A teacher’s life

This Teachers’ Day we got an opportunity to get insights on being a teacher from Shalini Kapoor. Manisha asks her a few questions about a teacher’s life.

In a single line how would you summarize your journey as a teacher?

Teaching is challenging but rewarding.

Can you elaborate the challenges?

We have to deal with large classrooms, prepare a daily lesson plan, there are admin activities for each teacher and there are extra curricular activities. 

We assume working hours of 7 to 2 but it usually comes out to be 7 to 7. At times women teachers wake up at 5 am just to get ready to come to school.

You should have one more food for thought. Most of the time, the teacher has to stand.

What is the single most worry for a teacher?

We are dealing with a diverse group of students in large numbers. That is especially true for schools in cities and towns. We have to create a unique learning experience for each student. Each student expects personalized support.  Number of spl children in classrooms also has increased over the years.

Teachers in India lack professional depth. In foreign countries, teachers training continues till the age of 60 while in India one qualification is enough B Ed. Some countries, teachers have to undergo a 5 year training and review cycle.

Has social media affected the well being of teachers?

Parents’ involvement has increased. Earlier when children used to get scolding from a teacher, parents used to say that you must have definitely done something wrong and you deserve it. Today, forget about any type of punishment, you can’t even scold a child.

Are you in favour of online classes?

That is something I am not sure about. I have mixed opinions. While apparently it is hugely beneficial to students, I am worried about the lack of face to face connection which is not possible on a screen. Plus the percentage of distracted students increases online. 

From a teachers’ point of view, an online class is additional work. A teacher still has to go and finish the pending work the next day. 

Is it rewarding at the end of the day?

Teacher is expected to be a role model, both at school and in society. Over a period of time the pressure has increased a lot. If you are up to it, you should be fine.

I have noticed many young teachers who pick up a teaching job as a temporary measure. If you have decided to make it a career, you would be fine. 

Teaching is the only profession which I have known which truly empowers women in India. 

Shalini Kapoor founded Yatan, 10 years ago but she continues to be a teacher at heart.

Manisha Yadav after completing her MBA is now working towards mentoring women entrepreneurs and providing advice on focused growth for a single brand owner.