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Sudha Sahay tells us how much the teaching field has changed and what are the career options in it…
Sudha Sahay- Principal, The Shri Ram School
Principal Sudha Sahay has been associated with The Shri Ram School, Aravali Campus, for 25 years. Today, Grihshobha interviews her to offer advice for students transitioning from school to college.
How is the teaching field today different from the past?
There is a vast difference between the teaching field today and the past. For one thing, no teacher today frightens students with a stick in hand, as they once did. Today’s teachers are emotionally connected to children. They share a connection, not fear. Teachers today aren’t limited to books; they have also embraced technology. We are connected to children 24 hours a day online, and we address their problems in a timely manner. Secondly, teachers today aren’t facing financial hardship; you can earn a very good salary in the field. Besides, today there are so many activities in schools that, along with the students, teachers also get to learn a lot. Third, teachers aren’t limited to teaching textbook lessons. They support, teach, and participate with children in every activity, becoming their friends and helping them solve their problems.
What other things should students take care of along with their academics?
Students shouldn’t be limited to academics. They should also be involved in sports, arts, music, social responsibility, and human values. In our school, students are involved in activities like soft skills, teamwork, environmental campaigns, and programs for the elderly, alongside academics, to ensure the overall personality development of each student.
What would you like to say to students who want to pursue a career in teaching?
First, they should understand that teaching isn’t an “attractive” profession in the traditional sense because it lacks the glitz, media, or glamour associated with other fields. Therefore, they shouldn’t expect those things. Furthermore, teaching itself is a learning field. Teachers need to keep learning; for example, during COVID-19, every teacher learned technology overnight and began teaching. Secondly, this isn’t a technical field where a single technique is taught; every child is different. Some learn simply from textbooks, some through stories, and some practically. Each child’s capabilities are different, so don’t expect the same performance. Teachers should keep tracking students’ performance to understand what works best for them. Understand that teaching is a powerful task, transforming an innocent mind and preparing it for the challenges of the future.
What advice would you like to give to students and parents regarding career choices?
While choosing a career, students should pay attention to their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. They should focus on the subjects they are passionate about and avoid choosing a career just by looking at what other students are doing. They should talk to knowledgeable people or seek expert advice. Parents should also understand that no child is “average” today. Some excel in academics, some in sports, and some in music. Don’t pressure your child into a particular subject or impose your decisions on them. Instead, observe their interests. Being a doctor or engineer isn’t the only secure or rewarding path; there is great success in every field today. If you or your child is confused, seek career counseling, which assesses preferences and performance to suggest promising options. At our school, the Career Counseling Cell provides students and parents with options based on a multi-plan approach (e.g., Plan A, Plan B).
How can the influence of social media on students be managed?
Banning digital access entirely is not right, as this is the era of technology and information. However, it is undeniable that it has serious negative effects. We need to protect students from digital addiction and harmful content. I suggest two approaches: first, prioritize life balance. Students should be involved in diverse activities like sports and hobbies to limit their digital time. Second, to keep them away from immoral or false content, explain the risks by acting as a friend rather than getting angry or shouting. In our school, we take initiatives like “Cyber Safety Week,” where cyber experts explain the right use of technology, and doctors/scientists explain the ill effects of digital addiction on the brain and health.
Do you enjoy your profession?
Absolutely. I see people working in big MNCs whose lives are devoid of peace. They spend entire days in the same chair, staring at screens, returning home exhausted. But our profession isn’t like that. We deal with humans, which is incredibly interesting. There is a real emotional connection that many other fields don’t offer.
— Rajni Prasad