We were in 7th grade. It was Science period and we were glued to our seats, listening carefully as our usually-strict teacher taught us about the amoeba. And, then there was a pause as she struggled to find words to continue. When I looked up at her, I realized she had tears in her eyes.
Shocked and awkward, all of us just stared until one of us had the courage to ask, “Ma’am, what happened?!” Fighting back her tears, she replied, “My daughter has been very unwell for a few days and I cannot be with her because I have to finish the syllabus this week. Otherwise, you won’t have time to revise. Anyway. .” and, she turned to the blackboard to continue teaching.
If we think back, we will realize there are multiple such incidents that we ignored and took for granted. That’s maybe because we think teachers are just doing their jobs or they are struggling hard because they have to. It is actually not the case at all.
Most teachers are in it because they love the art of teaching. It takes a lot of passion, courage, and determination to do what teachers do. By the end of this article, we are positive you will agree (if you don’t already).
We are writing this to help everyone start the New Year with gratitude and appreciation for the people who have played a pivotal role in shaping our lives – our teachers. We are going to look at some of the most common and easily ignored sacrifices they make for their students.
Standing all day
Our legs give out within a few minutes of standing. Imagine having to stand for an hour at a stretch to teach. If they have back-to-back classes, teachers can’t sit even between periods! They have to rush to the next class the moment the bell rings. That leaves them no time to catch a breath or take a seat.
It gets worse during examinations when they are specifically given instructions not to sit down at any point in time. That’s 3 hours of standing at a stretch. What about bathroom breaks? Can’t go until they find someone who can replace them for a few minutes!
Eating alone at their desks in the classroom
While students share their food, have hearty conversations, and play with their friends, teachers have to eat alone at their desks, monitoring all kids during lunch breaks. This means they are on-duty even during break time.
Calming all students before exams even though they are stressed!
You think teachers don’t get stressed during board exams? Of course, they do. And, while they are trying to control their nerves, they receive multiple phone calls from their students. Once again, keeping their emotions and fears aside, they work towards helping them calm down. How many times have you done this?
Staying on guard during picnics
A picnic is no picnic if you are a teacher! Right from the time it starts to the time every child is back home safe, teachers have to be alert. Imagine being responsible for the safety of 40 odd highly enthusiastic children!
When we were kids, we thought of them as ball busters who restricted us all the time. Only afterwards did we realize that we owe our safety and happy memories to them!
Never being able to use the phone
We are sure you will appreciate this now. We can’t think of going a few minutes without our phones and our teachers have to forgo their phones for hours! Almost all schools have a no-cell phone policy. Imagine that.
Feeling nostalgic? Overwhelmed? Pick up the phone and thank your teachers! We know you are in touch with at least a few through social media.
They say it is a thankless job but our teachers are proud of what they do and the role they play in shaping young minds. They are nothing short of angels, for sure.