My Teaching Philosophy: A Few Words from Mr. Chebet Sayekwo Twaha

Today, I am proud to serve my former school in the capacity of Deputy Head Teacher. I feel at home here and I am happy to contribute to the betterment of my old school.
Indeed, TCA marked the turning point in my life. I owe my life to the teachers of TCA who helped me to grow and mature academically.
As a teacher and an administrator, I am proud to identify with other TCA teachers who stand at the most important point in the education process. As Cicero put it 2000 years ago, “the greatest gift teachers can give to their country is to instruct the youth”. This is our goal at Teso College.
Our school offers a unique professional service to the nation. We guide our students in the development of high ideals and a true appreciation of freedom. We help them understand the responsibilities of national citizenship and encourage them to develop the skill of clear and critical thinking. We contribute significantly to the character of the adults who determine the country’s future.
As teachers, we are on the educational front line. The most ingenious and inspired plans and the best array of instructional devices are of little avail if the teacher is ignorant, unskilled or indifferent. Knowledge is power. You need to know your work well in order to excel. We embrace the value of evolution by striving to be better individuals than we were yesterday. We encourage students to increase their knowledge and skills by becoming familiar with information technology.
Truly, it has been said that the quality of Uganda depends upon its schools. The tone and character of life in a country is conditioned largely by the quality of the schools. This depends primarily upon the quality of the teachers: their personal qualities, educational qualifications, professional training and the place they occupy in the school, as well as in the community.
As Henry Adams stated so well, “…a parent gives life but as a parent he gives no more; but a teacher affects eternity, he can never tell when his influence ends”. This is because the teacher plays an important role in shaping the habits, tastes, manners, and above all, the character of the students.
Our teachers are the backbone of society because we stand out among the illiterate and semi-illiterate people, becoming their friends, philosophers and guides. Teachers in Teso College are superior guides. Alexander the Great once said, “I owe my birth to my parents but my life to my teacher.” A good teacher kindles enthusiasm, fosters confidence and guides students to succeed.
To achieve professional efficiency as teachers, we must be dedicated to our jobs. Someone once said: “…there are joys in teaching that can only be attained by those who are sincere and steadfast.” Only those who have a genuine love for this calling will be able to do the job well. Teachers must continue to be students all the days of our lives. We must keep alive the flame of our minds if we expect to kindle the minds of our students. “Only a burning lamp will burn another lamp.”
We must be equipped with the weapons of originality and creativity; we must not be blind followers of text books. Teachers must possess a fair knowledge of the current affairs. We must be conversant with the subject matter and the new methods of teaching.
We in Teso College, being a centre of excellence, strive hard to live up to the expectations of our stakeholders (students, parents and the policy-makers). In so doing, we intend to surpass other schools, outdo our competitors, exceed the people’s expectations, and above all, be exceptional─even going the extra mile in service. I strongly believe that by continuing to use a collaborative team spirit, we shall emerge triumphant sooner rather than later.
For God and my country as we serve and obey.