To all Believing Teachers...

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!”