Dear colleagues,
In Slovakia and neighboring Czechia, we celebrate Teachers’ Day on March 28 as the birthday of the renowned educator and philosopher Jan Amos Comenius, who authored numerous inspiring quotes. On this occasion, however, I have chosen the one that I personally find most relevant to the present day: “Let us seek a way for teachers to teach less and students to understand more.”
Work in academia is certainly unique in that it combines the roles of an educator and a mentor, as well as a scientist and a visionary. It requires a great deal of time, patience, and the ability to balance one’s own research projects with the teaching schedule. The ability not only to impart valuable knowledge, but also to inspire students to pursue their own research and projects. We all surely feel that higher education today is undergoing a significant transformation. We face the challenges of the digital age, artificial intelligence, and the need for constant innovation in our methods.
We may have already found ways to “ease” the teaching process thanks to artificial intelligence, simulators, and other modern technologies. But even the most innovative technologies cannot guarantee that our students will magically understand everything. This responsibility still rests on the shoulders of teachers. I would argue that, especially in today’s dynamic world, we need teachers who will serve as a solid foundation for our students’ education. Guides who will show them how to use modern tools effectively and appropriately. Mentors who will teach them how to respond to change and navigate a world flooded with information. Personalities who will teach them to think critically, to not be afraid to ask questions, and to understand the answers they receive. We prepare our students not only for their future careers, but also for life itself. It is from us that artificial intelligence draws knowledge around the world, intensively collects data, and analyses it in depth to ultimately bring about progress.
Thank you for your perseverance in facing both professional and personal challenges. I wish you good health, talented students, and well-deserved recognition for your daily efforts.
Respectfully and gratefully yours
Daniel Pella
Rector of UPJŠ in Košice
