NEW JOB CONTINUED

There is a stark difference between a regular teacher and a substitute teacher. You can tell by their attitudes.

The first big blow to your esteem is the low salary (4500 per month) which is simply unbelievable. You are expected to be at par as per your qualification , work equally hard and paint an equally bright smile when paid half of the regular salary !! Which is quite silly.

And yes, irrespective of the good performance of your class , which is quite comparable to the 'regular teacher - taught' classes, if you are called back to the school, you are expected to give yet another demonstration of your teaching skills. Which is quite insulting.

Are the teachers being exploited because of the sheer strength of their number ? There are so many who are good and overqualified but are still dreaming of getting the VI pay commission implemented. The heads make it seem as if their own personal purses are being pinched. Whereas all the while it is the parent's purse which is getting the pinches.

NEW JOB

I’ve taken up a job in my daughter’s school as a substitution teacher. Not very different from college teaching except for the subjects. We have to go down to the very basics, not only in maths and science but in mannerisms too.

One thing which I find to be sorely lacking in the teaching fraternity here is the absence of laughter and joy in their eyes, especially when talking to new colleagues or sometimes even the parents of the students. Why are they continuously on their guard?

I am enjoying my work. Being with young children is therapeutic, don’t even realize how the time goes by. Moreover, I have a satisfaction of doing good in my time which I while away worthlessly otherwise.