The Privilege of Being a Teacher

“So, here we are…” another academic year is almost upon us here in Bahrain.

I had not planned this article. But yesterday evening, I was walking my dogs at the usual time when I heard someone call my name. A student I had taught last year stopped his car and ran over to greet me. He had spotted me walking and simply wanted to say “hello”. I introduced him to Mr. Bear and Mr. Charlie as he ruffled them and told me about his summer holidays and travels. It was only a short few minutes of interaction, but it reminded me just how much I have missed my students over the long, hot, humid summer.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa recently described Bahraini youth as “a source of pride and a beacon of hope.” They really are. As I continued my walk home, I found myself thinking about those words. Young people are curious, vibrant and full of possibility. Their job is to cause disruption and bring energy and optimism into our lives. We need it. Their energetic attitude reminds us that the future is constantly in motion and is being shaped by a new generation.

But hang on a minute…. us “oldies” have plenty to offer. Our experiences and what we have lived through are valuable assets to share. Our mistakes and accumulated perspectives are special. None of these things can be downloaded or studied. Nope! Teachers bring real life into the classrooms. I suppose the real magic of university classrooms is that learning is a two-way street. I know I leave each class having learned something new.

Teaching, for me, is a passion. I enjoy the noise, the energy, the random questions, the laughter, the arguments, the exhaustion and even the repetition. Sometimes, I look around and wonder if anyone has listened. Other times, I wonder if nothing was absorbed because I had not presented the subject matter well. So, repetition is part and parcel of a learning environment. The battle for attention is never-ending, but teachers are adaptable and we make it work. We work hard because we want the students to succeed and do our utmost to push them to achieve their potential. And that is what makes teaching so rewarding.

But over the last few years, so much in education has changed. In Bahrain, I find that learners at all levels are very technologically adept. In fact, I have learned a thing or two from my students. It goes without saying that we did not have endless digital resources at our fingertips. However, I am fascinated by all the possibilities created by technology. It is a completely different educational environment to the one we experienced, and when something is engaging and useful, it can be applied very well.

All these changes – but nothing is as important as the people. In Bahrain, none of us are frightened to enter any classroom. Students can be boisterous, but our young people are respectful and generally kind.

University teachers have the privilege of watching students grow into young adults and preparing them to go out into the world. From lacking in confidence, they discover who they are as they develop academically, intellectually and personally over the years. It is a wonderful journey.

To be part of that journey is a privilege.

While we prepare for the coming semester, I am thinking about the students. Each one is unique, with different interests, strengths, challenges and preferences. Some will speak confidently from the first day; others will take time to find their footing. Some will know exactly where they are going, while others will discover their direction along the way. Some will graduate. 

Every academic year is uniquely different.

Our work involves preparation, planning, teaching, deadlines, marking and the occasional battle for attention. But at its heart, it is just about young people – the next generation.

I have missed every single one of my students.

And as the new academic year approaches, I am genuinely looking forward to hearing all their stories and eventually I shall once again be wondering whether they are listening.

I am certain it is going to be a fantastic year ahead. And I cannot wait to get started…..although I shall really miss spending my entire day with Mr. Bear and Mr. Charlie.

Good luck to everyone.

Nivs D

(Wednesday 26th August 2026)