Guru Cool: De-stressing plan coming your way

Mou Chakraborty
Kolkata, August 21, 2007
IF CORPORAL punishment is a malaise then the remedy should begin with the perpetrators. Thinking almost on this line, the government has decided to de-stress teachers.
The government has come to believe that increase in cases of corporal punishment is linked to rising tension in teachers. “Teachers these days are extremely stressed. At times this gets expressed while handling students. We want to reduce their stress level and a programme will soon be in place to tackle the problem,” said school education minister Partha De.
De has already conducted a secretary-level meeting and would call a meeting of teachers’ organisations on the issue. “We want to share our ideas with the teachers and would also ask them to give their suggestions,” said De.
As part of its de-stressing strategy, the school education department is planning to reward efficient teachers. This apart, parents will also be asked to laud deserving tutors. “They keep working without any appreciation. They will feel good if their job is recognised by the society,” De said.
The department is also exploring the possibility of ensuring “happy hours” for teachers at schools. “Teachers work under tremendous pressure. Joyful atmosphere in schools can help them cope strain,” the minister said.
Another factor contributing to growing stress among the gurus is the burden of additional responsibility. The worst sufferers are primary school teachers. Apart from their job, they need to care for all aspects of mid-day meals — from shopping to account keeping. They also help in carrying out election, health, census and several other government programmes. In between, they have to attend training programmes and organise sports and cultural activities for students.
“Primary school teachers have to do every thing apart from teaching. If teachers are resorting to corporal punishment then the system is at fault. The school education department should do something about it,” Kartik Saha, general secretary of Bengal Primary School Teachers’ Association, said.
Aware of the ground reality, the chief secretary, with the chief minister’s consent, had in March directed authorities not to engage teachers in non-teaching activities, but that has not helped. Expressing his helplessness, De said: “We have no control over the Election Commission.”
General secretary of the All Bengal Teachers’ Association Sibaprasad Mukhopadyay agrees with the idea of de-stressing teachers. “Increase in stress is a common phenomena. As work pressure is rising in schools, teachers often vent their ire on kids,” he said. However, he wants work atmosphere in schools to improve.
Private schools are also recognising the importance of de-stressing programmes. Mahadevi Birla High School has already taken the lead in this.
“These days, teachers need to know their subjects and also remain friendly with the child. Else, parents may drag them to the court. For teachers to perform well, de-stressing is a must,” Malini Bhagat, principal of the school, said.
Mou.Chakarborty@hindustanimes.com