The Role and Responsibility of a Teacher

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHER

Y. Satya Sree

Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaya

The above Sanskrit quotation tells us that it is ‘Education that emancipates us’. The term Education is derived from ‘Educere’ which means ‘to train’ or ‘to mould’ into desirable forms. The Oxford Dictionary says that “Education is the systematic training and instruction, especially of the young in school and college”. Swami Vivekananda  said, “Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man”. It is in these contexts that the teacher plays a vital role in the life of a student. The teacher is held in high esteem in any society. Particularly, in our country, a teacher is regarded as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Teaching is considered to be the noblest of all professions.

A teacher plays an important role in transmitting the traditional values, attitudes and occupational skills to children. A teacher trains them in personal and social behaviour and inculcation of human values. A teacher creates an atmosphere for the child to develop fully as a complete human being. Jiddu Krishnamurti gives emphasis to the cultivation of the intellect and the necessity to have a sharp, clear and analytical and precise mind.

A teacher has to perform multiple roles in the process of educating the child. The primary role of a teacher is that of a leader. He has to show them the right way by influencing their raw minds and guide them in right thinking. He should socialise them and act as an agent of moral development of the child.  Sometimes the teacher acts as a Judge, as he judges the academic performance in an impartial and just manner. The ‘offences’ committed by the students are immediately checked by the teacher, who sometimes plays the role of a police or a detective.  He is a refree when he settles the disputes and differences among his pupils.  While dealing with problem children, he performs the duty of a counsellor.  The teacher is a true friend, guide and philosopher to the students.  Above all, a teacher is a parent surrogate as he/she substitutes the parent as long as the child is under his/her care.  Therefore, the multi-dimensional role played by the teacher is very challenging in the present day society.

In future, the role and responsibility of a teacher has to be clearly defined.  The Education Commission (1964-66), under the active leadership of Dr. Kothari, rightly observed “The destiny of India is being shaped in its classroom”.  The teacher should be aware of this moral obligation and should take up the responsibility of man-making, social transformation and nation-building.  A teacher’s role has to be tailor – made to suit the needs and demands of the country.

A teacher in the modern times has to be a good communicator, motivator, innovator and organizer.  He should be able to utilize all the available resources and tools and educational technology effectively.  He should keep updating his knowledge and skills and keep pace with the latest developments in his subject.  I quote V.S. Srinivasa Sastry as he mentioned two corollaries of this duty, “One is the need of reading and adding to one’s own knowledge.  No man’s conversation is worth anything is he is not in touch with the events round him and if he does not keep abreast of the movement of thought and opinion.  Also let every teacher of the young remember always that they learn largely through imitation, that imitation is unconscious as well as conscious, and that it is, therefore, incumbent on him, for the sake of his pupils as much as for his own, to set a good example in all respects”.  Dr. S. Radha Krishnan, the world Philosopher, said quite relevantly, “No teacher, who is not master of the field or who is not in touch with the latest developments in his subject and who does not bring to bear upon his duties a free and untrammeled mind will ever succeed in inspiring the youth with love of truth which is the principal object of education”.  Let all teachers take inspiration from this great teacher’s words and make themselves better teachers for a better tomorrow.

I conclude with a prayer from Taittaraya Upanishad, which points out the true relationship of the educator and the educated. Let us pray that this spiritual relationship sustains forever.

Om Sahanavavathu, Sahanau Bhunaktu,
Sahaviryam Karavavahai, Tejaswina Vadhitamastu,
Mavidvishavahai, Om Santi, Santi, Sanit.

which means – May the Divine protect us both, the Teacher and the Discipline.  May He nourishes us both.  May we work together with great energy.  May our study be vigorous and fruitful.  May we not hate each other.

Om Santi, Santi, Santi.