Grace Pinto
Managing Director
Ryan International Group of Institutions
Mumbai, Sep 5: Teachers are an integral part of the educational process. They are looked upon with tremendous respect in the society for their service and dedication in shaping and molding young lives. People fondly remember their teachers who have made a difference in their lives and want to acknowledge their significant role in helping them soar high with success. On September 5, while we remember Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, who was a great philosopher, a great teacher and a wonderful educationist, it is important to be grateful for his birth anniversary being celebrated in tribute to the immense contribution made by our dear teachers. Dr Radhakrishnan believed in the pivotal role the teachers play to keep the lamp of civilization burning. ‘Teachers' Day’ is the day to salute our teachers for their spirit of sacrifice in fostering student development with unfading commitment.
Every child is blessed with unlimited potential, and teachers have the responsibility of being a catalyst to transform the child into a confident and secure citizen of the world. Albert Einstein has wonderfully said, "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge". Teachers hold the key to transform lives and the nation at large. They mould the convictions and perceptions of students and their influence remains with children for a lifetime. Therefore, a true teacher is not someone who just instructs but guides the students to grow holistically and become lifelong learners and good citizens. Teachers as destiny shapers and nation builders look into every child to help him/her discover innate talents and enhance skills to realize his/her potential to the fullest.
With the paradigm shift in education over the last few decades, we hear parents demanding their children to be developed as world class global citizens and to respond to their demand we need world class teachers too. Therefore, teachers today cannot be complacent. They have to be prepared to be a step ahead of their students who have information available on their fingertips. Their focus has to be on the subject matter expertise, cross disciplinary references and innovative methodology for interactive and collaborative learning. Teachers are more than mere instructors; they are the constant guides to assist discovery in their students. On one hand while teachers focus on academic excellence and extra-curricular, on the other hand they need to provide moral and social education to children to make them holistic individuals.
Today, the need of the hour is ‘teacher education’ to help our teachers remain relevant to face the challenges of times and work towards the welfare of our students. Teachers need to be given opportunities and encouragement to equip themselves with the latest trends and techniques in education to be prepared to educate our children. On their part, teachers need to realize that they have an important role of enriching and empowering future generation through creativity and innovation.
My dear teachers, today is your day, so feel special and cherish your special calling as a TEACHER that impacts eternity. Take utmost measure to care for your children because 'students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care' (John Maxwell). May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
Wish you a very Happy Teachers’ Day!