ROLE OF TEACHER IN A SCHOOL

 

Niranjan Singh

Joint Commissioner(Academic)

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti

Ministry of HRD

Department of Education

 

Introduction

 

Among the greatest of all services that can be rendered by men to Almighty God, is the education and training of children, so that they can foster by grace in the way of salvation, growing  like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education and will be one day the jewel in the crown of abiding glory.

 

Henry Von Dyke has said about teachers and teaching “Ah! There you have the worst paid and the best rewarded of vocations.  Do not enter it unless you love it. For the vast majority of men and women it has no promise of wealth and fame, but they to whom it is dear for its own sake are among the nobility of mankind.  I sing the praise of the unknown teacher, king of himself and leader of the mankind,” This, we may say is the philosophical meaning of teaching, but is very relevant and meaning also.

 

The teacher is the yardstick that measures the achievements and aspirations of the nation.  The worth and potentialities of a country get evaluated in and through the work of the teacher, “The people of a country are the enlarged replica of their teacher.”  They are the real nation builders.

 

It needs no description that the teacher is the pivot of any educational system of the younger students.  On him rests the failure or the success of the system.  If the teachers are well educated and if they are intellectually alive and take keen interest in their job, then only, success is ensured.  But, if on the other hand, they lack training in education and if they cannot give their heart to their profession, the system is destined to fail.  Hence, the teacher is another vital component of the school.

 

The teacher is a dynamic force of the school.  A school without teacher is just like a body without the soul, a skeleton without flesh and blood, a shadow without substance.  “There is no greater need for the cause of education today than the need for strong manly men and motherly women as teachers for the young”.  As social engineers, the teachers can socialize and humanize the young by their man-like qualities

 

TEACHER’S PRAYER

 

Help us, O Lord to penetrate into the secret of the child, so that we may know him, love him and serve him according to your laws of justice and following your divine will -- Maria Montessori

 

 

POEM

 

East or West

Our teacher is the best

She is our best guide

She helps us to decide

She tells us the right path

When we are in trouble

She is a book of wisdom

Which gives us knowledge

She’s a burning candle

Which gives us light

All in all

She’s the best of all

 

 

Definitions

 

“A Teacher is the image of Brahma” -- Manu

 

“The teacher is a Brahma, the creator, he is God Vishnu, he is God Maheshwar.  He is entire universe, salutations to him.”  -- Indian Prayer

 

“The true teacher is he who can immediately come down to the level of the student, transfer his soul to the student’s soul and see through and understand through his mind.  Such a teacher can really teach and none else” -- Swami Vivekanand

 

 

“The teacher’s place in society is of vital importance.  He acts as the pivot for the transmission of intellectual traditions and technical skills from generation to generation and helps to keep the lamp of civilization burning” -- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

 

“A teacher can never truly teach unless he is still learning himself.  A lamp can never light another lamp unless it continues to burn its own flame.  The teacher who has come to the end of his subject, who has no living trafic with his knowledge, but merely repeats his lessons to his students can only load their minds.  He can not quicken them” -- Tagore

 

“Every teacher and educationist of experience knows that even the best curriculum and the most perfect syllabus remains dead unless quickened in to life by the right method of teaching and the right kind of teachers.” -- Secondary Education Commission

 

“The Teacher is the real maker of history.” -- H.G. Wells

 

“The teacher is the maker of man.” -- Sir John Adams

 

You need to work for :

 

Ø            Excellence coupled with equity and social justice.

 

You need to achieve the objective of excellence coupled with equity and social justice by way of imparting quality education to all students without any discrimination between cast, creed, sex, religion and race so that they become physically fit,  mentally alert, emotionally balanced and spiritually sound.  Teachers are required to understand the need of every child for material education, education for becoming good human being and for divine education so that they can face the realities of life in the new millennium.

 

Ø            National Integration

 

Today, promotion of patriotism and education for national integration has become the need of the hour.  Our foremost duty is to provide education in such a way so that the students can live and learn together and develop their full potentials.

 

Ø            International Understanding

 

We need to apprise the students that India needs a new race of man, a just world, a united world and a peaceful world.  The present circumstances at international level compell us for proper international understanding by fostering the principle of “Live & Let Live”.

 

Ø            Good quality modern education.

 

Teachers need to work for good quality education to transform the students into self reliance and self assured citizen of the world.  This can be achieved by successful curriculum transaction with modern mathetics  and educational technology together with strong component of culture, inculcation of values, awareness of the environment, adventure activities and physical education.

