Teaching is not just a job; it is a socio-moral responsibility
Teachers are considered the ‘builders of the nation’. Their role is not only to teach but also to guide and build the future of a country. There was a time when the teaching profession was revered and respected more than any other profession—doctor, engineer, civil servant, etc.—in society. However, the same is not true in present times.
Our perception of teachers has evolved over a period of time. In the first few years of school, teachers become the ideal figures that students emulate in life, and every word they utter is followed. Indeed, the most undesirable habits—such as washing hands before eating, brushing teeth properly, taking a bath and not forgetting to use soap, eating without slurping noises, eating spinach, drinking milk, not making faces at people, etc.—were more readily undertaken if the teacher said so. In fact, if a teacher made an error, faith in their omniscience would lead students to defend them, believing that they could do no wrong. Even parents could not know better than teachers.
Later, students learn to distinguish between good and bad teachers. Strangely enough, it is not always the lenient, soft type who is considered good; the one who gains respect and affection is often the strict but fair type—who does not condone bad behaviour but is not harsh about it; who knows their subject well and can communicate knowledge; and who is friendly but does not allow students to take advantage. Unfortunately, teachers of this kind are very rare.
Perhaps it reflects society at large, but today’s teachers are more interested in the income and perks that come with the job than in their true responsibilities. It will be argued in their defence that they too have lives to live and standards to maintain; after all, they are human— as if aspiring to an ideal is not human. If they feel their pay should increase, their first resort is to go on strike.
Why teach in class when it is so much more “lucrative” to take extra tuition classes? Many teachers also prefer teaching jobs for other reasons: they provide enough time to attend to their homes, especially with long vacations—summer and winter breaks. This, of course, adds monetary benefits through tuition.
But let’s face it: unless those opting for the teaching profession treat it as a vocation rather than a mere job, students will become disillusioned with their mentors at a very early age.
Aadil Gulzar is a civil service aspirant
Aadil Gulzar
aa************@***il.com