I clearly remember how it used to be when I was in school. Teachers primarily used to deliver lessons, take daily attendance and check copies. The only time that the parents got a chance to interact with the teachers was during the report card distribution. There used to be a different person checking the nails, ensuring that the hair was done properly, that the length of the skirt was appropriate. Information was bound in books and children were confined to classrooms.

The role of teachers in a child’s education has changed a lot and education is no more confined to books, classrooms and schools. Children today are exposed to electronic and print sources of knowledge and are exposed to massive information every minute.

Teaching today is one of the most challenging and demanding professions. It is disheartening but this profession is not for someone lured by long holidays anymore.

This change has been made possible by exemplary teacher leaders who are doing their best in every possible way to provide an enriching learning experience to the children. Such teachers love working with young people and they love to make a difference in their lives. They love the subject they teach and are continuously learning and growing.

The teachers’ roles have been redefined and to survive in this constantly changing scenario, they must be able to adopt new practices and different strategies to meet the needs of individual, unique learners. Teachers’ participation in a child’s education goes beyond the classroom, to the cafeteria to understand the child’s food habits. They are present in the playground, ensuring children’s safety on the ground. They communicate with parents regularly and involve them in every school activity.

Research suggests that between 40 and 50 per cent of teachers leave the profession by the end of the fifth year of starting their career. Some of the reasons that they leave are due to lack of respect and exceeding paperwork of maintaining behavioral records, academic progress, parents’ communication and others.

This world needs good, passionate teachers. And to have them, there must be a motivation. For teachers to grow and excel, the school management and other stakeholders, including parents, politicians and other members of the society, have to play a crucial role. Teachers need everyone’s participation, support, trust and respect.