Soliha Jeelani
When I began teaching, I was a young girl with little patience and no experience. Over eight years, the classroom became my greatest teacher, shaping me with patience, resilience, and emotional strength.
Working with pre-primary children is a challenge in itself. Some students struggled with behaviour, others with comprehension, and many had unique emotional needs. Managing these diverse challenges, alongside administrative pressures, taught me discipline, empathy, and perseverance.
In private schools, I often faced a mismatch between work and recognition. Meagre wages, high expectations, and little support made my first job unsustainable. Joining another school brought hope, but the pattern repeated: excellence was demanded, yet investment in teachers was minimal. I also observed that women teachers—who form the backbone of early education—are often undervalued and dominated by male authorities, with little voice in decision-making.
Yet, these challenges shaped me. I gained valuable experience, communication skills, patience, and empathy. I learned that a woman who can navigate the pressures of a classroom can manage her home life with equal strength. Teaching is not just a profession; it builds character, confidence, and resilience.
My journey taught me that teachers, especially women, deserve respect, fair treatment, and recognition. They are the silent nation builders shaping the future of society.
Teachers teach from the heart to make students truly understand, shaping minds and futures.
The writer is a teacher at R.P. School
je**************@***il.com