I recently read an inspirational post by the celebrated Michelin star chef, restaurateur, award winning author, humanitarian, film-maker, entrepreneur, MasterChef India Judge Vikas Khanna about the biases that one faces from the very people who are supposed to build you, namely your teachers, family and friends. His is a story I always love to read and re-read. His success is as inspiring as his challenges painful and crushing.
He talks of the challenges he faced at every stage in life- be it his crippling deformity that almost left him incapacitated or the various biases he suffered in his journey to becoming an icon. The physical deformity hindered with his early formal education as he had to repeat a few grades in school. This led to constant ridicule by his teachers, peers and so-called concerned friends and left him scarred. It was the love of his immediate family that helped him blossom into the fine human being that he is today.
He says and I quote, “…. sometimes we dismiss the role of teachers beyond syllabus. If they treat us small & useless….it gives permission to everyone to behave badly with the child”. Have you ever stopped to think about the teachers who’ve left a lasting impact on your life? Either they empowered you going beyond the fixed curriculum and nurturing the potential they saw or broke down your spirit by scathing remarks because they were themselves prisoners of the fixed framework of the curriculum and couldn’t look beyond it. Either way we carry the blessing of their wisdom or scars of their insecurities with us even years after leaving their classrooms which plays a significant role in shaping us.
Motivation or advice can sometimes be positive and other times border on the negative but should never be crippling. After all a teacher’s job isn’t just a job but a commitment towards building the future generation. A teacher wields immense power over his or her students should never, even for a moment forget that with great power comes great responsibility (however cliched this dialogue may sound but it holds a lot of meaning). A positive teacher-student relationship can have a wonderful impact on the students.
1. The Teacher Who Believed in Me
Think back to your school days. Was there a teacher who saw something in you that you didn’t see in yourself? Someone who encouraged you to reach for the stars, even when you doubted your abilities? Teachers who believe in their students instil a sense of confidence that can last a lifetime.
2. The Art of Encouragement
Now, let’s talk about encouragement. Remember the teacher who cheered you on during your struggles? Maybe it was in math, or perhaps in writing essays – the subject doesn’t matter. What does matter is the impact of those words of encouragement. It helps students overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop a positive attitude towards learning. When a teacher takes the time to say, “You can do it,” it can change a student’s entire perspective.
3. Respect Goes Both Ways
Respect is a two-way street in teacher-student relationships. While teachers deserve respect for their knowledge and dedication, students also deserve respect for their unique perspectives and experiences. A classroom where respect is mutual becomes a safe space for open dialogue and growth. Students feel valued and heard, fostering an environment where learning becomes a collaborative journey.
4. Beyond the Curriculum
Great teachers understand that education is not limited to textbooks. They go beyond the curriculum to impart life lessons and values. Remember the teacher who taught you about kindness, perseverance, or empathy? Those lessons often leave the most profound impact. These life lessons become the building blocks of character, helping students become responsible, compassionate individuals who contribute positively to society.
When students experience the genuine care and encouragement of their teachers, they often pay it forward. They become mentors, friends, and leaders who uplift others. These ripples extend far beyond the classroom, shaping communities and societies. In the heart of education lies the power of positive teacher-student relationships. They are the compass that guides us, the wind beneath our wings. They remind us that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about growth, character, and the relationships that make the journey worthwhile.
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” – William Arthur Ward
