How teachers shape the lives of their students

Podcast Learning & Education Education policy Education systems Learning environments

21 January 2025

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Teachers’ Voices Season 4 Episode 1

Author

Educational researcher and host of Teachers' Voices

Join educational researcher Nina Alonso for this podcast series as she shares powerful stories from teachers around the world, talking in their own words about their own experiences.

What could solve the challenge of teacher shortages around the world? What inspires teachers to become teachers in the first place? How do teachers find a connection with their students?

In this episode, Nina talks to Carlos Vargas, Head of the Teacher Task Force Secretariat at UNESCO. The Teacher Task Force was formed in 2008. Its mission is to fill the gap in quantity of teachers and quality of teaching, to provide equitable, inclusive and quality education for all. “We forget that the working conditions of teachers are the learning conditions of students”, Carlos says. He argues that motivation will suffer if teachers do not have good working conditions or believe they’re making a difference.

Next, Nina meets Teemu Kuutila, a teacher of primary and middle school children in Jyväskylä, in the north of Finland. Teemu loves his job, and finds teaching very rewarding. He tries to be a good role model, he uses humour, and he brings personality into his teaching. “My advice would be to share about your personal life with the students. I’ve noticed that it has a tremendous effect”, Teemu says.

Nina then talks to science teacher Hina Mahmood, in Bahawalpur in Pakistan. Hina takes an integrated approach to teaching science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), giving students projects that involve applying knowledge to real world situations. “I love my subject area and want to share that enthusiasm with my students”, Hina says. “ I chose this profession because teachers influence the thoughts, values, beliefs of the students, helping to mold the next generation of citizens.”

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Listen out for

Involving teachers and their organisations in educational policymaking.
Finding a connection with students.
Decorating classrooms with themes.

Find out more on BOLD

What’s your mission as a teacher? Reflecting on their mission and the fundamental reasons why they have chosen to become teachers in the first place may improve teachers’ occupational wellbeing and students’ education, says Anke Heyder.

What makes a happy teacher? (and why it matters to learners) Helping teachers thrive benefits students too, says Julia Mori.

What effect might a mass exodus of teachers have on students? Secure relationships with teachers have a positive impact on students’ learning and overall wellbeing, say Natasha Duell and Hannah Netschytailo.