One of the greatest assets in the field of education are teachers who have dedicated many years to this field. Retired teachers are individuals who have played a significant role in the development of education and the upbringing of new generations, serving as examples to younger generations with their experience and knowledge. Their lives and activities reflect not only the mission of teaching but also their contributions to the development of society.
On this occasion, the AzEdu.az Education Portal has started interviews with the aim of learning more about the lives, experiences, and contributions of retired teachers to society.
The next interviewee in our rubric is Hacıməmməd Məmmədov, a language and literature teacher at Ismayilli city secondary school No. 6, with 50 years of pedagogical experience.
Teacher Hacıməmməd is the author of many books. He has been awarded the "Taraqqi" medal, the "Advanced Education Worker" badge, and the "Golden Pen" media award.
- Teacher Hacıməmməd, we would like to introduce you more closely to our readers.
I, Mammadov Hacıməmməd Mirzamammad oglu, was born on February 4, 1950, in Piraganım village, one of the beautiful corners of Ismayilli district. Since there was no primary school in our village, I received my education at Bagali village primary school, located in a neighboring village. Later, I continued my education at Mudur village school.
My secondary school years were among the most memorable and productive periods of my life. I studied at Lahic settlement secondary school – at that time, this school was considered one of the exemplary educational institutions not only in the district but also in the republic. The teachers who taught there were at a level that could still serve as an example for every educator today. Their experience and dedication continue to live on as a model for young teachers.
After graduating from secondary school in 1967, I submitted my documents to Ganja State Pedagogical Institute. Unfortunately, I could not pass the competition that year. Subsequently, I was sent for military service. My military service coincided with the Soviet era. After completing my service, I decided to continue my education and in 1970, I was admitted to the full-time department of the Faculty of Azerbaijani Language and Literature at Ganja State Pedagogical Institute. However, this period was not easy for me – my family situation was very difficult, I had lost my parents, and I had no one behind me. Therefore, I had to face all of life's difficulties alone.
- So, you were both studying and working as a teacher. In which school did you first start your activity?
- Yes. One year after being admitted to the institute, I started working as a teacher. I made this decision on the recommendation of Teacher Ismayil. At his initiative, an order was signed without any financial consideration, and I was appointed as an Azerbaijani language and literature teacher at Mujuhəftəran village secondary school. I began my pedagogical activity at this school with a teaching load of 36 hours per week. This was my first workplace – the starting point on my teaching path.
- Teacher Hacıməmməd, did working as both a student and a teacher pose any difficulties for you?
- First of all, I want to note that my students are precious to me – I breathe with them. We have established such warm relationships with my students that even today, I love them more than my own children. For this reason, carrying out my teaching and student activities simultaneously has not created any difficulties for me.
I enjoyed both fields so much that I managed to be worthy of this stage while studying. As a teacher, I spared no effort to ensure our little saplings received a literate and good education. Although master's education did not exist in our time, we did our best to raise those children as educated citizens devoted to their homeland and land.
Even during these years, I worked not only in the field of education but also in other areas. For example, I worked in bridge construction for a while – I also contributed to the construction of the bridge built over the Goychay River.
- Indeed, continuing a responsible profession like teaching while being a student is not something everyone can do. You stated that this did not create any difficulties for you. So, how did you adapt to the environment with students?
- I had no difficulty adapting to the environment with students. I always tried to love them very much and teach them something. Because my students have always been a source of pride for me.
- You mentioned that you first worked at Mujuhəftəran village secondary school. How do you remember those years?
- On September 1, 1972, I took a journal in my hand and entered the classroom for the first time as a teacher. I started my pedagogical activity on this very date. Initially, I began teaching grades 5–8. The school principal entered the classroom and introduced me to the students. I learned so much in that school… Those years remain in my memory as very beautiful and valuable days. Although I completed my higher education in 1976, I started my teaching activity in 1972.
- So, after 1976, were you assigned to another school?
- After that, there was a period when I started engaging in writing. Due to my successes, I was appointed as a correspondent for the "Zəhmətkeş" newspaper published in Ismayilli district. While working as a teacher, I was also a correspondent for the district newspaper.
- How wonderful. So, you worked both as a teacher and as a correspondent.
- Yes, while working at Mujuhəftəran village school, I have been a journalist since 1970. I am the author of many articles and books.
- And currently, do you continue your activity as a correspondent?
- Of course. Even today, my articles are published in the "Ismayilli News" newspaper, "Education" magazine, "Education Problems" newspaper, and "Khazan" magazine.
- In your opinion, what are the similarities between the profession of journalism and teaching?
