Teachers are primarily entrusted with the noble task of educating future generations, guiding students through their prescribed syllabus, and fostering an environment conducive to learning. However, in Kashmir, teachers find themselves entangled in a web of responsibilities far removed from their primary role. This multifaceted burden not only undermines their professional dignity but also diverts their focus from their core educational duties.
Beyond the Classroom: Unseen Burdens
The main work of a teacher is to teach students their prescribed syllabus. Yet, in Kashmir, teachers have become “kathputli” manipulated into performing tasks unrelated to education. They are regularly deployed for other duties, compelled to manage administrative functions, and often assigned various other roles beyond the realm of teaching.
Teachers in Kashmir are frequently called upon to conduct surveys for government schemes, collect data for various administrative purposes, and even participate in non-academic training sessions. These duties consume a significant portion of their time, leaving them with less energy and enthusiasm for their primary teaching responsibilities.
One glaring example of this misplaced priority is the mandate requiring teachers to be present in schools even when students are at home. Recently, a two-day holiday was announced for students, but teachers were still required to attend school. This begs the question: What productive work can teachers accomplish in an empty school?
Another instance of this inefficiency is the imposition of extended school hours. Schools in the region announced morning timings from 8 am to 1 pm, yet teachers were instructed to stay until 2 pm. With students gone, teachers are left with idle time, questioning the rationale behind this policy. If teachers are to remain in school, they should be assigned meaningful tasks that contribute to their primary role in education.
The Impact on Teaching
The additional responsibilities imposed on teachers inevitably distract them from their main task of teaching. When teachers are bogged down with non-educational duties, their energy, time, and focus are diluted. This not only affects the quality of education students receive but also dampens the morale of teachers who enter the profession with a passion for teaching.
Teachers are forced to juggle their teaching duties with administrative work, often resulting in increased stress and burnout. The pressure to meet administrative deadlines while maintaining the standard of teaching can lead to a decrease in overall job satisfaction and effectiveness. Moreover, the constant diversion from their core duties can hinder their professional growth and development, as they have less time to engage in activities that enhance their teaching skills.
Then, there is the issue of student performance. Critics often question why children in government schools do not excel academically. The answer lies in the fact that their teachers are preoccupied with non-teaching tasks, leaving little time for lesson planning, student engagement, and personalized instruction. The diversion of teachers’ attention from their primary role severely impacts the quality of education that students receive.
A Call for Change
The government must reconsider these policies and streamline the duties of teachers to focus solely on teaching. By relieving teachers of extraneous tasks, the education system can enhance the quality of instruction and ensure that teachers can dedicate their full attention to the intellectual and personal development of their students.
Additionally, it is crucial to establish clear boundaries and guidelines regarding the roles and responsibilities of teachers. Providing them with support staff for administrative tasks and ensuring that non-teaching duties do not interfere with their primary role can help in creating a more focused and efficient educational environment.
In conclusion, teachers in Kashmir must be empowered to focus on their primary role of educating students. Authorities must recognize and address these issues to foster a more effective and fulfilling educational environment for both teachers and students. By prioritizing the core duties of teachers and minimizing non-teaching tasks, we can pave the way for a brighter future for the education system in Kashmir.
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Beyond the classroom: The unseen burdens of teachers in Kashmir
