"honourable'' and "important'' profession, that would bring short and long-term rewards.

But the teachers, Bermudians and foreigners who are entering the public school system for the first time this month, were also warned that teaching was "hard work''.

And principals and education officials told the newcomers, attending the Education Ministry's orientation at Elbow Beach, their performance would have a lasting positive or negative impression on students.

"You have to care for and love the students,'' Education Permanent Secretary Dr. Marion Robinson said. "For some students you will probably be the strongest, most positive role model they have in their lives.'' But Dr. Robinson, who recalled some of her teaching experiences and likened teaching to the "Pilgrim's Progress'', said: "There are times when you'll wonder why am I doing this.

"There are many negatives that will distract you if you let them.

" But if you keep your eyes on the goal, you will have the opportunity to be a positive influence.

"If you can see and keep your eyes on the bright light like the pilgrim at the end of his journey, I'm sure you will be able to keep on that road and reach that end of the journey where you want to be.'' Dr. Robinson said she was proud when some of her former students told her of the positive influence she had had on them.

Chief Education Officer Mr. Dean Furbert echoed similar sentiments and challenged the new teachers to make learning enjoyable for their students and themselves.

"The most stimulating thing about teaching is that you're always learning how to do it better,'' Mr. Furbert said, "and each day brings its own special surprises and awards.

"Each time you teach a child it inspires you to go back and do it again. So each day, each term, each year will be a fresh experience.

"The children expect to see you trying something new tomorrow or experiment with something new the next semester. That's what keeps it alive and exciting for us all.'' Mr. Furbert also urged the new teachers to be sensitive, diligent, and humble in the classroom.

Bermuda Teacher Induction Programme (BTIP) mentor teacher Mrs. Grace Swan said in addition to having those qualities and "highly complex skills'', teachers should make their classrooms as attractive as possible for themselves and their students.

She also stressed that the BTIP mentor programme was set up to help reduce teachers' stress.

And she said mentor teachers would be there to assist the new teachers in any professional way, including marking books or offering guidance to those who felt like throwing in the towel.

"Teaching is extremely hard work and it is not a 9-to-3 job,'' Mrs. Swan said. "To be a good teacher you will work long hours in and out of school.

"But enjoy your children and have fun. If you're not happy the children will not be happy.'' Association of School Principals' president and Sandys Secondary principal Mr.

Melvyn Bassett said he wished there had been an orientation for new teachers when he started out 23 years ago.

"I believe had we had this opportunity to meet and hear some of the things we shared this morning, I would have made less mistakes and would not have gone into my class on the first day and closed the door behind me so that no one could know I really didn't know all that I was suppose to as a professional teacher.'' Mr. Bassett also urged the teachers to take advantage of the support network provided by the Education Ministry, BTIP, principals, and other teachers.

"Don't close your doors,'' he said. "Don't try to do it on your own because the guy across from you is probably having the same problems.'' Amalgamated Union of Teachers organiser Mr. Milton Scott told the teachers that the union was set up to enhance their working conditions and to make sure they were rewarded for their work.

But he also reminded them that they had a responsibility to hold onto their first love -- that which drew them to teaching.

This, he said, could be done by taking advantage of any professional development opportunities.

The new teachers, including 12 from the UK, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, and the US, were also briefed on Bermuda's heritage by Cultural director Miss Ruth Thomas.