Photo by [The Times of India]
Centurion – Celebrating teachers and educators only once a year seems mighty unjust. Primarily since they work diligently throughout our children’s lives to provide quality education, sometimes with limited resources. Gratitude for their tireless efforts, sacrifices, and accomplishments should be a constant sentiment from students, parents, caregivers, and the broader community.
With nearly 49 years of experience in the field, Mohammed Ameen Tajbhai has dedicated himself to the noble teaching profession, considering it a divine responsibility to serve humanity. As such, he believes it is fitting that we commemorate, acknowledge, and hold educators in high regard for their remarkable work.
“That is what teaching is about. Where learners acknowledge their educators for all the hard work, for their passion, for their humbleness and whatever else we taught them.”
Teachers are not solely purveyors of knowledge. They also serve as role models, mentors, and friends. They are the architects and builders who lay the foundation for our society.
Even in times of darkness, they shine as guiding lights for young, inquisitive minds, instilling knowledge, values, and principles in the hearts and minds of future generations.
Mr Tajbhais’s Illustrious Career
Mr. Tajbhai, affectionately known as Uncle Ameen by some, currently holds the position of Deputy Principal at Central Islamic School. Much like those who came before him, his education journey was inspired by the exceptional teachers he encountered during his school days.
He fondly describes these teachers as individuals brimming with passion, tenderness, care, and a deep empathy towards their students. Witnessing their dedication and positive influence on him, Mr Tajbhai felt a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners.
As a testament to his character, Fatima Hayat, a former student who has since become a Human Resource Manager at Glencore and earned recognition as one of the Global Top 100 Women in Mining in the UK for 2022, attests to the profound influence of Mr Tajbhai’s values on her professional career and leadership role.
“I just wanted to use this opportunity to say I am where I am today because of the way you taught us to be human first and then leaders in our own right.”
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Parting Wisdom and Advice to Educators
Throughout his career, Mr Tajbhai has witnessed the education system’s evolution and the accompanying challenges it has brought about.
Regardless of the transformations, he has consistently adhered to several principles, maintaining an open mind and embracing change, approaching each situation with the curiosity of a novice, and remaining steadfast in his commitment to being humorous, mindful, and respectful when interacting with students, by empowering them through engagement, discussion, and inclusivity.
Consequently, he guides fellow educators, urging them to follow suit. In addition, he emphasises the importance of thorough lesson preparation and effective classroom management while highlighting the significance of being receptive to the advice of more experienced educators.
“Remember the three C’s when you take up the profession. You must have care, you must be committed, and there must be conscience. The learner is in your care at school, adopt him as your own child, be committed to your noble profession, be conscious and responsible, spend extra time with underachievers, and give them expanded opportunities.”
