for the many students who pass us by at graduation.
In the context of the psychological consequences derived from the challenges of the profession, Patricia Cristina, a biology teacher for 32 years in the Rio network, offers important advice: “Go to therapy in your professional school life and love it. business.”
To conclude this column I bring the speech of Professor Ana Carla, who has been working for 13 years. He wisely reinforces the importance of being innovative and active for first-year students: “Some advice I would give is to study a lot, never stop, be a research teacher, be a restless teacher, be a teacher who thinks about projects and know how to work collaboratively.” . . We will change professions only if we understand that through joint and collaborative work we can guarantee the quality of our profession. Don't isolate yourself.
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Vozes da Educação is a weekly column written by young people from Safeguarda, a community volunteer program that helps public school students enter university in Brazil. The founder of the project, Vinicius de Andrade, and students assisted by Safeguarda in all the states of the federation take turns writing texts.
This text was written by Vinícius de Andrade and reflects the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of DW.
