How teachers shape the lives of their students

What could solve the challenge of teacher shortages around the world? What inspires teachers to become teachers in the first place? How do teachers find a connection with their students? In this episode, Nina talks to Carlos Vargas, Head of the Teacher Task Force Secretariat at UNESCO. The Teacher Task Force was formed in 2008. Its mission is to fill the gap in quantity of teachers and quality of teaching, to provide equitable, inclusive and quality education for all. “We forget that the working conditions of teachers are the learning conditions of students”, Carlos says. He argues that motivation will suffer if teachers do not have good working conditions or believe they’re making a difference. Next, Nina meets Teemu Kuutila, a teacher of primary and middle school children in Jyväskylä, in the north of Finland. Teemu loves his job, and finds teaching very rewarding. He tries to be a good role model, he uses humour, and he brings personality into his teaching. “My advice would be to share about your personal life with the students. I've noticed that it has a tremendous effect”, Teemu says. Nina then talks to science teacher Hina Mahmood, in Bahawalpur in Pakistan. Hina takes an integrated approach to teaching science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), giving students projects that involve applying knowledge to real world situations. “I love my subject area and want to share that enthusiasm with my students”, Hina says. “ I chose this profession because teachers influence the thoughts, values, beliefs of the students, helping to mold the next generation of citizens.” Join the Teachers' Voices WhatsApp group and read the community guidelines . Guests and resources Carlos Vargas-Támez - Teacher Task Force website , resource centre , Strategic Plan , on YouTube , on X , on LinkedIn Teemu Kuutila - on YouTube Hina Mahmood - Roots Ivy International Schools on Instagram

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How teachers shape the lives of their students is an episode from Teachers' Voices by BOLD and Nina Alonso.

This episode is 27:43 long.

This episode was published on Jan 21, 2025.

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