"Those who can; do. Those who can't; teach."
This phrase first appeared in George Bernard Shaw's stage play, Man and Superman, in 1905. It means that those who are not good enough to do the 'real' work end up teaching.
However, at PPS, we have seen our teachers work faithfully and tirelessly to care for the younglings under their care. With more children spending at least 10 hours in a childcare/infant care centre each day, our preschool teachers do a lot more than teach. It is not an exaggeration when we say that preschool teachers keep our world running.
Being a preschool teacher demands not just their minds to create meaningful learning opportunities and interactions with the children at every turn, it also exacts a toll on their hearts - to choose to let their love for children spillover day after day.
Preschool teachers invest their words, energy and lives in children when the promise of fruit bearing seems so far away. They choose to be faithful even when it requires them to repeat the same phrases, same phrases and same routines day in and day out.
Preschool teachers invest their words, energy and lives in children when the promise of fruit bearing seems so far away.
Preschool teachers have grown to become our children's caregiver, friend and encourager. They are also our children's first-aider, facilitator, cheerleader and counsellor.
This is a tall calling. Our teachers' presence in the schools create a safe and loving space for our children to explore, grow, learn and play.
Hence, PPS sought to honour our teachers last week.
On the eve of Teachers' Day, a covert operation was underway to surprise the teachers at Presbyterian
Preschool Services. Across the island, staff from our HQ team drove around Singapore after the sunset to put up tassel curtains and "Thank You Teachers!" bunting.
We had hoped that when our teachers turned up for work on Teachers' Day, a smile will be brought to their faces. While this is a small gesture, we hope to convey our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all our teaching staff.
"Those who can't; teach?"
No, to that we say, "those who want to; teach."
