Teacher’s pet is that you?

Rithu Dravid

When most look back at their school years and recollect the unforgettable account of experiences, you gather that the school is not as a place where we learn, but a place where we understand ourselves, discover new things and pick up lessons without even realising it. And this institute, a teacher is a student’s greatest champion , and makes a big difference in a student’s life.

A good teacher encourages students to set high goals and not limit themselves.“When I personally think back, my teachers made a big difference in my life. They definitely did then, and still do, influence my life. My love for knowledge and the values they instilled in me is their contribution,” says Anjali Rajan. Such teachers who consistently challenge students to do their best, and care to teach students to believe in themselves are a true inspiration to students. Likewise many students start building an attitude of confidence and willingness to make changes for the better with the motivation and support they get from their teachers. One such middle school student, Heloise says, “I like my class teacher Miss Gifty because of her appealing nature and her ability to motivate me, her confidence and passion for teaching. She inspires me.”

A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. The bond that blossoms between a teacher and the taught is always cherished. Many students feel a teacher gives them a hand, opens minds, and touches hearts. Vinisha Shalome, a seventh grader says, had one such teacher: “Every teacher inspires me every day in some way or the other. But the one who made the deepest impression on me was my fourth grade teacher, Miss Mercy, who was passionate about teaching mathematics.”

Her enthusiasm made lessons fun, creative and exciting for the class. “She treated us as thinking people with opinions worth listening to. Not knowing the right answer was not a problem in her class and she made every child an achiever and overcome obstacles. Mentoring a student to look out for new opportunities and discover new horizons was everything that a good teacher should do. and she did that.”

Children with special needs require unique and specially trained teachers to help them achieve their highest potential and strive to progress beyond their limitations. Amitha, mother of a special child, finds the support she gets from her daughter’s teachers very helpful. “Miss Rosily of the special school holds a great place in Honoria’s heart, a one in a million kind of a teacher to inspire my child”. Such teachers get involved in the child’s wellbeing by being empathetic and friendly with the parents too

Many teachers have taught us valuable life lessons and encouraged us to do things that are enjoyable and have applauded our achievements. Ananya, a tenth standard student says, “ I cherish the fun memories in second grade. My teacher Miss Madhusree Gosh cared and corrected all my mistakes with a smile on her face and she was the best memory I can take back from school.”

At the end of the day a teacher is an epitome of grace and she plays an inspirational role to all her students. Sarah Fatima concludes by saying, “My teacher Miss Ramprasad is an inspiration to me and certainly a teacher to hold in my memory.”