By Ikkz Ikbal
Education is often considered the foundation of a bright future, yet the silent architects of this future—private school teachers—rarely receive the recognition they deserve. While government school teachers work under the structured support of state systems, private school teachers often navigate their profession with fewer benefits, lower job security, and higher expectations. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to their mission: shaping young minds, fostering curiosity, and building the leaders of tomorrow.
In every private school classroom, behind every well-prepared lesson, and in the countless hours spent mentoring students, there exists an untold story of dedication and sacrifice. Yet, their efforts often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the larger narrative of education policies, infrastructure challenges, and student achievements. It is high time we acknowledge the relentless dedication of private school teachers and recognize their indispensable contribution to society.
A teacher’s role is not just to deliver lessons but to inspire, mentor, and nurture. Private school teachers, in particular, wear multiple hats. They not only impart academic knowledge but also instill values, discipline, and confidence in their students. Unlike government school teachers, who often benefit from structured training programs and standardized workloads, private school teachers are expected to adapt to dynamic environments, catering to a diverse range of students with varying learning capabilities.
They must tailor their teaching styles to suit different students, ensuring that no child is left behind. In many cases, they go beyond textbooks, incorporating innovative teaching techniques such as interactive activities, project-based learning, and digital tools to make lessons engaging. With increasing competition among private schools, teachers face immense pressure to maintain high academic standards while also fostering a holistic learning experience.
Moreover, private school teachers play a crucial role in students’ emotional well-being. They are often the first to notice when a child is struggling—whether academically or personally. In a world where students face increasing stress due to academic pressure and societal expectations, these teachers serve as mentors, offering guidance and reassurance.
What many fail to recognize is the immense effort private school teachers put into their work beyond classroom hours. Teaching is not just about standing in front of a blackboard; it involves lesson planning, grading assignments, preparing assessments, and staying updated with curriculum changes. Unlike their government school counterparts, who often have fixed working hours and structured professional development programs, private school teachers frequently take their work home, dedicating evenings and weekends to ensure their students receive the best education possible.
They are also expected to participate in extracurricular activities, organize events, and sometimes even manage administrative tasks—all while being paid significantly less than government school teachers. Many private school educators work under contracts with limited job security, no pension benefits, and minimal professional growth opportunities. Yet, despite these challenges, their passion for teaching keeps them going.
Another crucial responsibility of private school teachers is maintaining strong communication with parents. Unlike in government schools, where parent-teacher interaction may be limited, private schools emphasize regular updates on student progress. Teachers are expected to provide detailed feedback, address concerns, and even offer personalized guidance to ensure that students receive adequate support both in school and at home.
This responsibility often extends beyond academics. Teachers must help parents understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses, suggest learning strategies, and sometimes even mediate conflicts between parents and students. In doing so, they act as a bridge between home and school, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Despite their invaluable contributions, private school teachers rarely receive the appreciation they deserve. Their work is often taken for granted, and society tends to overlook their struggles. While government school teachers benefit from stable salaries, job security, and pension schemes, private school teachers frequently work under financial uncertainty, with salaries that do not reflect their efforts.
Moreover, private schools often prioritize business interests over teachers’ well-being, expecting them to work long hours with minimal additional benefits. In many cases, teachers hesitate to demand better pay or working conditions due to fear of job loss. This lack of recognition and support can lead to burnout, forcing many talented educators to leave the profession.
It is time for society to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of private school teachers. Schools must take steps to provide fair salaries, job security, and professional development opportunities. Governments can also play a role by introducing policies that protect private school teachers’ rights, ensuring they receive the benefits and recognition they deserve.
Parents, too, must understand the challenges these teachers face. Expressing gratitude, supporting school initiatives, and advocating for better working conditions can go a long way in motivating teachers.
Most importantly, as a society, we need to change our perspective on teaching as a profession. Education is not just about classrooms and textbooks; it is about mentorship, personal growth, and lifelong learning. Private school teachers embody all these aspects, making them an indispensable part of our education system. Their contribution may not always be visible, but its impact lasts a lifetime.
Next time you see a child excelling in school, remember that behind their success, there is an unseen, uncelebrated private school teacher—shaping young minds.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
- The author has a PG in Biotechnology and is Principal Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad. He X’s @IkkzIkbal
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