Common Mistakes Committed by Teachers

Introduction:
Teaching is one of the noblest professions and the status of a teacher is among the highest in society. There is no occupation better than imparting knowledge and no role more influential than that of an educator. However, this noble position demands sincerity, good character, sound morals and practical conduct. While teachers are not infallible, they are expected to remain cautious of mistakes and sins, because even small flaws in a teacher’s behavior can leave a deep and lasting impact on the moral, intellectual and spiritual development of students.

Below are some common mistakes that are often observed among teachers, particularly in educational and religious institutions. This list is presented as sincere advice and self-reflection, not criticism.

• Teaching without proper preparation or prior study.
• Arriving late to class or leaving before the scheduled time.
• Using mobile phones in class or engaging in personal activities such as reading newspapers, studying personal material, sleeping or writing articles instead of teaching.
• Ignoring students’ questions or becoming irritated when students ask questions.
• Showing favoritism and failing to treat all students fairly.
• Neglecting to take student attendance.
• Setting unnecessarily difficult examination papers.
• Using excessive or harsh physical punishment.
• Not properly listening to students when they recite or present lessons.
• Using abusive, insulting, or inappropriate language toward students.
• Oppressing or humiliating students by considering them poor, orphaned or weak.
• Mocking or distorting students’ names.
• Entering the classroom without greeting students and instead forcing them to stand as a form of respect.
• Revealing or leaking examination papers in advance.
• Failing to complete the prescribed syllabus or curriculum.
• Assigning unnecessarily difficult or burdensome tasks to students.
• Ignoring or violating the rules and regulations of the institution.
• Remaining absent from the institution without valid reasons.
• Remaining silent despite observing immoral or harmful behavior among students.
• Teaching a subject without having proper expertise or mastery in it.
• Neglecting institutional students while focusing excessively on private tuition outside.
• Resigning suddenly in the middle of the academic year for higher financial gain.
• Showing negligence in offering obligatory prayers.
• Intimidating students and constantly boasting about one’s own status or greatness.
• Treating institutional staff, workers or helpers with disrespect.
• Continuing to occupy the classroom after one’s allotted period, thereby consuming another teacher’s time.
• Creating noise, chaos or disturbance in the examination hall.
• Neglecting personal cleanliness and appearing in class with untidy or inappropriate clothing.
• Showing excessive or inappropriate affection toward students.
• Illegally taking money or benefits from students.
• Using intoxicants or addictive substances in front of students.
• Shaving, trimming excessively or cutting the beard (For Muslims).

These are some of the minor and major mistakes that are commonly observed among teachers. Educators should strive to protect themselves from these shortcomings and continuously work toward self-improvement. Teachers must become role models, ideals and sources of inspiration for their students. Good character, humility and kindness are essential, as students learn not only from words but also from actions and behavior.

May Allah Almighty protect us all from every kind of wrongdoing, forgive our shortcomings and accept the valuable services of teachers. Ameen.

~Drop your valuable thoughts.

Thank You~