Elementary school teachers, high school teachers and university professors all make up the pillar of our education, because it is through their work, commitment and devotion that they impart knowledge to their students and encourage their development. Through this article, we aim to present to the wider audience two such teachers, whose careers show that working with children can, indeed, be a fruitful enterprise. In conversation with Mr. Uroš Mikić, a teacher of Serbian at the Mathematical High School in Belgrade, and Mr. Dragan Marković, a physical education teacher at Kosta Vujić Elementary School in Belgrade, I got the opportunity to find out their understanding and experience of being a teacher.
1. What inspired you to become a teacher and how did you start your career in education? U.M: Some of my own teachers, who showed me just how dynamic, creative and liberal this vocation is, gave me impetus. I have been working at the Mathematical High School since 2021. D.M: I have always loved doing sports and being physically active, so an opportunity to work with children in education is a continuation of my professional orientation, by working in sport and fitness clubs with sportsmen and recreationalists, with senior and junior categories alike. 2. What features do you find pivotal for a successful teacher to possess and how do you implement them in your own work? U.M: The readiness to continuously improve and learn, selflessness, honesty, benevolence, openness, inventiveness, enthusiasm, the will to lead and mentor and oratorical skills. I strive to influence the students by setting a personal example, because I think that people learn best when they have a role model. D.M: Devotion to and love of your job, patience and understanding that are necessary to work with children. 3. How do you maintain motivation and enthusiasm in the classroom environment? U.M: Students are the ones that motivate me and keep my enthusiasm at a constant level. They keep me awake and alert to jump into action through their interests and questions. D.M: Through personal example, by advising and praising the students for their work and devotion. 4. What methods do you employ in order for your students to develop a love for your subject? U.M: I attempt to employ a problem-oriented approach to the units and allow the students to form their own attitude and express it. My classes are virtually always dialogue-based, so I constantly tell the students to give me feedback. I take them out to various cultural and artistic events so that they could develop a love for literature, in addition to, of course, numerous extracurricular activities (sections). D.M: Again, through personal example (by being actively involved in completing a specific program), by giving detailed explanations of the required content, motivating the students and praising them for their efforts and devotion to mastering the material from the curriculum. At the same time, through conversation, examples from everyday life, both positive and negative. 5. How do you cope with stress and the demands coming with the profession of a teacher? U.M: Usually by doing a hobby, which is travelling in my case, most often. It serves the purpose of a vent, if you will. D.M: By reminding myself of the privileges of doing this job. Gratitude and trust that students express for me are the first thing I think of if I start reexamining my decision to follow this career path. Also, regular exercise helps me cope with stress at work more easily. 6. What is the most important lesson that you learnt in your career and how do you implement it today? U.M: That a professional in this job has to constantly tackle their own vanity, i.e. that they can say ''I do not know, though I will check'' when it is the case. D.M: Several lessons made an impression on me. Primarily, that you can do anything with effort and devotion. Then, that you should find a balance in everything, be ready to compromise and adjust to the situation, not do it by the book. 7. What is your outlook on the future of education and what do you think is most important for the future generations of teachers? U.M: The education system needs a radical reform in the direction of a more direct application of knowledge. Students need to be better prepared for life in the modern era, which is something that schools should offer them in the basics. D.M: Developing technology and new life habits greatly influence the future of education. It is important to follow all the segments as they develop, but also to adjust the contents of the curriculum to the needs of the students and life as a whole. I think that education is headed in a bad direction and that the society needs to wake up and take into its own hands the most important thing for developing the nation and to give back the education of children to the people who are competent and who have chosen to do this job. We thank Mr. Mikić and Mr. Marković for their time and efforts that they put into their jobs, for the support that they provide for the students, and for being an inspiration to all who want to work in education. Author: Tara Stefanović
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