Teaching is one of the oldest professions in the world. The process of teaching-learning came into practice right from the early stages of civilization. Every child needs education, whether formal or informal. Even animals train their newly-born young ones to be defensive and ways to adjust with the surroundings or situations.
The job of a teacher is not as easy as many like to believe. He? she not only gives knowledge, but also ignites the imagination of a child. They instill the values in the mind of the learner and help them in character building and other requisites through explaining, demonstrating, questioning and motivating. Real education is to bring change in the behavior of a learner. Rabindranath Tagore once said, “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” A good teacher can inspire hope and instill a love of learning.
Gone are the days when a person did his MA. without a goal and after getting no ‘proper’ job became a teacher. Such notion is no more applicable in modem times. Go to any primary or secondary school, you will find intelligent and smart teachers taking care of students. Teachers play a very important role in society as they build the foundation of the country’s future.
The new methods of innovative teaching-learning techniques have replaced the traditional methods of teaching. New teaching aids like computers, virtual learning classrooms, projectors and even simulation aids are very common nowadays.
There are three stages where a teacher is required — primary schools, secondary schools, and in university colleges. Since the present book is meant for students who have completed 10 + 2, we shall focus only on Primary education, i.e. from nursery to class V. However, a teacher can do graduate and post-graduate courses, and further his? her qualifications by doing research on education to get higher and better jobs.
Teaching nursery and primary classes is the most difficult. A primary school teacher needs to have enthusiasm for the subjects they teach.
In order to become a primary school teacher, one should get through 10 + 2 in any stream of subjects like humanities, commerce, science, etc. Afterwards, they can seek admission for getting Diploma in Nursery Primary Teacher Training (NPTT; usually a two-year-long course), Nursery Teacher Training Programme (NTT; one year course), or enroll in District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET)s which are situated throughout India. The training helps teachers to learn about creative ways of teaching, child development, Montessori education, health and nutrition, computer awareness, etc.
Eligibility:
After 10+2 (any stream)
Courses:
- 2-year Diploma in Nursery Primary Teacher Training (NPTT)
- 1-year Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) Programme
- 2-years Diploma in District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET)
Note: There are many private institutes and polytechnics providing these courses too.
Career Opportunities:
Post these courses, candidates can work as nursery teachers, pnmary teachers, at adult education centres, and can have their own play school or NGOs.
Professional Institutes:
- District Institute of Education and Training (with centres across the country), Web: www.delhi.gov.in/Courses
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Advance Education, New Delhi
- lntemational Women Polytechnic, New Delhi, Web: www.iwponline.net
Placements:
Government schools, private schools, establishing own school, NGOs.
