In The Defense Of Teachers In Times Of Crises €“ Thoughts, Ideas, Opinions Regarding Teachers

The noble tradition that viewed the profession of teachers and teaching itself as an important service has lately been declining. Educators used to be considered a valuable human resource in guiding students towards a responsible future. The outbreak of coronavirus disease has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories. What we do know for sure is that it is transmitted through direct contact. Therefore, education premises have changed radically and so has the role of teachers. Measures taken by education institutions throughout the whole world tried to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 and consequently students and staff were lockdown. What is a teacher nowadays? This is the question that will try to find answers in this paper. Teachers assume the role of educators. Thanks to technology, they step backwards and delimit themselves from the role of authority they used to hold and become guides, facilitators, mentors and sometimes even supporters. Is it the time to adopt a different approach to teaching in general and teaching of English as a Foreign Language in particular? What is the role technology can play in education in the current socio-economic context? Does it throw shadows on the part played by teachers?