"Beyond teaching, the formation of criteria and integrity; World Teachers' Day is celebrated every October 5 since 1994 to commemorate the ILO and UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers (1966)"
My time at the Colegio Francés Hidalgo in Mexico City was marked by the invaluable presence of great teachers who, more than just transmitters of knowledge, became true mentors, guiding me through the fascinating universe of literature, science, and history, awakening in me a passion for learning that lasts to this day.
From elementary school through high school, I was fortunate to find enthusiastic teachers who sparked my curiosity about literature, science, and history.
Figures like Ismael Tapia Díaz, founder of the Colegio Francés Hidalgo, who, with his entrepreneurial spirit and his mastery in mathematics, inspired us to reach our full potential.
Or Marco Antonio Pérez de los Reyes, a true scholar and popularizer of Mexican history, who taught us to question myths and build our own criteria based on the truth.
I fondly remember a high school logic and ethics teacher who taught me an invaluable lesson.
After a presentation I gave, he pointed out an error in the information I had shared. With the confidence of youth, I argued that the information came from a reliable book. His response, in that distant 1978 when information sources were limited to printed books, shocked me: "The book is wrong!"
To my bewilderment, I asked my professor how I could now discern the veracity of information in a world where books were considered unquestionable sources of knowledge.
With a smile, he replied: "That, Mr. Erdozáin, is called judgment, which you will be able to develop when you read many and diverse authors."
That experience left a deep mark on me and taught me the importance of cultivating critical thinking and not taking anything for granted.
Great teachers, like that professor of logic and ethics, do not limit themselves to imparting knowledge. Their work transcends the classroom, forming people of integrity, capable of distinguishing between good and evil, of critically analyzing information and of resolving the ethical dilemmas that life presents. Dilemmas that, as we well know, do not have a unique solution and that demand deep reflection based on integrity.
True education goes beyond memorizing data; it is about forming integral people capable of making responsible decisions and building a better future.
Great teachers are those who inspire, who guide, who challenge their students to think for themselves and to build their own path based on truth and justice. Their legacy transcends the classroom and lives on in the lives of their students, who, in turn, become agents of change in society.
More than a teacher, a mentor: the guide that makes the difference
In today's world, where information flows in torrents and technology advances by leaps and bounds, the role of the educator is redefined. It is no longer enough to transmit knowledge, to be an expert in the subject or to follow the curriculum to the letter. Today, more than ever, we need teachers who are true mentors, guides who accompany their students on the path of life.
What makes a mentor teacher?
A mentor teacher is someone who goes beyond traditional teaching. He or she is genuinely concerned about the comprehensive development of his or her students, inspiring them to grow not only academically, but also as individuals.
Keys to being an inspiring mentor:
Cultivate integrity, fostering in students the importance of acting ethically and morally, always seeking the common good and justice. Being a living example of these values.
Guide in the search for purpose, helping students discover their passion, their reason for being, and align their actions with their values and aspirations.
Promote comprehensive well-being, encouraging physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health care. Creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
Inspire contribution to society, motivating students to be active and engaged citizens who seek to leave a positive mark on their community.
The impact of a mentor:
A mentor can make all the difference in a student’s life. They can be that figure who inspires confidence, who motivates students to overcome obstacles, who sparks curiosity and a love of learning. A mentor can plant seeds that grow into a bright future full of purpose and meaning.
Now I invite you to reflect for a moment:
What characteristics does a teacher have that you remember fondly?
How has a mentor's guidance impacted your life?
What can you do to be a mentor to someone else?
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