We all have that one or more teacher that we remember fondly. Perhaps we also have one or more teacher or professor that we remember but for quite the opposite reasons. Whether you think of your teachers with affection or a lack thereof, you are bound to identify with some of these memes this Teacher’s Day.
Remember? The one who dictated notes at the speed of lightning, set you impossible tasks and wanted them submitted yesterday? Well she was just trying to get you to improve yourself.
Being a teacher is difficult. It is demanding, apart from teaching there are notebooks to be corrected, papers to be marked and kids to keep quiet in class. Sure it is rewarding work, but it’s difficult.
From an adult’s point of view, the project is easy. It is possible to take notes at the speed of stenographers. Also, instructions need not be repeated --- according to that teacher.
The backbenchers are the bane of a teacher's life. Most of them, anyway.
Teachers are typically poorly paid when compared with corporate employees. They have to be well educated. They have the responsibility of moulding the generations of tomorrow, but no one thought to pay teachers commensurate with that weighty expectation.
Apart from everything else, a teacher has to be all dignified and can’t give in to their impulses. Like I said, it’s a tough job!
Sometimes teachers seem to move in mysterious ways. Sometimes they just seem mean and appear to take great pleasure in the unhappiness of students. That, right there, is every math teacher ever!
Failing, repeating a class, getting stuck doing jhadu-pocha (domestic chores) for a pittance, becoming a laughing stock --- teachers threaten all manner of terrible outcomes of all those who do not study.
They feel they are punishing a child; humiliating them by making them stand outside the class. But that student is like Thank You! Because who wants to be inside class being bored by the teacher droning on and on; when one could be outside doing interesting stuff with the other rowdies?
Friends think being a teacher is a great job. Parents think it is a job that requires intelligence. Society thinks teachers have an easy, cushy job with little actual work and long paid vacations. Pupils hate teachers and view them as devils in human form. Teachers actually have to explain new concepts to disinterested students, control the mischief-makers, work long hours and try to make it all interesting. Many are really committed to making a difference to their students and their futures. Did I mention, it’s a tough job?
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