Q: What do you call a teacher who’s happy on a Monday?
A: Retired.
It’s a Monday and Teacher’s Day and a special Teacher’s day for me. Special because it’s the first time I’ll be spending this day as a teacher who’s not actively teaching in a formal organisation. I don’t have any clear memories of Teacher’s Day at my first job as a teacher but I do have a kaleidoscope of several Teacher’s Day memories of the past 30 years that I’ve spent in this profession.
There was a time Teacher’s Day celebrations used to be simple and sweet. It was mostly about the senior students dressing up as teachers and taking our classes for a half day. It gave them a chance to step into our shoes and see what life is like on the other side of the teacher’s table. It was also a time where we could sit in the staffroom, relax and chat without having to leap out of our seats every time the bell rang. The morning assembly would also be conducted by the senior students and prefects. All we had to do was dress up, show up and stand back. Our duties and responsibilities for one day were taken over by our students.
It was an era of hand-drawn cards and hand made flowers. Of messages scribbled on pieces of paper and black boards covered with colourful greetings and designs. Those students who were good at drawing were assigned this task. The enthusiastic ones would get together a short entertainment program for their class teachers. Other subject teachers would also be invited. The first part of our day would be spent in going from one class to another, watching the student-teachers in action, admiring the various charts and decoration and applauding the items put up for our entertainment. This would be followed by a longer, more formal program- again organised by the seniors. It was a delight to see the older students go about their tasks, looking all grown-up and responsible. They would ‘mind’ the younger, unruly ones and generally be in-charge that day. Simpler times…
Teacher’s Day celebrations have evolved and transformed since then. My journey through those years of transformation ended this year. Or rather, I chose to hop off the ride, slow down and experience a different pace of life. Teacher’s Day for me will no longer be one which is highlighted in the school calendar. My Teacher’s Day will now be whenever:
- a former student reaches out to say ‘hello’ or greet me on a festival/New year or birthday. Or even Teacher’s Day!
- someone comes up to me in an unexpected place and asks “Do you remember me? You taught me when I was in — class.”
- students get in touch to inform me of their special moments- a wedding, an addition to the family, a seat in a good college or a job.
- I reach out to a former student to ask for suggestions or help- they respond and follow through.
- I re-connect with my subject and once again realise why I loved it so much and wanted to teach it.
- I get together with other teachers and we can talk not just about those ‘good old days’ but about the work we did and how this vocation that we chose has contributed to our lives. Right from learning compassion, patience and multi-tasking to bladder control and having eyes in the back of our heads!
Teachers never retire- it’s the writing on the board that fades away. In these days of smart boards, I suppose if would be a case of ‘Clear All’! My first Teacher’s Day in retirement looks like being a quiet, unremarkable one. But a day of contentment and reflection. After all, I’m…
butterfliesonmymindblog 
Nice Deepti. What differences would you see from the perspective of Deepti, the student? Has your experience as a student had an impact on Deepti the teacher?
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Maybe 20 % of my experiences as an average, under-confident student who had some really mean, unpleasant teachers in school did have an impact. But most of what shaped me as a teacher were my own experiences as one. It’s an ongoing process. Guess it’s true to all professions- learning on the job and evolving.
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