Bhubaneswar: In a world marked by unprecedented challenges, the role of educators has never been more pivotal. The theme for this year, ‘Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery’ is not just a theme; it’s a testament to the remarkable spirit of those who’ve weathered storms, adapted to new realities, and continued to sow the seeds of knowledge amidst adversity, like Covid-19.
In a rapidly changing world, teachers have been the compass guiding students through uncharted territory. Their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment have transformed classrooms into sanctuaries of hope, and they have embraced the digital frontier with unwavering determination. Teacher’s Day is the perfect occasion to recognize the teachers who have not only adapted but thrived in this ever-evolving landscape
Moreover, teachers have been on the frontlines to ensure learning continuity when schools were closed and to provide socio-emotional support to their students, especially the most vulnerable ones. They have had to rapidly adapt to remote learning and manage new digital tools, often without training. Today, they must assess and address learning losses among their students, cope with issues of health and safety in the classroom, and leverage remote, hybrid and in-person methods to minimize disruption.
On the eve of Teachers’ Day, OrissaPOST asked the teachers how their role has changed in recent times, the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and what can be done to strengthen the relationship between teachers and students.
BJEM School Principal Sandhya Jena said, “In today’s technological advancement with implementation of National Education Policy, the focus is on foundational stage such as pre-nursery to class III. So, the teachers’ role becomes very important as they need to be patient with students and very passionate about their work. They also must be trained according to the needs of the time.”
Elaborating on the teachers’ role, SAI International School Chairperson Silpi Sahoo said, “Teachers have become not only conveyors of knowledge but also facilitators of digital learning, adaptable educators in remote and hybrid settings, and champions of personalized instruction. To support their welfare, schools should prioritize continuous professional development, mental health support and fair compensation.”
She added that strengthening the teacher-student relationship is vital. Schools can foster this by encouraging open communication, active listening, and personalization of teaching methods to suit every individual student.
According to Mother’s Public School Chairman and Principal Poly Patnaik, the teachers are considered now as facilitators. “Some key changes that have taken place in the role of teachers are shift in teaching methods, personalized Learning, mental health and well-being,” she said.
When students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to be actively engaged in the learning process and have a more positive overall school experience, Patnaik added.
Srusti Mishra, a student, said that changing the role of a teacher from an instructor to a mentor will lead children to become more conscious of their learning. Student-teacher interaction that is based merely on academic progress or behaviour management creates inhibitions within a student and stifles true relationship building. Becoming more independent and trust are at the foundation of any lasting relationship, she said.
Rupesh Kumar Deep, a teacher, said being a teacher is not a profession rather it’s a responsibility that everyone cannot take.
The role of a teacher has always been special in society because a teacher is someone who shows path to the upcoming generation. A teacher should always be up to date, Rupesh added.
By Arindam Ganguly, OP