Empowered Teachers:Are we Ready?

There are more women than men in the teaching profession in most parts of our country. Teachers face a lot of challenges in our society. The need of the hour is to provide a wholesome education to our students which prepares them not just for careers but also makes them good human beings. Aggression, substance abuse, materialism, relationship problems are some of the glaring problems in our youth. We need to empower our students with good values, resilience and realized potentials. Teachers play the role of nation-builders. It is not an easy task. If women teachers take this responsibility and gear up to this challenge, they will be truly empowered. Much of the potential in our students goes untapped because of various reasons. Inhibitions and fears, low self esteem, low self efficacy, self-centeredness on the one hand among the students as also lack of passion, involvement and commitment on the part of the teachers. Teachers play a special role in imparting value education to students. They thus are the role models for their students. Strong convictions and goals, clear plans, priorities, efforts for self growth truly empower an individual. By trying out new teaching techniques, teachers can inculcate inquisitiveness and analytical thinking in the students. Interactive teaching makes learning a two way process. Teachers can help create cohesive groups amongst students so as to foster solidarity, belongingness and affection in the group. Women can play this role really well as they are well versed with structuring and cohesive forces in families. So women in the role of teachers will really be using their inherent strengths. Teachers have to be equipped to deal with some students who are irregular, aggressive, not receptive or disobedient. Accepting such challenges, trying to understand their problems, bringing them to the mainstream of the classroom is a task that empathetic and empowered teachers can take up. Teachers can help students to develop intrinsic motivation, inquisitiveness and realize their strengths. Creativity in each student can be tapped if they are provided some freedom of expression. Effective teachers understand and accept individual differences. Women teachers can provide a nourishing and loving environment for students to blossom into wholesome and healthy adults. Proactive, creative and determined youth can carry out their duties with commitment and sincerity, thereby contributing towards building a strong nation. Teachers can make a difference to the society by bringing forth such students. And that is real empowerment.