We sometimes think that the teacher's impact is manifested in a grade a student obtains, a skill they master, or an activity they succeed in. But some outcomes happen quietly, in the heart of a student, and we may not know about them except by coincidence.
I remember an incident whose impact has remained within me for years. I was talking to my students about the virtue of honoring parents, and it was a casual conversation in the context of the lesson. One of the students raised his hand and I immediately allowed him to speak. He said with innocence and spontaneity: "Miss, I didn't use to love mom... and starting today, I have come to love her."
I stopped for a moment.
At first, I didn't know what to say. It was an ordinary sentence, but it made me pause and think for a long time about the meaning of being a teacher. Perhaps we do not always imagine where our words reach, and we do not know when a simple conversation can leave an impact on a student's life.
Ever since that situation, I began to look differently at educational distinction. Distinction is not only in the abundance of what we do, nor in the number of initiatives and activities. Distinction is sometimes in knowing a student better, giving them or preparing an opportunity for them, paying attention to a change in their behavior, or saying a word to them that they need to hear at that time.
Therefore, I believe that the Queen Rania Award for Excellence in Education experience is worth a teacher undertaking, even if they are not sure of the result. The award is not just a moment of competition or honoring; it is an opportunity for the teacher to reflect on their giving, look at what they do every day, and ask: What have I offered my students? What have I learned? And what can I do better?
A teacher may start the journey hesitatingly, but during it, they may discover that they have experiences and trials worth telling, ideas worth presenting and sharing, and an impact they didn't see clearly before.
And the most wonderful thing is that the experience does not stay with its owner. When the teacher shares what they learned with their colleagues, ideas move from one classroom to another and from one school to another, and their impact grows without us realizing it.
To every hesitant teacher, I say: Do not wait to be distinguished in order to step forward and take the experience of distinction. Take the experience, learn from it, and discover what you are capable and able to add.
For the award is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new awareness of our mission; it makes us reflect upon and review our impact, develop our giving, and share our experiences with others.
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about the journey of distinction is discovering and realizing that a teacher's impact does not stop at the boundaries of their classroom, but can extend to a student, a colleague, a school, and an entire society.
So do not wait for others to discover your distinction... Take the experience, discover your impact, and let your giving speak.
