Although it is difficult to work in a time of change, teachers should keep in mind that with their actions they create examples for their students, said Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs during the conference “European Union – in our everyday life and in our classroom”.
He said the president and the teacher set examples, but if all work is done only formally without listening to your audience’s opinion, there is little chance of gaining much respect.
“Right now you are showing to them the meaning of adaptation, learning at work, as well as shared problem-solving. These are the skills they will need regardless of which career path they choose, be they surgeons, “youtubers”, programmers or conductors,”
said Rinkēvičs.
The president praised teachers’ efforts to defend their rights. “I don’t think that by fighting for your and future teachers’ rights you will somehow fail your students,” the president told participants of the conference.
At the same time, he stressed that any job should receive fair pay, and the “game rules have to be clear and fair”.
Teachers should also fight for education content and quality, as well as giving schools “a safety rope” for students and education institution workers.
“Tell me about your interests! Not just for your own benefit, but also so that your students see what it means to be active,” the Latvian president invited.
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