Teaching is a noble profession and not many realise the benefits that come with says Penetekoso Utumapu, a career educator for 43 years.

She is urging students to take up the profession and do their part in filling in the current shortage of teachers being felt nationwide.

The 63-year-old from Safotulafai was among the many honoured for their long service by the government last week.

After graduating from Vaipouli College in Savaii, she went to the Teachers College (PTC) in Upolu, where she studied for three years. 

Following that, she taught for six years at Alofi-o-Taoa College before returning to Upolu for further studies. She studied for three more years until graduating in 1992.

“I returned to Savaii and taught at Alofi O Taoa College for a year before returning to Upolu to teach at Sagaga and Faleata College, which is close to where I was staying when I went to the University of South Pacific for my other classes," said Utumapu.

"My father passed away in 1995 while I was teaching at Faleata College. I received my degree and certificate as an English as a second language teacher. Since I always travel to Savaii on the weekends and return on Mondays, I decided to find a route back there.

"Eventually, I was allowed to teach at Itu o Tane College, where I am still employed today." 

Utumapu said the first hurdle for any teacher when they start is dealing with the students' attitudes. 

"I had to deal with 40 different attitudes in a class. Different classes meant different students would be attending which made it challenging," she said. 

"As of right now, I'm accustomed to teaching children. I love teaching them appropriate behaviour and attitudes toward others.

"I enjoy my job, and it has been a privilege to serve our nation by educating its youth, who will be its future."

As a dedicated civil servant, the changes in governments in her four decades of teaching have not meant much. For Utumapu, the work remains the same. 

She added the rewards of teaching outweigh the challenges.

"Being a teacher has many positives because it allows you to spend time with your parents, build relationships with your children and give them wise counsel," she said.

"The way parents and children are changing so much these days. Divorces and separations are more common and this happens. When some children are separated from their parents, they act it out and start to treat others disrespectfully.

"Most people do not realise that teachers play the part of a parent in guiding children. Children spend almost eight hours a day with teachers. Being a teacher is a special responsibility."

Penetekoso has two daughters, both are nurses. Neither of them pursued a career in teaching like her. Her husband passed away a long time ago, and she has three grandchildren, two stay with her and one with her mother. 

"I have been serving the nation as a public servant for 43 years, having begun my career at the age of 20 years," she added.

"At 63, I continue to serve my nation and look forward to many more years of teaching our children and building them a brighter future."