THE mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. So says American author William Arthur Ward in his apt description of the different types of teacher found in classrooms.

THE mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. So says American author William Arthur Ward in his apt description of the different types of teacher found in classrooms.

Prompting the subject is World Teachers Day, which was marked globally yesterday to celebrate the contribution of men and women who have shaped - and still do - the lives of millions of learners around the world.

Depending on who one speaks to, many teachers proudly describe the noble profession as a calling deserving more recognition than is happening today, while others regard it as a mere job.

But, whatever perceptions about this important profession, teachers remain pivotal to the development of any nation whose vision is to become one of the best in the world.

The world needs more teachers than politicians.