Teachers in our state are always in the news for either the right or the wrong reasons. It is especially when the state HSLC results come out then a heap of criticisms and finger-pointing against govt. schools and the teachers are showered in plenty without any remorse. But one thing many people miss to notice is the number of students who are securing first divisions or getting distinction in various subjects from govt. schools all over the state though many schools drew a nil result. People should also understand the govt. teachers are molding some of the really hard to crack children who have been brought up in hard and harsh conditions. Many parents who cannot afford to send their children to private schools are sent to govt. schools. Students who are disobedient, indiscipline or incorrigible and who are often expelled from private schools are admitted in the govt. schools and the govt. school teachers are dealing with some really unruly and uncontrollable students. This year’s HSCL results show a remarkable improvement from previous years with a good number of govt. schools showing a high pass percentage. Like anywhere in the world, good students passed out in flying colors, average students or below average students who work hard to make it even though in third divisions. Students who do not toil do not make it. Some get compartments but again with hard work and determination and of course with the teacher’s help they somehow make it. During this entire ordeal, the govt. teachers are never recognized, given their due credit and their hard-work is never noticed. I write this not to take applause or take a credit. But as a teacher I feel that even if humans fail to see or recognize our sweat and hard efforts, if our heavenly Father sees it then it is enough. But as human beings, we too get hurt when those hurling negative comments and undue accusations are made against us every now and then. Remember, like the way you judge us, God too is going to judge every one of us. Teachers like the rest of people in the world, some are good some are bad; some are truly dedicated and sincere while some are lazy and inefficient in their duties. But it doesn’t mean that just because of some insincere or inefficient teachers, all teachers are alike or should be branded as same and classified in the same category. Sometimes our salaries are not paid for even several months in a row and we too have a family to feed. But during those times do you even care to understand our plight and hardships during such moments? With only our tears we look up to heaven for help. We too have to pay our house rent, electric bills, phone bills, our children’s school fees etc. We too have to pay the auto-fare or buy some litres of fuel even to go to our work-place despite not being paid our salaries for even half a year at times. And when we are not been paid for so many months how do you expect us to carry on with our life? Beg, steal or borrow? We too need to light and burn the kitchen fire in order to feed our stomachs and our children’s’ too. Please remember, we are human beings too and we too have our sentiments. People who live comfortably and do not have any experience about the hard realities of life are always there to criticize and speak ill of us without knowing both sides of the coin. Regarding substitute teachers/proxy teachers, not everyone is same and so should not be measured in the same scale. There might be some few lazy lot who do not attend their duties and draw out their salaries which of course is a sin both in the eyes of God and men too. But sometimes substitute teachers are appointed under various circumstances when teachers avail leave from the government to go for higher studies. Sometimes teachers too being humans fall sick and have to undergo long medical treatment or operations and take rest; so are advised by doctors to take some rest. In such situations to the local authorities such as village councils or school headmasters appoint some persons in their place so as not to hamper the academic session. Young lady teachers who are pregnant avail maternity leave for three months and when some unfortunate medical complications arises, a need to appoint someone in their place arises. To avoid delays ,going to the state capital and undertaking all governmental procedures, the respective village or area authority with their wisdom appoint some capable persons so as not to obstruct the ongoing school curriculum till the original incumbent resumes his/her duty. Nowadays, in the case of teachers going for B.Ed studies, the salaries of substitute teachers are even paid by the incumbent teachers. Such cases should not be always accused or indicted of being a proxy or otherwise. Teachers are the most burdened lot amongst all other departments. During census operations, teachers are called out to carry out the task. During the Economic surveys teachers are called for the task. Even during electoral registrations too it is the teachers who are called to perform these duties. All this too when the academic session is on full swing. They have to miss many classes because govt. duty beckons them to attend these duties. Many teachers stay in far-flung remote area separated from their families without electricity or even phone network without being in touch with their spouses, children and loved ones for weeks or months. In many instances, they stay without proper accommodation and basic necessities like proper toilets and drinking water facilities. Many people in our society without knowing the reality jump to conclusions by hearing one side of the story. Instead of always accusing teachers unjustly for every failure and disappointments, let’s reach out and start visiting the places and schools by giving them a helping hand, correcting them, encouraging them, supporting them to make our society a better one rather than pinpointing the teachers’ every faults and weakness. Our society today needs more people to correct and bridge the gap from the grassroots level rather than shout from our roof-tops. Let us go to the villages, go the schools, go the places where you feel that needs to be straightened and corrected and stem out any wrong from the bud rather than always shouting and throwing wild accusations at every possible chance on the poor teachers through the newspapers and social media. Then that will prove you are doing something for the society. It is easy for anyone to find a fault.
