Today, on September 5, we celebrate Teachers’ Day, it being the birth anniversary of India’s second President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was also a celebrated educationist. Let us hence spare some thoughts on the teaching profession, on what makes it special.
Yes, the teaching profession is uniquely unique, isn’t it? A good teacher enjoys adistinct nobility, commands universal respect, imbues ardent love.
Every profession offers its share of joys and meaning. That makes it worth our time. And our life. So, what are the joys of being a teacher?
1. A teacher shares. With everyone. Particularly, with i) his / her students & ii) his / her field / discipline. All the time. Unconditionally. Selflessly. What she is called to do is thus, most fundamentally human. Sharing Information, Knowledge, Experiences and Wisdom. Essentially oneself!
A teacher shares oneself selflessly!
2. A teacher learns. Lifelong. On Life. In particular, on i) what she teaches - her objects of love; and on i) her students. From everyone. Especially from her students. A function that is intrinsic to human nature. A good teacher keeps learning, she believes that no one ever graduates from the University of Life.
A teacher keeps learning till her last breath.
3. A teacher creates. Creation is the natural byproduct of sharing. A teacher shapes her students as well as her discipline(s), by paving the way for new thoughts, ideas and attitudes. She thus adds to the storehouse of life. And experiences the supreme joy of being a creator.
A teacher creates life.
4. A teacher travels. With her students. With her chosen field of inquiry. She keeps moving, exploring, never static. Through this process, she becomes an integral part of the journey of life. For her students and her subject.
A teacher travels with her students and her fields.
5. A teacher builds. A unique gift of being a teacher. The opportunity to lay the foundation. For the future. For tomorrow's leaders. For tomorrow's thoughts. She does through her example. Her words and action. In small steps. Innocent steps.
A teacher builds the future.
Every Great Teacher is a great student. He / she finds new Unexpected Teachers everyday.
Come to think of it, are these functions really unique to the teaching profession? No, most professions have these elements. But these are at the core of being a teacher. Which is what makes it unique. And also makes all of us love our teachers. Not only are our teachers a part of our selves. We are all teachers too, in whatever we do, in our daily lives.
Let me take the liberty to share a small message to all teachers. Love your subject. Love your students.
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.- W. A. Ward
Let us salute our teachers. And the teaching profession. And aspire to be better teachers ourselves. Happy Teachers' Day!
(Dheep is a civil servant and government communicator, and a member of the Indian Information Service, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The views expressed here are personal and not official. He writes a #NotJust newsletter titled “One Doubt Please”; check it out here: onedoubtplease.substack.com. He can be reached at newdheep@gmail.com.)
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