- In fact, there are many similarities. The pedagogical field is complex, but at the same time, a very beautiful field. If we can put what we see and our desires into writing and convey them correctly to the reader, then we have already achieved something. For me, there are great parallels between teaching and journalism today.
If today we call someone who is not a teacher a teacher, then we are making a mistake. We should give this title to people who deserve to bear the name of a teacher. A teacher should be the person whom society values and appreciates the most. A correspondent, on the other hand, has the right to write about both good and bad events. But they must convey the role of the teacher to society in such a way that the loftiness and nobility of this profession are felt by everyone.
Just as a journalist strives to enlighten society with accurate and objective news, a teacher spares no effort to impart knowledge and upbringing to their students. Whether a teacher or a journalist – both work to benefit society. May our homeland be well. Can a teacher or a journalist have any other wish?!
- Of course, Teacher Hacıməmməd, regardless of their profession, everyone strives to benefit their homeland. How many years have you been active in the pedagogical field?
- I have been active in the Azerbaijani language and literature subject for 50 years. I very much wish to be awarded the title of "Honored Teacher".
- This half-century journey of yours resembles a heroic tale written with your pen. Can you share your most memorable memories with your students during this period?
- We have so many pleasant memories... Although I am a correspondent and a writer, I am unable to fully explain these feelings. Because I have always seen my students as the closest, dearest, and most beloved people to me. It is so today, and it will be so tomorrow.
My students have come to my warm home on my birthdays and on happy days of my life. I have set such beautiful tables for them so that they feel like hosts, not guests. They were still children – I didn't want to disturb their comfort by being their teacher. I put myself at their level and sat together at the table.
One of my students, Shayasta Abdulova, currently works as a mathematics and physics teacher at Ismayilli district secondary school No. 6. I have taught both her and her children. There have been many times when we celebrated the return of her children from military service at our home. This is one of the most beautiful memories for me. Another student of mine - Teacher Agakarim - is currently the deputy director of the same school.
- For a teacher, the greatest pride is to see a student they taught become a teacher. So, do you have any successors among your students?
- I have had hundreds, thousands of such students. Yes, seeing my students as successors is a source of pride for me.
- So, have you been involved in preparing applicants for university entrance exams?
- When no one even knew what a test was, I was writing test books. I have "50 thousand questions, 50 thousand answers" tests for literature. I also have test books for Azerbaijani language and literature for grades 5-8. I prepared my students free of charge, without any compensation.
- Do you remember those among your students who scored the highest points?
- Of course. There have been quite a few students among mine who scored very high points. Among them, there was one who scored 700 points. Besides, I have many students who scored 690, and over 600 points. I might mix up their names, but I remember each one of them. I am grateful to each of them.
- You mentioned earlier that you are a textbook author. As a teacher, what shortcomings do you see in the Azerbaijani language and literature subject today?
- Our current lessons are in a terrible state. In the Azerbaijani language textbook for grades 3-4, in the text "My temperature is 36.6", the child wants their fever to rise so they don't have to go to school. Who needs that text? I cannot accept these and similar textbooks. The texts in the book should instill good values in the child.
- Teacher Hacıməmməd, what are the differences between teachers of the current era and those of the previous era?
- I have had such teachers that today I bow before their spirit. Because they played an unparalleled role in me reaching this level. I consider the teachers of Lahic settlement secondary school today to be the "master teachers" of Azerbaijani schools. Yes, I had such teachers.
All of our current teachers are also educated. Simply put, I believe that the curriculum system did not provide the expected benefit to education. Our education system needs innovation. Previously, teachers graded us not only on our knowledge but also on our morals. This helped the child develop as a complete personality.
Currently, the main focus is only on instruction. However, when instruction and upbringing form a unity, then a child can truly develop and become the most active and valuable member of society. Our main mission is to prepare those young saplings for the future. Therefore, it is not enough to rely solely on knowledge – we must also educate them. Because without upbringing, a society based only on knowledge becomes incomplete and unstable.
- In the current era, the activity of social media accounts has increased. Recently, some teachers use social media during lessons. How do you evaluate this issue?
- Each of us lives in the modern era. Therefore, the use of social media accounts is inevitable. If a teacher uses a phone to explain a topic in class, I welcome this. However, if they advertise themselves in a stereotypical, aimless manner, I do not approve of this action. On social media, a teacher should appear as an exemplary, responsible figure. Every step they take should serve as an example to society, especially to young people.
- What advice would you give to young teachers and those who aspire to become teachers?
- First and foremost, they must have a love for this field. They must love the teaching profession. This is a profession where one must be a worthy person to their homeland, community, people, and land. The main thing is to be human. You must see the students you teach as your own children. You must rejoice in their successes as you would in your own child's success. Teaching is not just a profession – it is a way of life, a mission.
