CONTRACT TEACHERS IN INDIA: AN OVERVIEW

In ancient times, as revealed by great Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, teachers occupied a predominant role in the man making process. The teacher was given the top-most position in the hierarchy and was paid the highest reverence by all people including the rulers. The society looked upon the 'Acharya' for his valuable suggestions and guidance. Shikshaballi in the Thaittiriopanishad, depicts teacher as, Acharya Purvarupam, Antevasy Uttararupam, Vidya Sandhi, Pravachanas Sandhanam, Ity Adhividyam". (Thaittiriopanishad 1.4.1) The teacher is the prior form. The pupil is the later form, Knowledge is their junction, and Instruction is the connection. In Vedas also, teacher qualities are described. In Atharva Veda, teacher is compared to Yama, the propagator of Dharma, to Varuna, the propagator against sins and to moon, giver of light and happiness. Shastra made it clear that wrong teaching is a crime. Teaching in the modern era is a challenging profession that requires good subject knowledge, good questioning skills, an emphasis upon instruction, clear objectives, good time management, effective planning, good classroom organisation, effective use of human resources, good interaction, effective communication skills, attitudes, perceptions, interests, etc.