 

Ø            Reasonable level of competence in three languages

 

Knowledge and skill in languages fosters intelligence in the learners.  As such, we should make an effort to attain a reasonable level of competence in minimum three languages as envisaged in the Three Language Formula.

 

Ø            Vidyalaya as a focal point for improvement in quality of school education.

 

Every teacher should strive with heart and soul to raise children upto highest perfections of mankind to such a degree so that every one of them will be trained in the use of mind in acquiring knowledge, in humility and lowliness, in dignity and in ardour and love. 

 

The Paradoxical Commandments :

 

1)            People are logical, unreasonable and self centered.  Love them any way.

 

2)            If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.  Do good any way.

 

3)            If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.  Succeed anyway.

 

4)            The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good anyway.

 

5)            Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.

 

6)            The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.  Think big anyway.

 

7)            People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.  Fight for a few underdogs always.

 

8)            What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.  Build anyway.

 

9)            People really need help but may attack you if you do.  Help then.  Help people anyway.

 

10)        Give the world the best you have or you’ll get kicked in the teeth.  Give the world the best you have anyway.

 

Essential Qualities of a Teacher

 

1)                  Teacher as a Role Model :

 

Role Models are people who set good examples by the words they speak and by the actions they take.  Role Models can be the people you know personally or people you have learned about in the news at school or on television.

 

Students tend to copy the behaviour  and mannerism of the teachers.  The teachers entire personality is a reflection on the minds of the students.  If the teacher is honest, leads a balanced and disciplined life, the children adopt these virtues as a ideal conduct unconsciously.  The ideal teacher s one who through his thoughts, words and deeds, gives and an impression of an honest upright life which can serve as a model for the students to copy, follow and emulate.

 

2)                  Teacher’s Character

 

A flower in bloom is loved by all and in this lies its glory.  Similarly, man may be viewed as having achieved everything in life when he becomes perfect in character.  If the best flowers among mankind take to teaching, society is abundantly enriched, their fragrance and beauty are then made the best use of.  If the teacher becomes an embodiment of right conduct in thought, word and deed, the students by their association will learn virtue and develop manly qualities.  They can be humanized and can live and act like normal human beings.  They can become thoughtful, concerned and courageous.

 

3)                  Teacher’s Personality

 

Every teacher must have a good personality.  Radiant, pleasing and impressive personal appearance, refinement, pleasant manners, industry, enthusiasm, drive, initiative, open mindedness etc., are some of the essential traits of an ideal teacher. External appearance has a psychological effect upon the students.  By attractive appearance, he/she can win the love and affection of his students and can command respect.  He/she should be frank, tolerant, kind, fair and straight-forward so that he/she can stimulate learning.

 

3.1       Personality Traits

 

·        Self confidence and self respect

·        Excellent Appearance

·        Healthy and Energetic

·        Good Intellect

·        High character

·        Sense of Humour

·        Optimistic

·        Democratic

·        Fair and Just

·        Sympathy and Empathy

·        Punctuality

·        Enthusiasm

·        Industriousness

·        Sociability

 

           

3.2     Personal Values

 

 

·                    Love

·                   Non Violence

·                    Dialogue

·                   Dutifulness

·                    Brotherhood

·                   Patience

·                    Forgiveness

·                   Courtesy

·                    Repentance

·                   Thrift

·                    Sharing

·                   Magnanimity

·                    Service

·                   Sports manliness

·                    Team Spirit

·                   Loyalty

·                    Responsibility

·                   Gratitude

·                    Accountability

·                   Tolerance

·                    Sympathy

·                   Freedom

·                    Justice

·                   Determination

·                    Hospitality

·                   Coordination

 

4)                  Teacher’s Mental Health

 

We speak of education as a lamp lighting another lamp, one life making another life and a spirit speaking to another spirit.  We can achieve this objective, if the teachers have good mental health.  Students develop interest in those subjects, which are taught by pleasing and genial teachers.  The teacher makes the emotional atmosphere in the classroom.  A neurotic teacher may spread fear, nervousness and worry in the classroom.  A fanatic-teacher may spread hatred, prejudice and hostile feelings among the students.  If he has a good mental health, he can create love, interest and enthusiasm for learning and a taste in the subject he teaches.

