No two days are ever the same in a teacher’s life. Behind every whiteboard and lesson plan lies a world full of surprises – quiet moments of growth, sudden bursts of emotion, and funny little comments that leave lasting impressions.
In honour of Teachers’ Day, we asked several educators to share the most unforgettable things they’ve learnt from their students – the stories that moved them, shaped them, and reminded them why they chose to teach in the first place.
Here’s what they had to say.
Muhani Missnan
This year marks my fifteenth year in teaching – a journey that has taught me as much as I’ve taught my students. The classroom may be where I deliver lessons, but it’s also where I’ve received some of life’s most powerful truths.
Teaching students from all walks of life has changed the way I parent. I’ve come to see how deeply a child’s home environment shapes their development. A loving, stable home builds confident children. But those who act out – often labelled as troublemakers – are sometimes just carrying silent pain, broken bonds, and unmet emotional needs.
Some of my most important lessons have come from these children. Behind many discipline problems is a quiet plea for love, attention, and a sense of belonging.
Even now, 15 years on, I still learn something new every single day – most often from the very hearts I set out to teach.
Maisarah Drahim
Over the years, I’ve witnessed transformations that still move me deeply. I’ve seen students who consistently failed their exams go on to pass their SPM – not just pass, but achieve an A and earn their certificate. Moments like these remind me that growth often happens quietly, until one day it blooms in full.
Some of my former students have gone on to pursue law, and a few have even become lawyers. Others have followed in my footsteps, choosing to become teachers themselves – with some specialising in history, just as I did. To know that I played even a small part in inspiring their paths is incredibly humbling.
To me, a great teacher teaches with sincerity. Teaching should never be treated as “just a job” – it is a responsibility, and one we should carry with gratitude. After all, we are given the rare opportunity to shape someone’s future.
And remember this: every bit of knowledge you share is a continuous source of reward. To be a great teacher isn’t only about knowledge – it’s also about having a heart truly dedicated to nurturing others.
Happy Teachers’ Day to all educators. You are truly amazing!
Nur Ain Sahari
One of the most surprising moments in my career was when a student burst into tears from sheer nervousness before performing on stage. I was just as anxious myself, but I stayed calm, comforted them, and offered words of encouragement. In the end, the student overcame their fear and pulled through bravely.
That moment taught me that we teachers don’t just teach our students – our students teach us to become better, stronger versions of ourselves too.
Salwa Narawi
As a teacher, I’ve come to believe one thing: everyone has the potential to succeed. Sometimes, students just need to realise that for themselves. They need to believe in their own abilities, have the will to change, and be willing to step outside their comfort zones.
I firmly believe that potential and success lie within each and every one of our students.
Sheila Hamsawi
Here’s one that made me laugh mid-lesson. I was teaching proverbs and asked my students to create a sentence using the phrase “bagai aur dengan tebing” (like the bamboo and the riverbank – a Malay proverb about mutual support).
One student wrote: “My friend and I went fishing – like aur and tebing – because I brought the fishing rod and he brought nasi lemak.”
I tried not to laugh and asked, “Why nasi lemak?”
He replied confidently, “Teacher, fishing needs energy. Teamwork is important!”
It had nothing to do with the actual meaning of the proverb, but I admired his creativity and confidence.
Students definitely have their own way of making us laugh – even if they sometimes give us a headache too!
