Recently, at a staff meeting the teachers were asked to share
their personal mission and vision related to their profession as teachers. It was
yet again a mirror into the soul of many.
Every teacher enters the classroom to execute the planned
lesson and in doing so, unconsciously transfers her own vision through the
interactive hour.
I have believed it to be true essentially with students as
well. When my students were asked in person what they had to say about me, each
one had a different response. When these reflections were conveyed to me, I wasn’t
just overjoyed but was amazed by the discoveries that spoke much more about
them then myself.
“She is always ready to
listen. She never ignores what you have to say.” A response from a boy who
lived with his Grandma. His parents were separated and lived outside the UAE.
“She
never ever gives up. She teaches us over and over again till we get it. She’ll
do it even if that takes 70 years!” Coming from a 10 year old girl who loved to
perform on stage. She had a beautiful voice but often got in trouble with her
family who stressed on the need for her to become more conservative with her
manners.
“She
teaches us more about life. She isn’t boring.” His parents would often cut me
short when I would begin to speak about his great mannerism and character. They
were only interested in his report card.
“She
always encourages us to do what we like best. She allows us to share our favourite
activities.” Before the parent teacher meeting, he would walk up to me with
a big smile and say, “I already know what my dad will say to you. He will say ‘X’ wastes
all his time watching YouTube videos on art.”
“She
believes everything is possible. Even when we say, we should have three days
holidays!” She would often put her pencil down after reading the question. The anxiety
to answer a test was too high with her always. She would give up very quickly.
These were but a few students who shared their responses with
the School Principal. As the Principal applauded my efforts, I was but
surprised at how these children actually looked at me. I was awakened once
again to the intense responsibility that I carried on my shoulders. Each one of
them absorbed some part of me to fulfil his/her needs in life. I was an
extension of their possibilities and opportunities that they though unconsciously,
but very intelligently took heed to.
There is an energy that drives each classroom. It is charged
with multiple needs and unspoken expectations. Amidst the lesson plan, there is
give and take. And though the teacher’s mission and vision comes through
strong, success is always going to be about the young visionaries.
There are millions of teachers across the globe. Only one
religion unites them. It is the faith in Conscience being Supreme. It is the
challenge of setting the best examples, the best character, and the best human.
The spirit to give without expectations of a reward. To believe that this world
is in motion because of a few good people. Them being an extension of a few
good teachers.
A standing ovation to all believing teachers.
“She
treats us like grown-ups. She always says, “Do the right thing because it is
the right thing to do!”
