The term “teacher” can be defined as someone who transfers or imparts

knowledge1. Transfer of knowledge can be done either by a professional or by a non-

professional, in a formal or informal setting as the case may be.

  Teaching is also a systematic presentation of facts, ideas, skills, and techniques to

students. Although human beings have survived and evolved as a species partly because of a

capacity to share and impart knowledge, teaching as a profession did not emerge until the 20 th

century. The societies of the ancient world that made substantial advances in knowledge and

government, however, were those in which specially designated people assumed

responsibility for educating the young2.

The prompting to acquire knowledge or develop the ability to perform new

behaviours in humans are the mandates of teaching and the responsibilities of the teachers.

It is common to think of learning as something that takes place in school, but much of

human learning occurs outside the classroom and the teaching is done most of the time by

non-professionals. Before humans get to the age of schooling, as kids they learn to walk, talk, and

use their hands to manipulate toys, food, and other objects. They use all of their senses to learn

about sights, sounds, tastes, and smells in their environments. They learn how to interact with their

parents, siblings, friends, and other people important to their world, even before they get into

school. It is however, expedient to note that people continue to learn throughout their lives 3.

At this point I humbly submit that the ability to teach and impart knowledge is innate

in man. However, for the purpose of professionalalism and proficiency some level of training

is required. Therefore teachers are born and made and made as well.

1
Microsoft® Encarta® "Teacher." : Microsoft Corporation, 2008.

2
Ryan, Kevin. "Teaching." Microsoft® Encarta® 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008 .

3
Mazur, James E. "Learning." Microsoft® Encarta® 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.