Integrity in Classrooms: On the Occasion of Teachers’ Day

India observes Teachers’ Day on September 5 every year to acknowledge their dedication and sacrifice in shaping the future of children and that of the nation. It also marks the birth anniversary of former President of India and scholar Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was known for his contributions to education. While it is basically a day to appreciate teachers and mentors for their role in imparting academic knowledge, cultivating values, moulding character and even going beyond the four walls of a classroom to help students realise their potentials, it can also serve as a reminder to some -- particularly those in the government sector -- of how they may be doing a disservice to society by denying children access to quality education. In Nagaland, teachers can be broadly categorised into three groups – errant teachers employed in government schools who either keep a proxy to teach in their places or ignore all together; permanent and contractual government school teachers who diligently perform their duties; and private school teachers. The practice of proxy teaching is rampant in the state, which is reflected in the poor performance of students in board exams and low enrolment. The concerned department has warned of taking stringent action on defaulters, including termination of jobs, but to no avail as the menace continues. However, not all potatoes in the sack are rotten. There are also teachers in the government sector who perform their duties diligently. They bear the brunt of the stereotype created by some black sheep, and it is unfair to discredit their sacrifices. Then there are private school teachers who are often paid significantly less than their counterparts in the public sector, despite doing the same or even more work.

To celebrate Teachers’ Day more meaningfully, the concerned authorities should address the issues plaguing the education sector and look into the welfare of educators and students. Dereliction of duty should not be tolerated, irrespective of departments. Strict action should be taken against errant teachers, including termination for repeat offenders, while dedicated teachers should be recognised. Private educational institutions, on their part, should look into the disparity in salaries. Many teachers in private schools leave the profession prematurely due to low pay, which disrupts students' learning processes. To improve learning outcomes, this concerning job-hopping trend should be arrested. Most importantly, teachers should approach their profession with the utmost sincerity and integrity in view of the crucial role they play in shaping the future of society by moulding successful and responsible citizens. They should uphold a high standard of ethics, as their noble profession requires, and serve as role models for their students. The noble teaching profession should not be reduced to a mere source of income.