-Introduction
During the event
of COVID19 pandemic, millions of teachers are facing challenges due to various
reasons, this reasons could be socio-economic, embracing of technology, salary
reduction, voluntary salary forgo, the loss of job itself etc. These unprecedented
changes are being called ‘New Normal’. The New Normal replaces the expected, usual, typical state
after an event occurs. The new normal encourages one to deal with current situations rather
than lamenting what could have been.
It is universal belief that a great teacher is warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. This is the teacher to whom students know they can go with any problems or concerns or even to share a funny story or even a horrible life incidence. Great teachers possess good listening skills and take time out of their way-too-busy schedules for anyone who needs them. And now this is the time in which we need to show these qualities to teachers who have been applying these qualities for their pupils until know. Teachers do not expect to get in return what they have given, its like an example of a mango tree. But it’s a time in which we all should support the teaching fraternity.
The teachers have
been facilitating the learning process from centuries, for which it is also
known as a noble profession. It is important that these professionals are
supported, taken care of during the period of crisis to overcome their
challenges. I read a reflection written by a teacher, she said that it’s like a
moment of depression with a lot of constraints being surrounded. There are many
teachers who receive salaries, on which their families are being fully or
partially dependent. There are few institutions where teachers are supported
morally, mentally and financially too as much as possible. At least they are
having few timely discussions with the teachers.
If the teachers
are being cared, then it is really in today’s critical period an appreciable moment.
As we have many expectations from teachers, it is also important that in return
we care for them. In addition, as a matter of reflection about the position of
teachers, and their values in the communities, they are the pride of knowledge.
This short write
up would try to bring some challenges of teachers and school management that
they are undergoing during this crisis period.
Teachers’ Challenges:
a. No job security: It is common known fact that private schools do not possess job security. Already there are teachers who are employed on low pay scales. Currently, few school authorities have adopted a policy of no work no pay. There are a few situations where the terms of employment are being terminated.
On a positive side, there are few proactive managements who are managing to pay discounted retention plan salary. However, most of the schools might have positive norms of managing their staff during times of difficulties. That’s a humane approach.
b. Embracing technology: Another
major challenge most of the teachers are facing is quick technology adoption.
Most private schools have started the online classes, these are the classes which the teachers used to handle with chalk and talk method. Now in the new normal, the teachers are compulsorily required to learn online tools.
Management challenges:
a. Young schooling entrepreneurship: If we look at the revolution of private schools, it is remarkable. Millions of schooling entrepreneurs are running the schools even without any sufficient funds. They lack many essential requirements; such schools get a major dent particularly in this situation. It’s a big question for them as to how can they sustain and support the staff.
b.
New
to tech: Many school managements themselves did not feel the need for
technology. There is a panic among the managements also regarding the adoption
of technology as part of this new normal. The managements are training their
teachers on technology, and together they too are learning and embracing step
by step.
c. The organisational structure of a private school: Another major challenge the private teachers are facing is due to the organizational style. Most private schools are dependent on the fee collected from the students. Due to COVID-19 related economic crisis, many schools could not collect the entire fee from the last academic year. So it’s challenging for the school to manage finance and bring financial stability at this movement. Even in this situation, there are few school managements who are going out of the way to support their staff.
Because of all
this challenges millions of marginalized teachers have been left on the midway. On the other hand, the affordable schools are struggling a lot as their fee itself is very
minimal. There are many schools who run on ‘hand to mouth’. This period is very
critical for them which is unrecognized by our community and the government. Teaching
has no colour and size, it is just the noble and appreciated work for our
nation, this noble act of nation-building has to be fully supported, and taken care. Then there would be greater pride for civilized society. The support does not come only through money, a simple handhold will go a thousand miles.
Note:
This is a critical article being published. We had to be very careful with the topics we
address, and the words we used in this article. This article focused on the
challenges of both the teachers as well as management. Initially, this article
was planned to be published focusing on teachers’ challenges. But when the
writing process started we ended up balancing both the teachers as well as
management. This is a tough situation for all the education stakeholders, in
their own way.
Please let us
know your reflections, feedback on this article in the below comment section.
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Reflection is contributed by:
Satyasing Mushahary in consultation with Maaz Mohammed AQ
Both are alumni of Azim Premji University (2014-16)
References: https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/nine-characteristics-of-a-great-teacher/