5 things teachers go through that goes unseen

Whenever I hear about a teacher's impact on someone's life, or when I think about my own teachers, the ones I still remember, communicate with, admire, and respect, I realize how deeply they have shaped me. I've been guided by them in more ways than I can count.

They have mentored me, inspired me, and helped me become who I am today. And interestingly, every single one of them has gone through one common truth- with great power, comes great responsibility. A line from Spiderman, yes, but one that perfectly captures the essence of teaching. Because teaching is not just about delivering lessons or completing the syllabus. It is an act of emotional labor, empathy, and responsibility that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Let's see 5 things that teachers experience on a daily basis!

1. Students become children

Whether or not teachers have children of their own, every student becomes "their child." Teachers care deeply about their students' well-being, progress, and growth, which lead them to be occupied with thoughts and work 24/7.

2. Academic growth is not the only benchmark for teachers

A teacher's attention is not limited to the first benchers or the visibly engaged. They look at every student, including the quiet ones at the back, and strive to understand what each child needs to succeed. They carry the invisible responsibility of ensuring no one is left behind.

3. Ensure safe space for students

Teachers quietly observe and navigate through their students' personal and academic struggles, often acting as mentors, counselors, and motivators, sometimes all in one day, altogether, and try their bests to ensure safe spaces for the students.

4. Ensure consistent and mindful behavior to students

Whatever you say, behave or do in front of your students, can be and is mimicked and followed. That is a very basic human nature, especially when the human beings are teenagers and their brains have started developing and forming core memories. So, teachers always focus on not specifically on what they are saying but how they are saying it. Because one harsh tone, one negative remark, one discriminatory belief and work, can break a student's self-esteem, self- confidence, and dignity.

5. Their work never truly ends

No two students ever learn in the same way. Every child has a different way of understanding, a different pace of learning, and a different story behind how they process the world. That's why teachers are always thinking, experimenting, and finding new ways to teach- new methods, new approaches, new ways to connect. For teachers who truly care, education has never been about grades or test scores. It's about growth- personal, academic, emotional, and social. It is about seeing their students become kind, confident, and capable human beings who can stand strong beyond the classroom walls. That is the real reward of teaching.

Tahiya Islam is Vice Chairman, Aim Initiative Foundation; Country Manager, Bangladesh HerWILL