TEACHERS’ DAY AMIDST COVID-19

 

 Teachers’ day unlike any other previous ones has come. Unlike every time we will have only virtual wishes this time around. School premise which was so colorful on the same day last year, is standing lifeless in the absence of students and teachers. Children used to keep as many surprises in store for us. And I, like any other teacher, will greatly miss them. My heart is heavy with having not to do what we did every day. Looking forward to something exciting in every morning assembly, lovely interactions I used to have in classrooms, every challenge and opportunity the children posed to me during the day, having children walking into my office with their side of the story, teachers meeting on how to improve classroom rigour and how to organise events, the election, the environmental day, the independence day, ever happening practice sessions what not..

For us, the teachers, celebrating teachers’ day in the absence of children doesn’t really mean great. Never before we realized how important the children are for our happiness and well-being! A great time for everyone – teachers, management and the govt. to realise that building, infrastructure, lesson plans, our egos stand no place except for children. The time has proved that with no child in the school there is no better life for teachers and the management. Hope this will also teach us to be more child centric in our thoughts, words and action when the schools are back in operation.

The time has challenged the teachers like never before. They are challenged to get used to the all-new online teaching, preparing online materials, keep the children motivated on virtual platform, to be all cautious as there are more than children watching and listening to them. Looking at the larger picture most of the teachers have stepped up to the challenge and trying to adopt to the new and novel ways of teaching. Not all of them with the same measure of success but the efforts of teachers are clearly evident. What remains unchanged is the fact that - teachers continue to care for children even in the absence of physical proximity like before and they continue to put efforts to make their class more effective than the last one. They keep calling parents if the child is absent and insist them to get the work done on time. I tip my hat for them.

'We teach anyway'

Everything is not as flowery as it looks in the surface. Speaking of teachers’ plight during the pandemic, the reality has struck the entire teaching fraternity. This is something not very pleasing. Be it the school managements, society, media, govt or parents - they don’t mean their words, when they wish us ‘HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY’. When the time gets tough teachers are not cared for. Now, teachers are the last ones (particularly those in private schools) to be heard. This is the time when school managements are thinking how to keep the boat going, get more parents to pay fees, grab more admissions and save money. Govt. is worried how to keep the larger parents’ group pleased so that their vote banks are kept intact. Media – sensationalizing the matter – which they know the best and last but not the least, parents want some engaging means for their kids, save the fees, want child not to miss classes and threaten schools when asked to pay fees, thanks to govt’s ‘people friendly’ decisions.

It breaks my heart to see teachers been removed from their jobs mercilessly, some taking menial jobs for the livelihood, some working without pay or small proportion of their salary hoping for better time and still managing the smile that they always showed in front of kids in their ONLINE ADVENTURE, some taking all the criticism in their stride for the poor online classes which they had never prepared for and some in the fear of losing the job thereby their very means of livelihood. Why not the other stakeholders in education understand the teachers are sons and daughters, wives and husbands, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers of some who look up to them to be taken care. Where are those words that everyone exclusively used for teachers – CHANGE MAKERS, NATION BUILDERS, NOBLE so on and so forth. This is the worst possible way to take care of people with such great job on hand. Are we the community only to be remembered at the times of census and other surveys? Teaching community as a whole is let down by the system. Is this something that the people who we served feel good about? Have you, the parents, taught your children to be more empathetic anyway? Does my child feel good about his FAVOURITE TEACHER being put in trouble?

Having said all these, I know most of the people are going through tough times. But that should not be an excuse to do what is your responsibility. What teachers need on this Teachers’ Day is more than a forwarded message. A backing that keeps them going, the words of empathy that makes them feel good about what they are doing and more importantly, our deep conviction for their well-being.

From the time the COVID 19 shutdown began, I, as a Principal, made it a point to keep calling my teachers regularly and talk to them not how their classes are going but how their life is going. Just like a well-wisher, listened to them.  I was told by them that they felt a lot better talking to me. On this teachers’ day, if you really value the teacher and the things they did for your child, pick up your phones, call them and wish them. Don’t you feel great when your child gets up on one fine morning and wish you a very happy birthday? I am sure it does, specially when the ones we care for do it. This way we can educate our children to be more caring and empathetic towards the people who work for them day in and day out. May this be a special day for all who wish to see their teachers happy. May this day help our teachers keep their morale high.

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