 

5)         Teacher’s Physical Health

 

A teacher should possess a sound body alongwith a sound mind.  He should have a sound physical health, physical energy, vitality and he should be free from physical defects.  This will make him alert, cheerful, happy, dynamic and enthusiastic.  He can maintain emotional stability.

 

6)         Teacher’s Social Adjustment

 

Sociability is another important quality of a teacher.  He should have a sound social philosophy and he should make his best contribution to the society.  He should know how to adjust himself to the social surroundings in which he lives.  He should not be quiet, retreating and introverted.  He should be free from worry, anxiety and thinking and feeling about himself.  He should mix well in society to have a large body of friends and to take a helpful interest in his neighbours.  Normal social life outside the school will go a long way to give him happy social adjustments.

 

Social Values 

 

  • Discipline
  • Punctuality
  • Respect for elders
  • Ambition
  • Faithfulness
  • Confidence
  • Responsibility
  • Cleanliness
  • Dedication
  • Good Manners
  • Devotion
  • Creativity
  • Sense of Competition
  • Patience
  • Knowledge
  • Positive Approach
  • Fortitude
  • Innovative
  • Self Reliance
  • Courage
  • Sincerity
  • Intelligence
  • Affection
  • Truthfulness
  • Obedience
  • Regularity
  • Patriotism
  • Self Evaluation
  • Honesty
  • Hopefulness

 

 

7)         Teacher’s Professional Efficiency

 

The teacher must possess a strong sense of vocation and true devotion towards teaching.  He should have a genuine love for his calling.  For his professional efficiency, he should have knowledge of psychology, educational philosophy, aims, contents, methods and materials of instruction, skill and interest in teaching.  He must possess a fair knowledge of current affairs about his own country and other countries of the world.

 

8)         Teacher’s Academic Achievements

 

A teacher should possess knowledge of the fundamentals of the subjects he teaches.  He should have a sound academic and cultural background.

 

10)       Teacher’s Professional Training

 

The teacher must have the required professional training; without which he will commit serious pedagogical blunders.  Prof. Monteque in his book, “Education and Human Relations”. Asserts that, “No one should ever be permitted to become a teacher of the young unless by temperament, attitudes and training, he is fitted to do so.”

 

11)       Teacher’s Accountability

 

Lessinger advocates that each child has a right to be educated in order to become a productive citizen of a country.  The parents and the citizen have a right to know the progress of education of their children.  Teachers, being the “educational or human engineers” are accountable for the progress of the children they teach.  Because of this, the National Policy on Education – 1986, in India, has made this concept very popular.

 

Mass education in India appears to be in a degrading condition.  Education imparted by some teachers is far from satisfactory.  Majority of the students lack fundamental knowledge in different areas of education.  Such teachers do not feel it to be their responsibility.  They are involved in private tuition and coaching centres to get some remuneration.  Many parents cannot educate their children in costly public schools.  Commitment on the part of the teachers have been reduced to a great extent.  Therefore, there is a need to make the teachers aware of their accountability to their profession.

 

Since a teacher’s accountability is very important in modern teaching-learning process, the accountability of the teachers should be evaluated at frequent intervals.  There must be proper supervision of their work.  The supervisor should see how far the teachers are accountable  in respect of teaching, research, co-curricular activities, use of aids and equipments in the classroom, utilization of local resources for the benefit of the students and development of students moral and ethical values.  Thus, the degrading condition of education in our country can be checked.

 

Professional Ethics of Teachers

 

Teachers who consider their job as a profession, work only for pay cheque.  Their work is considered useful for their own sake.  Since perchance they have occupied a professional chair they try for their own good, at the cost of others.  But our cultural heritage proves that true teachers are those who consider their job as honourable .  Such teachers work with a sense of self-fulfilment and self-realization. Prof. George Herbet Palmer once rightly said,  “If Harvard does not pay me to teach, I would gladly pay Harvard for the privilege of teaching”.  This should be the professional value of an Indian teacher.  An ideal teacher should not work with pecuniary motives, but with a sense of education and for the cause of education.

 

Towards Students

 

It shall be our primary duty to understand them, to be just, courteous, to promote a spirit of enquiry, fellowship and joy in them, not to do or say anything that would undermine their personality, not to exploit them for personal interests and to set before them a high standard of character, discipline and personality.

