In the classroom, the sound we know best is the teacher's voice — clear, steady, and always guiding the students. Teachers speak mostly about lessons, verses, theorems, and formulas. They seldom talk about themselves. Why did they become teachers? How do they deal with the changes and constants of education? And what are the appeals of teaching as a lifelong profession?

This Teachers' Day, through "Teachers Talk", our first YCYW podcast this year, we give the microphone to three teachers.

They shared stories of career transitions, personal journeys, and reflections they wouldn't normally discuss in their classes.

"After teaching for long time, you see the individual persons—and learn how to nurture a person."

"Teenagers are incredibly funny, creative, and energetic—it's an honour to work with them."

"You must keep growing, stay curious, so students can see that life can be wonderful and that knowledge is worth aspiring to. If you are a dull person, that's a problem—the students won't want to study with you."

"The perspectives of the students about the world refresh and renew us as adults."

Timeline

03:46 

What inspired us to become teachers?

07:53

There must be something in the DNA of the school, either ECE or primary level, that just produces nice people.

11:07

Is there any profession where every bit of effort you put in is truly valued? Teaching is exactly that.

11:36 

What kinds of culture shocks did you experience after joining YCYW?

19:00

Gen Z and Gen Alpha students: How can we create meaningful learning experiences both online and offline?

26:45

A lesson is like an orchestra. Every child plays differently.

34:06

After teaching for long time, you see the individual persons—and learn how to nurture a person.

34:55

With the rise of AI, what does it mean for teachers?

39:40

One final question: What does it mean to be a teacher?