From Fear to Friendship: The Changing Role of Teachers

The other day, I was talking to my husband about how different school was when we were kids. Back then, teachers weren’t just authority figures—they were almost untouchable. We respected them, but there was also a sense of fear, a rigid boundary between us and them. You didn’t question a teacher, you followed instructions, and education was largely about memorization rather than understanding.

But now, when I look at my child’s experience in school, it’s a completely different world. Teachers today are warm, approachable, and deeply invested in a child’s emotional well-being. Many of them feel like second mothers and fathers, offering support beyond academics. They encourage curiosity, creativity, and dialogue. Education itself has shifted—rote learning is being replaced with interactive methods that make concepts come alive.

This shift makes me wonder about its impact on a child’s developing mind. Respect for teachers used to stem from a sense of authority, but now it comes from admiration, trust, and connection. Teachers still play a crucial role, just like parents and immediate family members, in shaping a child’s values and perspectives. But with this friendlier approach, children may feel more comfortable expressing themselves, asking questions, and seeing school as a safe, nurturing space.

I see this change as a welcome one. When a child feels emotionally secure with their teacher, they are more likely to enjoy learning and develop a healthy respect—not out of fear, but out of genuine appreciation. And that, I believe, sets the foundation for a more confident and open-minded generation.