Addressing a group of teachers and academics on the occasion of National Teachers’ Day on Tuesday morning, Ayatollah Khamenei drew attention to the issue of language, nationality and flag as an essential issue.
“We must revive Iranian and Islamic identity and national character in the children of the country,” the Supreme Leader said.
“Language, nationality and flag are among the basic and important issues. A student should be proud of being Iranian, which indeed is a source of pride,” he said.
The Supreme Leader commemorated Ayatollah Motahhari, saying he was a true teacher as he possessed all the characteristics expected of teachers in Iranian schools and universities.
“He had knowledge; he had commitment; he was precise; he persistent; he had discipline and order in his work. And thank God, his martyrdom was also a blessing for the country,” he noted.
“He himself reached high positions (martyrdom) and his works gained a place in the hearts of the society as a result of this martyrdom. I recommend that his writings and prepared lectures be read carefully, especially by teachers,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei also thanked Iranian teachers for their noble endeavors despite all the problems they face, especially in deprived areas. The teacher, he added, is in fact the architect of the country’s future.
In a piece of advice to teachers, Ayatollah Khamenei said they should see their pupils as their children. “During the lessons, promote faith, goodness, and decent human qualities in the students through your behavior, deeds, and words. Suppose they are your own children.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, he called for measures to strengthen public schools, so that those who do not have enough financial resources would be able to receive proper education. He also criticized instability in the Education Ministry, saying, “In the last ten years, five ministers and four caretakers headed the ministry. This is a strange thing.”
Exemplary teachers from around the country attended the Tuesday meeting with the Supreme Leader, held at Imam Khomeini Hussainia.
Iran marks its National Teachers’ Day in memory of martyr Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari, a prominent Iranian scholar and philosopher who was assassinated a few months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.