What makes a teacher great?

“A teacher is one who transmits the Way, imparts knowledge, and resolves doubts.”

— Han Yu, On Teachers

This classic saying has always stayed with me and reminds me to reflect: Who truly deserves the title of “teacher”?

For me, anyone I have met who has inspired me in any of these three ways — transmitting the Way, imparting knowledge, or resolving doubts — I gladly call “teacher.” Whether a positive role model or a cautionary example, their words and actions deserve my study, reflection, and integration.

If someone’s words and deeds are consistent and they provide positive guidance, I believe they can be called a “good teacher.”

When Teaching Becomes Just a Job

However, in our fast-changing era, the role of “teacher” is quietly shifting.

In the United States, especially under the “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) political climate, teachers increasingly resemble corporate employees rather than educators. Hiring and firing emphasize efficiency and compliance, often entangled with office politics.

Being able to teach well is no longer the primary criterion — rather, being compliant is.

Taiwan is also experiencing similar trends.

Teachers face tremendous pressure from students, parents, and school administrations, and mutual trust is rapidly eroding among them all.

The Battlefield of Distrust in Education

Students fear unfairness from teachers; teachers fear complaints from parents; parents fear shirking of responsibility by schools; and schools fear media scrutiny and administrative repercussions.

The entire educational system feels like a battlefield of mutual distrust.

In such an environment, how can teachers quietly transmit the Way?

And how can students freely ask questions and have their doubts resolved?

My Vision of a Teacher

Perhaps precisely because of this disorder and chaos, I want to rethink the essence of teaching.

I often reflect: anyone who has ever inspired me by transmitting the Way, imparting knowledge, or resolving doubts — that person is a teacher to me.

That teacher might be a university professor, a casual friend who once said something meaningful, a role model who motivated me to be better, or even a negative example that warned me what not to become.

Both their actions and words — positive or negative — are worth learning from.

Of course, if a teacher’s words and deeds align and provide positive guidance, I firmly believe they deserve the title “good teacher.”

A Good Teacher is Like Water

I don’t believe a teacher must be a saint.

But if you choose to bear the title, you owe it your fullest respect.

What you transmit must be sincere;

what you impart must be wholehearted;

what you clarify must come from genuine care.

If you have gaps, you must learn;

if you have knowledge, you must share.

Never deliberately mislead, withhold, or hold back — that would betray the virtues of teaching.

I have always believed a truly great teacher is like water:

Gentle and unassuming, yet able to wear through stone;

Embracing all things without pride;

Nourishing the earth without claiming credit.

Teaching as an IT Professional

As an IT staff member in my company, I’m often sent to training sessions, and I also spend personal time after work learning new technologies and concepts.

My learning is never just about “getting by.”

I ask myself:

“If I had to teach this tomorrow, could I explain it clearly?”

I enjoy sharing knowledge. Whenever possible, I proactively give presentations to colleagues and help the team understand new tools or systems.

Even if I don’t get the chance to formally teach, I compile thorough notes and reports — not to check a box, but out of respect for the value of learning.

This is my way of practicing the spirit of teaching as an IT professional: not because of a title, but because I embrace the responsibility and honor it entails.

In That Moment, We Are a Light

Is teaching just a job?

Perhaps, within institutions, it often is.

But in my heart, as long as there are people willing to stand and transmit the Way, impart knowledge, and resolve doubts,

this profession still holds dignity and warmth as a calling.

We may not control how systems evolve,

but we can choose how we approach the role of “teacher” — with respect and sincerity, or with indifference and calculation.

In this era full of uncertainty and skepticism, the identity of “teacher” may be diluted.

But I firmly believe — as long as we seriously commit to transmitting, imparting, and resolving,

each of us can be a teacher in someone’s life.

Whether standing at a podium, sitting at a meeting table, or in that moment debugging code,

when you genuinely pass on what you have learned to others,

at that moment, we are a light.