During the pandemic the people in health sector and those involved in voluntary work especially non-government organisations were praised but the teaching community went unnoticed. Teachers, especially the aged and who were on the other side of the digital divide upped the ante and learnt skills which resulted in online teaching. It is no mean achievement. The government did not include our teachers as ‘SUPER HEROES’.
Students needed the full support of the teachers to come back in the environment of the school and learning. Three components are required this time after pandemic that include cognitive, affective, and behavioral intention.
Sheenam Samuel
Principal,
SRM Convent School,
Pohir, Ludhiana, Punjab
Returning to the school after COVID-19 period, teachers dealt with many challenges of the students such astrauma, anxiety, aggression, behavior problem, transition problems, loss & bereavement and bullying to name a few.
Now teachers are more patient, helpful, have positive emotions and positive attitude to technology, etc. They are offering their students the opportunity to have a one-to-one conversation with them to reconnect and discussing their concerns. They are providing opportunities for children to take breaks, move around, and re-connect with their friends and peers. Teachers are fostering feelings of safety and security by interacting and developing positive relationships with each student and using routines during the day to help children feel safe and secure.
Teachers are also counselling students on regular basis.
The Federation of Private Schools and Associations of Punjab honored many teachers. Such gestures need to be appreciated
Teachers are using both the platform offline and online which is really appreciable. They are making PDFs, JPG Files, Notes, using different applications, preparing and checking notes of the students (virtual & manual), doing parent-teacher[1]meetings. They are doing counselling of parents as well.
One of the surveys indicated that teachers are also facing mental health problems. They also need support. Teachers work overtime on several occasions such as exam time, annual day preparation, sports events. Their behavior times may beaggressive.
We should appreciate teachers by following different strategies. The Federation of Private Schools and Associations of Punjab honored many teachers with FAP Best Teacher Award on a common platform. Such gestures need to be appreciated. Excellent appraisals should be given to them. Breaks to be given to keep their batteries charged. Their problems to be solved by the management and the principal of the school.
