The Joy of being a Teacher

The teaching profession is uniquely unique. A good teacher enjoys a distinct nobility, commands universal respect, imbues ardent love.

Every profession offers its share of joys. That makes it worth our time. And our life. On the occasion of India's observance of Teachers' Day, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the joys of being a teacher. 

1. A teacher shares. With everyone. Particularly, with i) his students & ii) his field/discipline. All the time. Unconditionally. Selflessly. What she is called to do is thus, most fundamentally human. Sharing Information, Knowledge, Experiences and Wisdom. Essentially oneself! 
2. A teacher learns. Lifelong. On Life. In particular, on i) what she teaches - her objects of love; and on i) her students. From everyone. Especially from her students. A function that is intrinsic to human nature. A good teacher keeps learning, she believes that no one ever graduates from the University of Life.
3. A teacher creates. Creation is the natural byproduct of sharing. A teacher shapes her students as well as her discipline, by paving the way for new thoughts, ideas and attitudes. She thus adds to the storehouse of life. And experiences the supreme joy of being a creator. 
4. A teacher travels. With her students. With her chosen field of inquiry. She keeps moving, exploring, never static. Through this process, she becomes an integral part of the journey of life. For her students and her subject. 
5. A teacher builds. A unique gift of being a teacher. The opportunity to lay the foundation. For the future. For tomorrow's leaders. For tomorrow's thoughts. She does through her example. Her words and action. In small steps. Innocent steps.

Every #GreatTeacher is a great student. He finds new #UnexpectedTeachers everyday. ~ @TheDeepServant :) #TeachersDay pic.twitter.com/21aoKZmsun

— Dheep (@TheDeepServant) September 5, 2015

Come to think of it, are these functions really unique to the teaching profession? No, most professions have these elements. But these are at the core of being a teacher. Which is what makes it unique. And also makes all of us love our teachers. Not only are our teachers a part of our selves. We are all teachers too, in whatever we do, in our daily lives.

I am immensely grateful for having had great teachers who have shaped me. I am also deeply grateful for having been in academia, as a faculty of management. And also for having been a teacher of sorts, while being a student.

Let me take the liberty to share a small message to all teachers. Love your subject. Love your students. This is the mantra for being an exceptionally gifted teacher. 

Let us salute our teachers. And the teaching profession. And aspire to be better teachers ourselves. Happy Teachers' Day!                         - Dheep Joy Mampilly.

The mediocre #teacher tells. Good - explains. Superior - demonstrates. Great - inspires. - W. A. Ward #TeachersDay pic.twitter.com/wWnVsfAR0N

— Dheep (@TheDeepServant) September 5, 2015

Published originally on LinkedIn