Happy Teachers Day! My Humble Salutations to all our Teachers! You may ask me who my teachers are.
L to R: Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Sri. R. Ethirajan ( My Beloved Father), Dr R. Anbalagan (My Brother in law who is the eldest of our family who supported me to study MSc), Dr E. G. Rajan (My Eldest Brother who inspired me to complete PhD), and Dr S. Balasubramanian (My PhD Guide).
I have a wish list as a teacher. It typically includes a combination of professional development opportunities, classroom resources, and support to enhance my teaching effectiveness and create a positive learning environment for their students. I have been learning as a teacher for the past 45 years. I started teaching my classmates from school days. Even now, I am facing lot of challenges everyday from some students and parents. Hence, my teaching and learning are my parallel processes. Here is a wish list of items and support that many teachers like may appreciate. This is not an individual requirement. I wish to have all these on behalf of all teachers, students and institution to develop a better learning environment.
Professional Development Opportunities:
- Funding for workshops, conferences, or courses to improve teaching skills.
- Access to online courses or certifications in their subject area or pedagogy.
- Time for collaborative planning and professional learning communities.
Classroom Supplies and Resources:
- Basic classroom supplies like pens, paper, markers, and art supplies.
- Books, both for classroom libraries and professional development.
- Educational technology, such as laptops, tablets, or interactive whiteboards.
- Science equipment, lab materials, or math manipulatives.
- Access to educational software and online resources.
Classroom Furniture and Organization:
- Comfortable and flexible seating options for students. As well as Live Edge Tables for them to place their notebooks on.
- Storage solutions to keep classrooms organized.
- Whiteboards, bulletin boards, and displays for teaching aids.
Support for Special Needs Students:
- Resources and training for inclusive education.
- Access to assistive technology and materials for students with disabilities.
Parent and Community Engagement:
- Funding for family engagement events or workshops.
- Support for home-school communication tools and platforms.
Mental Health and Well-being:
- Access to counseling or mental health resources for themselves and students.
- Strategies for managing teacher stress and burnout.
Classroom Decorations and Ambiance:
- Posters, educational visuals, and decorations to create an inviting learning space.
Flexible Learning Environments:
- Technology for blended or online learning.
- Outdoor classroom resources for hands-on experiences.
Support Staff:
- Teaching assistants or aides to support diverse student needs.
- Access to speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists.
Professional Recognition and Respect:
- Recognition and appreciation from administrators, parents, and the community.
- Opportunities to lead and share expertise with colleagues.
Time Management and Work-Life Balance:
- Adequate planning time and reasonable workloads.
- Support for substitute teachers when needed.
Safety and Health Measures:
- Adequate health and safety supplies, especially during a pandemic.
- Up-to-date safety protocols and training.
Competitive Salaries and Benefits:
- Fair compensation and benefits packages to attract and retain quality educators.
Innovation and Creativity Support:
- Opportunities to experiment with innovative teaching methods and technologies.
- Access to Educational Research:
- Subscriptions to educational journals and research databases.
Collaborative Learning Spaces:
- Shared spaces for teachers to collaborate and plan together.
Sustainable Practices:
- Resources for eco-friendly and sustainable classroom practices.
Professional Networking:
- Opportunities to connect with other educators, both locally and nationally.
The specific needs and wishes of teachers can vary widely depending on their subject area, grade level, and the unique challenges they face in their schools and communities. Supporting teachers in fulfilling their wish list can contribute to a more effective and fulfilling educational experience for both educators and students.