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Learning is a lifelong process; we must have the best teacher accompany us on life’s journey. We may grow up and follow a ‘guru’ or a mentor. Whoever we follow, the teacher’s leadership is supreme, and the teacher travels with us for life. The empathy and care our teachers bestow on us will be etched in our memory for life. You will always carry your teacher with you no matter where you go.
What makes teachers great? Some characteristics can predict whether a teacher will be a great teacher even before they get into the classroom. Studies show the teacher is one of the most crucial factors in your child’s school success. A poor teacher can set your child back forever; a great teacher inspires them forever. Children require guidance and sympathy and not mere instructions. The degree and certificates a teacher carries will not be of any use if there is no empathy and concern for the child in the teacher. You do not need a classroom to teach; you need a heart with all the room. Remember the best teacher who touched your heart, made you feel exceptional, and had complete faith in your ability. A teacher is with you all your life; even today, I remember my first teacher in Kindergarten, my special teacher in Class I and others who have helped me find myself. Their love and care, irrespective of domain knowledge, will always carry me for life.
As we grow up, we strike a chord with a ‘guru’ or a mentor; sometimes, the person is even a colleague. Learning is from the heart; the mind is a mere knowledge bank. For effective learning, the teacher must become an integral part of your life. You will have the teacher in your heart. The true disciple becomes most successful and inherits the mantle of the successful leader.
You may only sometimes find the real teacher in the classroom, as the walls often box the learning process. The teacher has the burden of the curriculum, the challenge of living up to expectations, the need to work for a livelihood, and finally, the KRAs to meet! A teacher must be part of your life’s journey, someone you will love, adore, and even try to emulate. For me, the classroom is a mere brick-and-mortar description of a location, not a real-life learning place. You will not find the best teacher when you start limiting the learning to hours, books and time.
In our journey, we will have the opportunity to travel with many co-travellers. Dr. Mary Kay Whitaker says, “Think back to a great teacher you’ve had. Maybe an exceptional teacher encouraged you and helped you explore future career opportunities incorporating your talents. Maybe you had a coach who not only taught you how to do a perfect lay-up but also reminded you about the importance of getting good grades in addition to high scores. How about your friends or parents and all the lessons they may have taught you: to push yourself to succeed, do the things you love, believe that you can be or do anything you set your mind to.”
The teachers who have been a part of my life taught me how to appreciate others, care for nature and play the game to find the joy within. When climbing mountains, doing cross country, cooking at home, standing up, and speaking, they say to follow your heart, be true to yourself, and you will find the leader within. Being a person with no particular religious beliefs, I am sure when you hold someone in high esteem, you will carry that person in your heart; this is your teacher. Some may say you are a follower, but remember you are simply travelling with your teacher and doing it at your comfort and pace, too.
Teachers have faith in you; this is why you constantly stay connected! In my school days, we went trekking in a group; in those days, there were no mobile phones, and we lost our way. After a day’s delay when parents and the community would have gone wild, my real teacher was very comfortable and simply assured all that “they will find their way”. The great teacher had an intuition and tremendous faith in the ability of his pupils. When we finally trooped in a day late, he was ready to welcome us with a plum cake and very eager to hear about our experience and exploits; he smiled warmly and, with a heart full of compassion and care, stood by the boys for their efforts. Note there was no panic, chastising, or questioning, just celebrating the spirit of exploration and faith in the ‘shishya’ (student).
Stories and fond memories are treasures we all share; for this to happen, the teacher must be the most prolific artist. Your favourite teacher will be able to correlate ‘reel life with real life’ and make every moment a moment of learning. We need to understand that learning has to precede teaching. While teaching may be a process, the outcome has to be learning, and that is learning for life. Find the teacher you cherish and travel with the individual for life. Let your teacher reside in your heart; you will be able to overcome any significant challenge or obstacle in life’s journey.
Care in abundance, a desire to discover more, cherishing the students, knowing them very well, and being knowledgeable #HappyTeacher.
Sandeep Dutt is a School Improvement Coach; his opinions are his own. For more information about his work and life, visit www.sdutt.com.
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