Dedicated to all the teachers changing the world

Meeti woke up at 5:30 am berating herself for shutting the alarm. An hour late, how was she going to juggle between cooking the day's food, getting her children and herself ready for school? She saw her husband sleeping peacefully and for a second was tempted to wake him up but then she knew he worked equally hard. She rushed to the kitchen looking for shortcuts and thanks to the ready-made masala packets kept for any emergency, she managed to pack decent meals for all. Along the way, she started loudly calling out her children's names with a list of instructions to wake them up and set them in motion. It was really cacophonous as with much rush and anxiety, her husband also joined in to ensure that all 3 of them left home at the right moment so that for the next 30 minutes he would experience peace. 

 

She rushed to the station hoping to catch her usual seat. She managed to reach the station as the train approached and along with throng of women, hustling and bustling, she managed to reach her seat. Her colleague Ami had reserved one for her. Looking at her friend, she beamed and in the next minute or two, home was thrown to the winds, work talk had crept in.

 'Are you aware they are planning to increase our work time by half an hour?' asked Ami. 

'Oh no, this new Principal has nothing better to do than harass us', said Meeti and the talk continued. 

 

They swiped in at school and went to their respective classrooms. Meeti had an Economics class in STD. XB and she had read up about GDP on the internet to be extra ready. Aakash, the smart alec of the class always threw challenging questions at her and watched her while she struggled with the answers which were not to be found in the textbook. A class of 40 minutes entailed she had to put in minimum 1 hour as research work or else students would mock her as soon as she would conclude the lesson and leave the class. Along with the joy of teaching came the element of keeping at par with the students or even one step ahead. They were becoming smarter and smarter and all the textbook knowledge was not supporting the transition. 

Her class went off smoothly except for a few minor ruffles. She walked out smiling and entered the next class, XC. The day was heavy  with 7 periods back to back. As she began teaching, she noticed at the back a group of girls giggling away. She wondered what was funny and asked them but received no response. She continued teaching but the students were very lukewarm in their interaction, their minds were elsewhere. When the bell rang, she moved out quickly feeling very disturbed. As she was walking, her colleague came up and told her that her bra strap was showing, and began helping her. It suddenly dawned on her as to what had made the students giggle. 

She moved on from one class to another with emotions varying as per the students' response. 

 

Seven classes and so much correction had mounted up, exams were approaching soon, so question paper making deadlines had been given. Time was less and tasks were more. Such chaotic thoughts assailed her.

Suddenly she heard her name being called on the PA. The Principal had called for her. '100% something else is coming my way', she thought. She walked into the office smiling but on the inside she was dreading the new task. The Principal informed Meeti that a few parents had come to meet her regarding academics. As she was walking towards Meeti thought, 'Gosh, hope no complaint against me, I don’t remember hitting, scolding anyone or missing my classes'. 

The Principal came forward and hugged her and mentioned that they all had come to appreciate the excellent work put in by her and hearing these praises the Principal could not contain her happiness and wished to share the joy with Meeti immediately. 

 

Meeti walked out of the office with her head held high. She had been acknowledged, appreciated and respected. Her students loved her. What more could any educator ask for? It was time to go back and complete the other tasks. The next day she had a block class in XA and Kiran, the new girl, was even more demanding than Aakash.

When asked about my identity - I proudly state 'Teacher'

When asked what I do? - Learn, unlearn, teach, reteach

When asked who I teach? - Everyone who lends me a ear

When asked how you teach? - With immense love and passion

When asked what it pays? - Immense satisfaction

When asked what ails you? - To have my creative wings cut and stick to a prescribed syllabus

When asked about your future? - My awesome students remembering us