The Power of the Teacher

A teacher is not just the deliverer of information; a teacher is also a mentor, a guide, a motivator and hopefully a guru. For Mann to call teachers 'the governors of men' is not far fetched. Future teachers can prepare for a role in teaching through education in their area of expertise and through course work in teacher education program. However, it requires a certain mentality to teach. Being a teacher is much like parenthood. Teacher's need to know how to handle certain personal problems that arise in the classroom that only experience can prepare them for.

Being a teacher also requires a certain amount of flamboyancy. Teachers need to be sure of themselves and confident in their presentation. There is nothing worse than being the teacher of adults, some of which might be more successful than you, and not being able to present the information clearly or not being able to answer the student's questions. Teachers require charisma and this comes from experience and confidence, and it also a personality trait that some people are born with.

This requirement of charisma can be a dangerous trait that if not used properly can lead to not favorable conditions with the students. Not all teachings have been for the good of mankind. Governments have used education as political propaganda. Religious leaders have brainwashed followers through their use of education. It is when a teacher or leader has a very high charisma and a dangerous motive that trouble arises. For instance Jim Jones was a very successful teacher, motivator and educator, but due to his very high charisma among his followers, they followed him to their deaths due to his teachings that the 'day of reckoning is now'. The same is true of David Korish and the Branch Davidians.

Moreover, it hasn't just been religious leaders that have used education in troubling ways. Governments have a history of using education to fit their political purposes. The Nazi's, Japanese and American's propaganda in WWII is a prime example of the way education can forge an opinion of an entire nation. Stalin and Mao were famous for their re-education camps (if the student survived).