“Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges.” –as quoted by Joyce Meyer holds true for me. Learning is a lifelong activity, and the teacher is an integral part of that process, especially in formal education. Simply put, after the initial learning experiences in the family, teachers take over the responsibility for children’s education from parents. This is especially true today, when many parents have a very limited time to spend with their children, because they work 9 to 5, so the role of teachers in students’ life becomes that much more important.
When I took up my profession as teacher, little did I know that apart from being a teacher, I have many other roles which will impact my student’s life. You become a guide, counsellor, nurturer and the list goes on…. The very first sentence I say to my students when they get settled in the class in their new academic year is that I am your mom in school, like you have mom at home. I will love you, scold you like your mom. My first heart warming experience was when this 5 year old child came up to me and said”Madam,Will you be my friend”? I was so touched by this child’s words which made me think, Of all the things, the child craves for this friendly feeling from me .I immediately reciprocated, “Yes, why not?” ,the smile, the child had on her face was irreplaceable. It made me ponder that apart from being a teacher, you play numerous defining roles in child’s life which you yourself is not aware of.
The most important art for a teacher which I have learnt from my journey is LISTENING to her students. A classic example I would like to share, A child who stays with maid all the time while parents are at work, waits every morning, to share little moments with me when he enters the class, shows child’s excitement to meet his teacher as I lend him a ear and the happiness reflecting his face after they feel being heard is priceless.
Such enriching experiences make you feel obliged to be in this profession and I vow and will always strive to be this magical mentor for my students.
