A teacher can be simply defined as a person whose job is to teach students about certain subjects.

But it takes more than just imparting knowledge for a teacher to truly impact his students' lives. The way he chooses to teach lessons and values can make a great difference.

The teachers who received the President's Award for Teachers are exemplary models for innovative teaching and taking teaching out of the classroom ("President's Award for Teachers: Lauded for going beyond textbooks"; last Friday).

Efforts by such teachers to walk the road less travelled are definitely appreciated by students, who find joy and the value of learning through such lessons.

It is not easy to engage students and get every one of them interested in every single lesson, but successful teachers know their students' needs and find the best ways to meet them.

Phua Suet Cheng, 16,

Secondary 4 student