Thank you, teachers

THE actions of dedicated teachers can go a long way towards changing their students’ lives.Here are stories of five teachers who have gone the extra mile to ensure their charges learn in conducive environments, receive quality education and in some instances, even make their dreams come true.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed as they have been nominated by their colleagues for Taylor’s College Rise Educator Award 2022.

TIRELESS and inspirational is how Mohammad Hazeem Azemi’s colleague described the 30-year-old.

The SMK Kuala Krau, Pahang, special needs education teacher goes beyond his call of duty to ensure his students experience joyful moments in their lives and achieve their dreams.

Haspura Abu Hanipah, who nominated him for the award, shared how Mohammad Hazeem had honed his autistic student’s skills, which enabled him to represent Malaysia at the Global IT Challenge For Youth With Disabilities 2021 competition held in South Korea. The shy student who was often bullied by his peers was recently conferred the OKU Student Icon award in the Temerloh district.

Mohammad Hazeem also saw to it that his student with cerebral palsy unlocked his dream to fly on an aeroplane. He funded the boy’s tickets and expenses for a trip to Langkawi.

“What’s even more rewarding was that he also brought his other students to join in on the adventure,” she said.

FONDLY known as Cikgu Mi, Mohamad Huszaimi Husin is often dubbed the epitome of hard work by those who know him.

His classes are enjoyable and accessible, especially for students with learning disabilities.

The SMK Tanjong Bunga, Penang, teacher specialises in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and educates students who are dyslexic, autistic and slow learners, and have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Down’s syndrome, to be proficient in using a computer.

“Cikgu Mi’s efforts to help his students embrace technology enabled them to familiarise themselves in a social world where the Fourth Industrial Revolution will influence their future undertakings,” said nominator and colleague Ahmad Shahmil Akhbar Ali.

WHEN Liang Pek Kue’s kindergarten was labelled as a “special needs centre”, it affected the centre’s enrolment.

But this did not bother Liang, the principal of Tadika Little Leader in Perak, as she believes it is her responsibility to help as many children as she can.

Her friend and employer Shu Ping Hock said Liang’s love and care for her students bolstered her passion and determination to learn about children’s psychological development.

“She read and took up many courses to inspire success for her pupils and provide them with the same access and inclusivity as the rest of their peers,” she said.

FIERCE but soft-hearted, Saifulnizan Che Ismail has sacrificed his time, energy and money to help raise his school’s reputation.

Posted to SK Raja Bahar in the small town of Kota Jembal, Kelantan, he introduced innovative methods to transform his school, including conceptualising its digital classroom, which received an award for best use of virtual learning environment (VLE) in 2015 at the state level for primary schools.

His colleague Lutfi Lokman Look said the Mathematics and ICT teacher was also named the most inspirational teacher in 2018 at the 1Bestarinet Teacher Award for his contribution to the leadership of 21st century education.

“A math whiz and tech enthusiast, Cikgu Saifulnizan’s students were also reported to be highly engaged in his classes due to his hands-on approach .

“He often uses technology such as augmented reality in their lessons.

“He went above and beyond his teaching duties to create the school’s Digital Hub to produce creative students in digital innovation and robotics.

“As a result, the students presented their project titled ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ in Rome, Italy, in 2019 and in Singapore in 2020,” Lutfi shared in his submission.

EDUCATION equality and equity is always on Tan Teng Wai’s mind.

His colleague Tan Zi Yang said this is particularly because SJKC Cameron, Pahang, pupils have fewer learning resources and educational opportunities, and poor technology and digital infrastructure compared to their peers in urban areas.

With digital transformations influencing the way people work, learn and live, Teng Wai rolled up his sleeves to ensure his pupils gain the same opportunities as their urban friends and pursue a rewarding career and meaningful life when they graduate from school.

“So, he prepared academic websites and programmes to cultivate their talents and performance, engaged them in various contests to develop their skills and offered educational trips to broaden their horizons.

“During the pandemic, he cooperated with non-profit organisations to provide financial aid and laptops for underprivileged pupils and improved the quality of school facilities like the classroom, library and laboratory to ensure a comfortable, well-equipped, modern learning environment,” said Zi Yang.

An acronym for Remarkable Impact in Student Education, the Rise Educator Award aims to celebrate and honour exceptional educators who have made an outstanding contribution to their students’ education in the classroom and social development, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The winner and the nominator will take home RM5,000 and RM500 in cash prizes, respectively, and Taylor’s College will also sponsor RM10,000 to the school of the Rise Educator of the Year winner to enhance its facilities.

The winner will be announced on May 21.