Teachers, teachers and professors form the pillar of our education, because with their work, commitment and dedication, they share knowledge with students and encourage them to develop. With this article, we want to present to a wider audience two such professors, who show through their work that working with children can be extremely fruitful.
In a conversation with professors Uroš Mikić, professor of the Serbian language at the Mathematical Gymnasium and Dragan Marković, physical education teacher at the "Kosta Vujić" Elementary School, I had the opportunity to learn their views and experiences about the teaching profession.
1. What inspired you to become a professor and how did you start your career in education?
UM: I was inspired by some of my professors, who showed me how much dynamism, creativity and freedom this vocation can offer. I have been working at the Mathematics High School since 2021.
DM: 1. I primarily love sports and physical activity from the youngest days, and the opportunity to work in education with children is a continuation of my determination, through work in sports and fitness clubs - with athletes and recreationists, both with seniors and in younger categories.
2. What qualities do you consider the most important for a successful professor and how do you apply them in your work?
UM: Willingness to constantly improve and learn, selflessness, sincerity, benevolence, openness, inventiveness, leadership and mentoring spirit, enthusiasm, public speaking skills... I try to influence my students by personal example, I think the best way to learn is by modeling.
DM: Dedication and love for work, patience and understanding, which are necessary in working with children.
3. How do you maintain motivation and enthusiasm in the classroom?
UM: It is the students who motivate me and keep my enthusiasm at a constant level. They always keep me awake and ready for action with their interests and questions.
DM: By personal example, advice and praise for the work and dedication of the students.
4. What methods do you use to make students develop a love for your subject?
UM: I try to approach the teaching units with problems, to let the students form a personal attitude and express it. My classes are almost always dialogic, and I constantly require feedback from my students. I take them to various cultural and artistic events in order to develop their love for literature, and there are, of course, numerous extracurricular activities (sections).
DM: Also by personal example (active participation in the implementation of the assigned program), detailed clarification of the required content, motivating students and praise for effort and commitment in order to master the material. At the same time, through conversation, examples from everyday life, both positive and negative.
5. How do you deal with the stress and demands that come with the profession of an educator?
UM: Mainly through hobbies – and these are usually trips. They serve as a kind of "valve".
DM: By recalling all the privileges of practicing this calling. The gratitude and trust shown to me by the students is the first thing that comes to my mind, if I start to reconsider my decision to do this job. Regular exercise also helps me cope with stress at work.
6. What is the most important lesson you have learned throughout your career and how do you apply it today?
UM: That a professional in this job constantly has to deal with his own vanity, that is, to be able to say "I don't know, but I'll check" when that's the case.
DM: Several lessons made an impression on me. Primarily, that everything can be achieved with effort and dedication. Then, it is necessary to find a balance in everything, as well as the willingness to compromise and adapt to the given situation, and not blindly follow the instructions from the "textbook".
7. How do you see the future of education and what do you think is most important for future generations of professors?
UM: The education system needs a radical reform, in the direction of more practical application of knowledge. Students should be better prepared for modern life, and this is something that the school must offer, at least in the basics.
DM: The development of technology and new lifestyles greatly affect the future of education. It is necessary to monitor the development of all segments, but also to adapt the content to the needs of students and life as a whole. I believe that education is going in a negative direction and that it is necessary for society to wake up and take the most important thing for the development of the nation into its own hands and return the education and education of children to people who are competent and who have chosen to do this profession.
We would like to thank professors Mikić and Marković for the time and effort they put into their work, the support they provide to students, and for being an inspiration to everyone who wants to become a teacher.
Author: Tara Stefanovic
