Teachers can make a difference!

"They may forget what you said but they will not forget how you made them feel."

– Carl Buechner

Deadlines, unending portions, standardized tests, public exams, paper correction, long schedules, personal relationships, and family duties. These rule the lives of most teachers, especially at the end of an academic year. To add to this, 2020-2021 has posed a new worry - the uncertainty of the performance of their students.

If until last year everything was under the watchful eyes of the teacher, this year has certainly changed the norms. With an entire year of online exams, we can expect a drastic change in the performance rates during the offline exams. For teachers, these are bound to affect their nerves.

Teaching has been at its hardest during this year due to the global pandemic and distanced learning. While this might have strained the connection of teachers and their students, It is good to remember the importance of a teacher in a student's life. In Michael Morpurgo’s words, "It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom."

Teachers hold an innate power to change a student’s life. Their actions and words hold immeasurable value to the young ones under their care. It can give hope to the students and build their confidence.

Here are a few reminders to reassure teachers:

1. Be available for your students. No matter how simple or hard their doubts and queries are, your presence can make a difference. Students often don’t seek an answer, they need a person to look up to when they are in doubt.

2. You are the first responders. Keep an eye open for students who are anxious and attend to them individually. It might be easier for them to open up and speak to you when they are alone.

3. Give importance to test skills, not just rote learning.

4. Give adequate practice tests.

5. Be more patient with students who have a learning disability.

6. Attend to your own wellbeing. Exam days are extremely hard for teachers and sometimes your anxiety can rub off on your student. Believing in your students and taking care of your health is the need of the hour.

7. Your words matter. Your students might be extremely tensed due to pressure from family, society, and their peers. And this can affect their output. At this point, they need positive mental reinforcements. Who would be better for it than you?

Just as you cheer your students in the class, we are here to cheer you on as you mould yet another batch. Kudos! Keep up the good work!