Shifting attention away from the classroom constitutes a serious academic suicide. The quest for the right pedagogy is an interminable undertaking. Even highly trained teachers with a proven track record of producing high student learning outcomes should never make the grave mistake of sitting on their laurels. The lens should be focused relentlessly on the classroom despite the resurgence of distractions demanding attention. Complacency is an enemy. It is a self-inflicted problem, which, if allowed to creep in, can undermine an otherwise glittering teaching career.
To stay on top, successful teachers should continue to adhere to the basics of teaching while adjusting and upgrading their pedagogical skills to suit different circumstances and emerging environments. Granted, there is no denying the fact that situational constraints, not of their making, can frustrate the best efforts of classroom practitioners. Poor school governance, limited or absent incentives, and a shortage of critical teaching and learning inputs can be overwhelming challenges that undermine the morale of many classroom practitioners. But classroom practitioners who are ever conscious of the need to guard against reputational damage always strive to keep their heads above water amidst adverse circumstances. A winning mentality keeps them going and striving for perfection.
