If you make a list of the world's top ten most challenging jobs, chances are that being a teacher will not make the cut. But think about the discouraging task millions of educators face each day as they try to shape a group of often bad-tempered, wild kids into intelligent, well-rounded individuals. That surely has to be the toughest job in the world, especially given that there is no promotion or bonus awaiting them even if they are wildly successful!
What if these all-important individuals that we often take for granted disappear from our lives? That was what Project Ed and Participant Media's Teach campaign asked filmmakers of all ages to imagine in their recently-held competition. Entitled "A World Without Teachers", its purpose was to inspire more young people to become teachers. However, the 62 amazing video submissions also serve as a reminder of how horrible things would be if we didn't have these selfless individuals guiding us through life. What was interesting is that even the youngest participants did not appear to be happy at the idea of not having anybody telling them what to do.
High-school student Savannah Wakefield reflected if art as we know it today would have been different without teachers. Would Monet have discovered his talent for impressionism? Los Angeles-based Miles Horst, who won the 1000 USD prize for the best adult submission imagines a world where teachers are replaced by a "brain box" in his fun lively entry.
Youth category winner Marina Barham's video represents a fact we all know but often forget. Teachers don't just teach, they inspire—something that no electronic device, no matter how smart, can do! So the next time you think your teacher is being "mean" for trying to channel you in the right direction, imagine a life without him/her. We have a feeling it will not appear as rosy!
