Back to the Classroom

by SHWETA KAMAT
Posted on 2008-09-06
They give us the first lesson in life and help in shaping our personality. From the first step in kindergarten right up to our postgraduate studies, they are constantly associated with us and become a cherished part of our memories.
Teaching is a noble profession and teachers are always a boon to society. Through their intelligence, patience and wisdom, they attempt to not only hone the learners’ intellect and aptitude but also create well-rounded personalities.
Teaching has an influence in developing ones mind and character and also gives the satisfaction of having sparked the light of knowledge in the minds of the students.
“Teaching is an interesting and challenging profession. It is not for the meek or the faint of heart,” says Mr Prajal Sakardande, senior lecturer of history, Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar.
Adding further he said that teaching is a demanding, yet rewarding profession.
“As this field is vast different skills and training are required at various levels,” says Mr Sakardande.
Areas of specialisation include teaching at nursery schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, institutes, special schools etc.
According to him, each level calls for a different expertise. “If you love to be with children, teaching at school will be a great option but if you want to be with young adults, it is better to look at the college or university level,” advises Mr Sakardande.
“Good teachers can bring out the best in every student,” he believes.
Teaching has always been one of the most respected and conventional career options and the education system is one of the largest and highly developed systems in India.
 “With the coming of the Sixth Pay Commission and more than 700 universities needed till 2012 in India, the demand for teachers has increased,” says the Principal of SS Angle HSSC, Canacona.
“The main reason for opting for this career could be interest in the subject, a secure professional career and a regular annual vacation,” he added.
Today teaching is not just restricted to schools, colleges, universities or private teaching. There are other areas where you can work. Apart from being a lecturer you can be a special educator, counsellors, reading specialists etc.
Lectures draw a salary of Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,500 at the entry level. The salary at senior level is around Rs 8000 to Rs 13,500. The pay scale of professors ranges from Rs 12,400 to Rs 22,400.
“The basic qualifications needed is a BA from any college or university with at least 60 per cent marks in the specialised subject,” says Mr Manoj Ibrampurkar, lecturer of geology, Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar.
Explaining further he said that if you want to get into school and high secondary level you need to have bachelor’s degree in arts along with BAD (Bachelor of Education) and at college level you need to have post graduation degree.
“Apart from all this, one needs to have the skills and the ability to work with children and to create an effective and pleasant learning environment. One should have the ability to grasp details and be well-equipped with the latest information in the education sector,” Said Mr Ibrampurkar.
The most important thing to remember is that you should only pursue a teaching career if you really want to, not because it’s convenient or there are openings. If you can keep a class interested in what you’re teaching, handle the different learning styles of 30 kids and help the lonely kid in the last row connect with somebody who’ll be his friend, then you might just make a difference in many young lives.
So, are you ready to take up this career?