 

Towards Profession

 

It shall be our primary duty to be sincere and honest to our work and to go thoroughly prepared to the class, to endeavour to maintain our efficiency by study and other means; not to do or say anything which may lower our prestige in the eyes of our students; not to write or encourage the use of help books; not to exert any pressure upon our students or their parents to engage private tuition, not to act as an agent or accept commission and other compensation for recommending books.

 

Towards Society

 

It shall be our primary duty to set an example in citizenship, to endeavour to promote the public good, to uphold the dignity of our calling on all occasions, to size up the demands and aspirations of the society, to be dynamic leaders when required and to be ideal followers when desired.

 

Teacher’s Union

 

Teacher’s union can also play a very significant role in creating an atmosphere in which shirkers and other people with doubtful intentions may not find a congenial environment.  Unions should create a public opinion which should serve as an adequate sanction against such unsocial acts.  Now, teachers’ unions are merely used as a forum for ventilating their grievances and otherwise trying to promote service conditions.  In addition, these unions should also take steps which may help the teachers in projecting their proper image among the people.

 

Duties

 

Safety and Security of Students

 

·              Tell students about purpose of education in the Schools.

·              Build one to one relationship with students

·              Take-up Personality Development Programmes.

·              Know everything about your students

·              Make students aware of realities of life

·              Inspire students to face problems with braveness

·              Apprise students about probable dangers and hazards in and around school campus

·              Provide your students psychological therapy

 

Teaching

 

·              Planning

·              Preparation

·              Presentation

·              Evaluation

·              Giving feedbacks

·              Diagnosis

·              Remediation

·              Enrichment

 

Promotion of Creative Teaching :

·              Planning

·              Testing

·              Revising

·              Innovation in Education

 

Teaching as a Pleasurable Activity :

·              Lecturing

·              Working with small groups

·              Designing Instructional Units

·              Love for subject matter

·              Organizing students

 

All such activities can provide deepest satisfaction in and from the act of applying their craft.

 

Teaching as Social Service

 

·              It is like a nursing

·              It contributes to the lives of others

·              Decision to teach is deeper than a love for subject matter.

·              People have attraction to the life of teacher

 

 

Teacher’s Diary

Teacher’s Diary is a sort of record of his day-to-day activities.  It may show him what he has done, what he is doing and what he plans to do in the future.  No elaborate lesson plans are to be written in the diary, abstracts and brief outlines are sufficient.  In the beginning of a year, the teacher may draw the blueprints of his early work.  Schedules of the syllabus to be covered term-wise and month-wise etc. may be prepared in each subject he has to teach.

 

·              Blueprint of yearly work

·              Schedule of syllabus

·              Abstracts and outlines of the lesion

·              Weekly programmes

·              Academic Records

·              Records of Unit Tests

·              List of students who need special care

·              Records of day-to-day activities

 

Besides the above, the Teacher’s Diary should consist of :

 

·        Weekly programmes as shown in the school time table.

·        Other extra mural duties assigned to the teacher.

·        Brief record what he has done from time to time.

·        Entry of home work assigned to students

·        Names of students he teaches class-wise

·        Academic records of students

·        Peculiarities of class or of individual students

·        Remarks about daily or weekly work

·        Records of class tests

 

The teacher’s diary is his helpful guide.  It will enable him to keep a personal contact with his work, maintaining an active interest in his activities and remind him of his shortcomings, draw-backs, etc.   The worth of a diary lies in the regularity with which it is filled and the use to which it is put and also the inspiration which it may give to the teacher to be on his track and to miss his aim and scheduled targets.

 

The headmaster should occasionally check the diaries and give useful comments orally, if he feels the need.  His matured experience will go a long way in making the Teacher’s Diary really worthwhile documents.  Printed blank diaries are available but it matters little if the teacher is serious in his work

 

School Activities

Curricular

Co-Curricular

 

Extra Curricular

 

a.             Personal Guidance

b.            Career Counselling

c.             Community Service

 

Conduct of School Activities :

 

·        Planning

·        Organizing

·        Guiding

·        Supervising

·        Evaluating

 

Mess Duties     

 

·        Upkeeping of Dining Hall/Kitchen and Store

·        Health and Hygiene of Mess

·        Washing and placement of utensils

·        Procurement of ration

·        Preparation and cooking of food

·        Seating arrangement/servicing of food

·        Discipline in Dining Hall

·        Arrangement of light music

·        Recycling of waste food

 

Other Duties

 

·        Recording

·        Reporting

·        Building Relations

·        As assigned from time to time