Teacher is a prestigious profession. There is also a saying: "being a teacher is a hero of the heart". We talked with one of our veteran teachers, Maira Kenebayeva, who has been teaching English at kaznu college for more than 17 years, who has achieved long – term fruitful work in the field of education and great success in teaching and educating the younger generation, was awarded the badge "excellence in education" and the medal dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the University.
- Maira Akhanbayevna, how did you come to the path of teaching? By heart or by accident?
- Frankly, as a child, I dreamed of becoming a model, but I could not treat it as a profession. Growing up, I chose to teach, imitating the Russian and English teacher who taught me. The teachers especially liked the way they behaved and communicated with their students. In general, my teaching experience is 45 years. I first started my career as a senior mentor, teacher at the music school for gifted children named after the founder of Kazakh professional music, composer, academician Akhmet Zhubanov. Later, I worked as the head of the boarding school, deputy director for education. Since 2006, I have been teaching English at kaznu college.
– In an age of changing values, in your opinion, who is a teacher and what should be?
If the strength and beauty of a house’s foundation depend on the architect’s hands, then a child’s future is in the hands of the teacher; therefore, I would call a teacher a spiritual architect. The fate of a socially developed country lies in the hands of educated and well-brought-up youth, and in this case all responsibility falls on the teacher. Thus, I believe that the level of well-being and quality of life of the world’s population largely depend on teachers.
To be a teacher means not sparing one’s time and cherishing the happiness of others. A person who devotes themselves to teaching will be respected and honored throughout their life. A true teacher is able to love another’s child and shows sincere care for their future and happiness. As Abu Nasr al-Farabi said, “Education without upbringing is the worst enemy of humanity”, therefore every teacher must combine moral education and knowledge as inseparable elements. Laziness, arrogance, and cruelty are alien to the teaching profession; they belong to those who choose it not out of love, but merely to satisfy the necessities of life.
– Is there a difference between former students and current ones?
- There are no changes in the physiology of children of the past and the present. Now life and consciousness have changed. Modern children are very free, versatile, perceive information very quickly. Independent citizens who have developed inner freedom, are able to express themselves freely, have a culture of self-search and discussion, are passionate about news, are businesslike, respect and cherish national and public values, and are able to withstand any hard forces for independence.
– How should young people choose a profession?
- It is better to choose according to the abilities and inclinations. For example, being an artist, poet, musician is an art that comes with blood, a person cannot draw on his own and become a poet. And if there were people of this profession in the family to master the professions of a teacher and a doctor, it would help their child not to make a mistake in choosing a profession. I mean, these specialties are taught at the University for four years, and moral qualities are transmitted by Mother's milk. In addition, I think that there will be a lot to learn from the people of the profession in the family.
- As a veteran, a great teacher, what would you say to young teachers?
- It is better to do everything according to the wishes of the heart, because each work has its own difficulties. It is better to never give up and work without counting on time to enjoy the fruits of your desired profession. After all, before you are the most valuable owners of our life, the future of our country, our young prosperity. Therefore, I would like to say that they are not only imbued with modern knowledge, but also love with your heart and take part in the education of our Kazakh identity.
- Thank you for the conversation.
Interviewed
Gulzhan Idrisova,
Deputy director for educational work of KazNU college
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