Chinese say, “It takes 10 years to shape trees, and 100 years to shape people.” To shape people is to educate them. In doing so, the government must think very long-term. Only educated parents and teachers will generate better educated children. Therefore, to shape the whole population, it takes generations.
NBC is airing a series called “Education Nation.” It explores various ideas and experiments that promise better results. One theme was clearly missing: how to re-build the respect for teachers.
I grew up surrounded by family members who devoted their entire adult lives to teaching, many elementary school teachers and some college level professors. Almost year-round, there will be former students visiting the house. They drop by or call first. They chit-chat about the good old times and basically just pay their old teacher a visit. During the holidays, the house will be like a revolving door. Batches of students came and went, stayed for meals, left seasonal gifts, then went out for their own partying. One thing was clear, the only reason for them to come was their gratitude and respect. Their teachers shaped them into better adults and changed their lives. They owe their successes to their teachers.
This level of respect, far more incentivizing than money, does not exist in the US. In China, or generally Asia, a teacher will be proud to declare, “I am working on a hundred-year enterprise.” His impact on this world is far more profound than other more material pursuits. This pride is also lacking in the US. The joke is, “those who can’t do, teach.” Instead, it should be, “those who are the best, teach.”
In nearly all major cities in China, you can find a shrine with a Confucius statue. He was recognized, universally by all Chinese, to be The Teacher, not to be confused by the philosophy he represents.
Get people to respect teachers first. That is the first step to shape the people.