How the teaching profession come to emerge

Answer 1

The teaching profession has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. Here is a brief overview of how the profession emerged:

1. Ancient civilizations: In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia, education was often reserved for the elite and taught by scholars. These educators laid the foundation for teaching by imparting knowledge and skills to their students.

2. Ancient India and China: In India, the Gurukul system emerged, where teachers called gurus would teach students in their homes. Similarly, China's Confucianism philosophy emphasized the role of teachers, who were respected as role models and guides.

3. Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, education was largely provided by religious institutions, such as monasteries and cathedral schools. Teachers were often monks or clergy members who taught Latin, theology, and other subjects.

4. Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods brought significant changes to education. The printing press made books more accessible, and scholars began focusing on humanistic education. Institutions like universities and academies started to emerge, formalizing the teaching profession.

5. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries led to the need for a more educated workforce. As education became more widespread, the demand for teachers grew. Norms and regulations for teacher training and certification started to develop during this time.

6. Modern education systems: In the 19th and 20th centuries, national education systems began to take shape. Governments established compulsory education laws, and schools were established as formal institutions. Teachers became an integral part of these systems and were trained in specialized teacher training institutions.

7. Professionalization of teaching: Over time, the teaching profession developed professional standards and organizations to ensure the quality of education. Teachers' unions and professional associations were established to advocate for teachers' rights and support their professional development.

Today, teaching is a highly regulated profession in most countries, with teachers required to undergo formal education and obtain teaching licenses. The role of teachers has expanded beyond imparting knowledge to include fostering critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and other key skills in students.