Teachers' day is a day that is celebrated to appreciate and honour teachers for their contribution to society as well as for imparting knowledge, guiding and shaping the minds and careers of students. In our country it is celebrated on July 6^th because that is when the first Male Teacher Training College (Escuela Normal de Varones) was founded by José de San Martín in 1822.

Teachers have an influencing role in the life of every student. They are like beacons of light, guiding us in the formative years of our life. What we learn from our teacher remains with us, throughout our life and if we are teachers, we have a tremendous responsibility towards our students.

 On this special occasion I would like to recall the teachers who helped me in shaping my life. My Biology teacher at school who woke up my curiosity for the unknown and taught me the importance of research; my teacher of English at Británico-at that time called ACPB- who was strict and disciplined and feared by many but loved by many more because with her “you really learned”. It was her- and it is a pity I do not remember her name now since she was my teacher during the summer holidays when I was still in primary school-who made me  believe I could learn and speak the language as well as she did.  Británico provided me with a role model- Pilar Ferreyros- and with long-life friends from whom I have learned a lot.

I think the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other profession and in my teaching career have been influenced by the following quote: “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers; but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” (Carl Jung)

I have not stopped being a student and as such I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. As a teacher, I am striving to become one of them.

Happy Teacher´s Day my dear colleagues!!!