What is the most important job of a teacher? Is it the teachers’ job to teach students to solve complicated algebra problems? Is it the teachers’ job to teach students to conjugate verb tenses? Is it the teachers’ job to teach students to appreciate renaissance art? Yes, for sure, yes. But I believe that teaching is not only about expanding students’ knowledge base nor is teaching only about training pupils to perform skills for careers.

The most important job of a teacher is to teach peace.

Before and during kindergarten, we hope that little ones learn to share, to play nicely together, and to take turns. Hats off to all the kindergarten teachers who work tirelessly to instill cooperation in the minds and hearts of 5-year-olds.

During junior high, we hope that our youth are learning a sense of justice, a healthy respect for elders, and skills in communication with a team. Cheers for the teachers who work daily with often awkward youth as they grow into adults before our eyes.

During university, we hope that professors help students to pose arguments thoughtfully, to research before assuming, and to create texts and subtexts that promote a global awareness of all cultures.

Our world is full of conflict and war. Today I found these headlines on the BBC news website easily.

“Every Family in Ukrainian Village Affected by Attack.”

“Israel Orders Complete Siege of Gaze as Rocket Attacks Continue.”

“Thousands Flee as Armenia Says Ethnic Cleansing Underway.”  

(BBC headlines October 9, 2023)

If our children had teachers who taught peace, would we have such conflicts today? Yes, but we also might have more solutions to resolve conflicts before they escalate to destroying thousands of innocent lives.

Our children can learn about cooperation, empathy, and sharing from teachers.

Our youth can learn about problem solving, teamwork, and effective communication from teachers.

Our university graduates can learn about peace, negotiations, and creative solutions to the world’s conflicts.

Teachers are not the only people who create and teach peace. We all teach peace. But teachers can foster atmospheres and promote solutions for young people of all ages.

Be a part of a more peaceful world. Teach.

Author: Robin Gingerich, Ph.D., MA TESOL Program Director at LCC International University.