The lessons begin when books are closed. The real image of a teacher? One needs to step outside the classroom to see that. Students don’t remember The Harappan Civilization or Organic Chemistry or why Newton bothered to understand why the apple fell. They remember how they were gently treated when the rest of the class laughed at their attempts. They remember how they were towering over bullies who made them feel small. They remember the overly used catch phrases of the yesteryear that were so generic, yet remained in their minds even after graduation.
When the Classroom Becomes a Safe Space
The role of a teacher is rarely spelt out, as it is a job that goes beyond the description. It’s safe to say that KT Global school, the best CBSE school in Bhubaneswar, fosters an environment where students eagerly wait to see their teachers even after the bell rings. They are aware of a very simple thing. I won’t be turned away. They leave the classroom without hesitation and catch up with the person who dared to make them think! Life is always good before somebody bothers to stir up the thinking cells. Teachers are now a safe space. Understanding the tenderness of a young mind, clearing subject based doubts is no longer limited within the confines of a classroom. The staff area, the corridor , the cafe – are all places where students can reach the person they want. Informal settings bring them out of their shells and make them comfortable saying, “Please explain it to me again.” They are less anxious about how it makes them look and more interested to see where they lacked in understanding. And ever so slowly, this comfort seeps its way to the classrooms. However,the corridors are more memorable.
When Lessons Come Alive
Can you really forget a class where you see a yellow flower, while sitting on the grass in the backdrop of mountains? Daffodils were never this memorable with words alone at the school. What about the class, where the class-clown played the bully and his friend, who played the hero that overpowers him through strength and wit? The chapter remains ingrained in memory when students customize the villain and the hero in their own interpretation. The difference occurs when a student is asked, “What do you think?” The response opens a world of knowledge into how the child thinks. This is not merely a class where they learn why Churchill suffered in his studies. They have profound opinions on what hinders conceptual understanding. When a teacher communicates right, he sees how little he knows of the child’s capabilities. Such are the teachers of the top CBSE schools in Bhubaneswar Understanding a student is forever an ongoing lesson and they happily explore that world.
The Teacher Who Is Not Afraid to Say “I Don’t Know”
It’s wrong to always think a teacher knows best. There is no way an individual carries the key to all the knowledge in the world. But how often do you see people admit that? The older we grow, the more rigid we become about how much of ourselves we expose to the world. In the teaching profession it is considered a shame to not be well versed about any subject matter broached in the classroom. It takes a different kind of confidence to say, “You know what? It’s interesting. I am not quite sure what it is, but give me a day. Let me get back to you on this.” Hearts are won that day. When a teacher drops the pretense and shows sincerity instead of arrogance. It is in that moment that a child knows – He wants to make sure that what he tells me is absolutely correct. If he is taking the time to find out, he will give me the right answer instead of carelessly throwing around assumptions. What’s more? It instills the fact that it’s okay to say I don’t know.
The Good Cop, the Bad Cop and Everything in Between
The best part however, is when scolding and disciplining becomes fun. There are times when students are pushed to the edge of their capabilities in the most inconvenient manner. One may love that teacher but run away at the sight of her. This specific side of a teacher is uncontrollable and can not be put down for further improvement. Bad news. But bear it, okay? This happens when the teacher can see clear potential but no way to hone it. They refuse to feel frustrated and push you to the limits to show you that those are not your real limits. This is the teacher who is ready to play the bad guy if he sees a sliver of hope in the child’s abilities. This person will go to lengths to bring out the talent the student refuses to think he may have. These are the defining eras of a child’s life because he is forced to see what is good about him – whether he likes the process or not. The teacher will bear the hatred and the bad name as long as this child shines where he is supposed to.
The Question That Says “I See You”
And finally, the one voice that everyone is thankful to hear, saying, “You seem quiet today. What’s wrong?” The ability to notice patterns and make a child feel seen, is one that leaves an imprint. To know enough to know there’s a difference, that an individual’s pain is real and visible is sometimes the comfort we don’t ask for but we need.
This Teachers’ Day, KT Global celebrates the people who are not quite the friend, guide or philosopher, but the tower of strength during bad times, the silly prankster, the good cop and the bad cop, the therapist and the rebel. These are not the unsung heroes. They stand on the frontlines, ready to assume whatever role is demanded.