‘The teachers we need for the education we want’

What kind of educators does India need?

The theme for the World Teachers’ Day (WTD) 2023 was “The teachers we need for the education we want: Addressing the global imperative to address teacher shortages”. This theme prompts teachers in India to reflect on several key questions: Does India face a shortage of teachers? Does our country truly celebrate teachers? What kind of education does it aspire to provide? What qualities should the teachers possess to align with the educational goals of the country?

Interestingly, while many countries are grappling with teacher shortages, India stands as an exception, due to its sufficient teacher population. However, regrettably, not all of these educators can be characterised as exemplary. Some lack the essential passion and qualities and many fall short in terms of the necessary skills to excel. A significant number of teachers in India can be categorised as “qualified but not necessarily productive or effective.” This phenomenon may be attributed to various factors, including the treatment and respect given to teachers in our country.

A country that values its educators is likely to attract and retain good, competent teachers because individuals are inclined to choose a profession that enjoys respect and recognition within their society. According to the 2018 Global Teacher Status Index, the top 10 countries where teachers are held in the highest esteem, ranked from highest to lowest, are as follows: China (1), Malaysia (2), Taiwan (3), Russia (4), Indonesia (5), South Korea (6), Turkey (7), India (8), New Zealand (9), and Singapore (10). If the survey results are accurate, we, in India, should take pride in our 8th place ranking.

Does India truly celebrate teachers? Is the teaching profession regarded as noble in our country? In a recent survey, I posed these questions to teachers working in government and private schools. Many believe that our society recognises the profound significance of educators and celebrates their contributions, especially when they uphold moral principles and prioritise student well-being.

However, a substantial salary gap exists between government school teachers and their peers in private institutions. This highlights the regrettable reality that the majority of teachers are not treated equally. Consequently, this discrimination has driven many teachers to leave the profession. Poor working conditions combined with inadequate remuneration deter individuals from pursuing a career in teaching. Therefore, it is imperative to attract youngsters who possess adequate knowledge, competent skills and right attitude to the teaching profession by implementing appropriate measures.

What type of education should our nation aspire to provide? True education encompasses more than simply enabling students to obtain qualifications such as degrees and diplomas. It involves acquiring knowledge, honing skills necessary for a career, shaping one’s thinking, developing a scientific temperament, cultivating the right attitude, and nurturing qualities that make us better human beings. Moreover, it entails preparing to adapt to ever-constant change and contributing to the betterment of society.

True education fosters holistic growth by providing individuals with opportunities to explore life, enhance their living standards, and equip themselves with the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. It should empower them to sharpen their creative and critical thinking skills and apply them as needed and enable them to become independent thinkers who possess the courage to question prevailing norms and conventions. Unfortunately, intellectual courage, which is essential for this development, is often lacking in many today. Even educators often hesitate to address the significance of intellectual courage and honesty.