Schools must recognise teachers’ potential

Tribune news service

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Amritsar, January 20

A school is not just a place where a student is born, but also where a teacher is born. Realising the growing need to motivate and reward teachers with not just appreciation, but also helping them achieve self-actualisation, a Principal’s Meet was held by The Tribune today in the city. The day was dedicated to “Innovation in education” and the event was held in association with BML Munjhal University. The key note speakers, Gurbir Singh Sandhu and Kalpana Kapoor, both accomplished academicians and entrepreneurs, set the tone for discussion by emphasising that teachers become true leaders, when their potential is realised through active interactions and harbouring responsibility.

Kalpana Kapoor, an entrepreneur with an experience of more than 30 years in the field of education and director of MEM schools, said schools needed to adopt innovative ways to recognise its teachers and in the process, add to the holistic development of students. A life skill coach, she also conducted few interactive activities with present teachers and principals of various schools. Pointing out that most schools run on robotic concept of education, she said that a more conducive approach was needed to be adopted to ensure that teachers were empowered along with students. “Schools need to change their attitude towards education, adopt a more empathetic approach. The concept of unilateral education is an outdated thing and the role of teachers has become more significant,” she said. She said that every teacher might have different challenge. “There are demographic challenges where a teacher needs to address students from different backgrounds, technological challenges and even attitude problems. That’s where as a principal, one needs to step in and empower teachers.” Explaining that how it could be achieved, she said, “Teachers should be paid well, their talent should be identified through group activities. They should be open to workshops, interactive learning practices that every school management should include in its curriculum. There must be a feeling of belongingness, which can only be achieved through small motivational gestures . She also stressed that schools should be built as small communities, with focus on sharing, learning and exploring each other’s talents. She gave examples of schools in Gujarat, Mumbai and Muzzafarnagar, where teachers implemented some innovative ideas like having colourful classrooms, a class newsletter and using eco-friendly practices to engage student-teacher bonding as well as holistic development.

Gurbir Singh Sandhu, in his address, said that a collaborative network between parents, teachers and students can ensure maximum mutual benefit. “The principals should ask themselves, are they doing enough to help their teachers perform to their best potential? How many of their teachers have the potential to become principal in near future?” he said. He also asked teachers to trust each other rather than becoming competitors. “A leader always works with his team, making everybody feel important and seeking their contribution. He or she should have a vision, and work towards it with constant motivation.” As Director of sports and student welfare, BML Munjal University, he said that schools needed to develop sports as a key area in education. Sandhu and his son Manavjit Singh are the only father-son duo in the country to have represented India at International Shooting Championship and both are Arjuna Awardees. “Schools should invest in sports infrastructure as it adds a particular skill set required to nurture future leaders among students,” he added.

THE VIEWS

“The workshop was excellent and opened my mind to some new, innovative concepts of education. As a leader, it becomes my duty to set example by executing some of these ideas like adopting empathetic approach and empowering teachers to encourage them to work as a team.” — Nirmal Singh Bedi, Director, Brightway Holy Innocence School, Chheharta

“The pointers about using small appreciation gestures to motivate teachers seemed effective. Such approach will definitely have an impact on teachers’ performance as well as performance of students. A lot of ideas were shared and it was definitely a learning experience.” — Deepinder Singh Chimni, Chairman, KV Public School

“The interactive activities were very good, encouraging some teachers to open up and show their creative side. The session was a reminder that we need an innovative approach and updated infrastructure to help produce better students and teachers.It was really enlightening” — Rekha Mahajan, officiating Principal, Government Sr Sec School, Harsha Chinna

“The pointers on empowering teachers with interactive and sensitive approach were very good. The well-being of teachers will ensure that they work tirelessly to educate and prepare future leaders. Sports development is also one of the most significant areas that educational institutions across the country should work upon.” — Harpreet, principal, Rose Buds School, Cherharta

“The innovative ideas shared on motivating teachers are good to be implemented and expect results from. Managing a school requires us to look at things differently and keeping our staff and students motivated would help us in doing our work in a better way. As a leader, we too learnt some new things today. “ — Upma Mahajan, Principal, SD Arya School, Dinanagar

“Divergent view of teachers and staff is important for improving the school management. One key area that I would definitely work on is the sports as shared by our speakers. Sports development is crucial for recognising the local talent among our students and giving them a platform to build a better future.” — GS Gill, director, BGSUS Sr Sec School, Khadoor Saheb

“One significant thing that I’ll take back with me is about creative classrooms and small changes in our attitude as educators. The concept of eco-friendly campus and accessible management is also a key learning point.” — Amandeep Kaur, Principal, St Soldiers’ Elite Convent School, Chamunda Devi

“The different ways to motivate and keep the teachers happy are appreciated. The staff too needs to be treated with respect and reminded of their significance as ‘gurus’.” — Dinesh Kapoor, Director, Rashtriya Bal Shiksha Kendra, Islamabad

“It is appreciable that such workshops help us get information in ways to indentify present problems sine education and work on them as a team. It is very important that such workshops be held regularly for the future of educators in our country.” — Father Varkaey, Director, St Patrick School, Navi Abadi

“The workshop was very engaging and interactive, with all participants being very receptive towards the innovative ways discussed. Such events play an important role in understanding the nuances of running a school.” — Rakesh Prabhakar, director, Prabhakar Sr Sec School, Chheharta