Page 85 - Mousumi: Unbelievable Transformation

Standing in front of a class of 40 boys and girls explaining a chapter from the
prescribed book was exhilarating. The ability to put across knowledge to the
young minds brought immediate satisfaction, especially when I was faced with
questions and doubts. The light of clarity that brightened up the students’ faces
was a valuable return. I had been warned against indiscipline in the class. But as
time went by, I found that with a strong personality, a smiling face and above all
a thorough knowledge of the subject being taught, indiscipline flew out of the
window.
A teacher’s business goes well beyond the classroom. Careful preparation of the
next day’s lessons, formulating questions for the tests and examinations, setting
home and class-work not only go towards developing the child’s understanding
and forming an analytical mind but also to enhance the teacher’s own skills. The
teacher is free to find out new ways and techniques by which the subject matter
can be made more interesting and attractive. Hence no two days are the same for
teachers. Each class brings new opportunities and challenges. Teaching is a full-
time job. In the process, the student learns, and the teacher expands his/her
knowledge too! Not just in the subject he/she has specialised in but in subjects
like child psychology, child health and hygiene, child behaviour and other related
matters.

Dealing with the underperformer poses a challenge to any teacher. Knowledge
of the child’s family background, his or her personal preferences, the weak and
strong points go a long way in bringing about improvement in such a child.
Passion for teaching school children is a compulsory prerequisite, for the teacher
is not just conveying the knowledge of the subject, rather a teacher pays
attention to the child’s behaviour and attitude, subtly correcting and guiding the
child in the right direction. It is the overall development of the child that the
school and teachers are concerned with. It is during this time that the child’s
character and personality develop. The school helps them to grow up into
responsible citizens of the country. Indeed, teachers bear a heavy burden on
their shoulders.
Similar to other professions but perhaps not to the same extent, teachers have
opportunities to climb the ladder of success. He/ she can become the head of a
department, an assistant to the head and finally the principal or headmaster/
headmistress. These posts in their wake naturally bring added duties and
responsibilities which, when successfully administered result in furthering the
growth of the institution and personal pride. There is scope for much thought
and development in an educational institution. No matter how well established a
school may be, some change, some improvement is always wanting. After all,
time is not static, and one needs to change with the times.

During my tenure as the principal of a developing school, I enjoyed building the
library and the science laboratories the most. This entailed visiting other school

♦♦Career Mantra♦♦ Page 84