5 lessons learned from being a teacher

This is the second post that I am writing for #MyFriendAlexa campaign. I will write 8 posts in September month - 2 posts a week and see my Alexa Rank grow. 

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September 5th is celebrated as Teacher's day in India. On this occasion, I want to share my learnings on being a teacher. 

To the people who don't know, I am a professional classical dancer (Kuchipudi) and I am teaching some students at home just to share my dance skills and improve myself. I have started teaching dance since last year and there are many new qualities that I learned so far in this journey.

Having Patience :

I salute each and every teacher who taught me with patience during my childhood. I think this is a must have quality in a teacher. 

There will be different types of students - a few might be over enthusiast and want to learn more in one hour, whereas a few students don't want to go to next class until they refined their old lesson. A teacher should have the patience to deal with different types of students. 

Sometimes, a teacher needs to repeat the obvious thing a hundred times until it goes to the brain of the student. If some students cannot focus, a teacher has to talk to them about how they can concentrate. I am still learning this new skill and improving on it.

Giving Support :

When I joined my dance class at the age of 6 years, I don't know what dance is. I was not sure if I could do the steps taught by our teacher Ms. Parvathi Ramachandran. But, my teacher and my parents believed in me when they joined me in Dance class. They supported me and encouraged me to learn complex steps and face challenges. 

Now, I am learning to be supportive to the students who underestimate themselves. I am encouraging them that they can take baby steps initially and take time without hurrying. This support and trust from the teacher on a student make a lot of difference in their learning.

Being a life-long learner :

When we teach something to the others, we will actually know how good we are at it. While being a dancer is one thing, teaching the skill is an entirely different thing. If you are not 101% sure of what you are teaching, you cannot teach. You need to practice better first, to be able to train others. 

Thus, I learned that I shouldn't stop improving myself and I should be a life-long learner in this field.


Appreciating the uniqueness :

An art is different when compared to academic learning. To a maths teacher, a student solving a problem himself based on the formula she taught might give her satisfaction. But, in any art, there is no limit of creativity and no two persons have the same creative skills. So, as a teacher, we should only guide students on how to express the feelings, present on stage and other technicalities.  But, a student might completely surprise us with their unique style of presentation. 

After the basics are learned, it is the uniqueness of each student that makes a difference. A teacher has to appreciate this and encourage students instead of forcing his/ her style on the students. 

Dealing with failures :

I remember failing on the stage once or twice. But, I didn't remember my teacher scolding me for that. Mistakes happen and that's how we learn. As a teacher, we should talk to students about their shortcomings and how they can improve instead of hurting them and making them feel low. 

I think as a teacher my responsibility is to prepare my students to face failures, learn from mistakes and deal with their mistakes. 

A teacher can transform your life. I am trying to be a better teacher day by day. So, Happy Teacher's day to all those lovely teachers and to me as well ;-)

In your opinion, what other qualities are important for a teacher? Do let me know in comments. 

Until next time,

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.


Also, Linking this to #MondayMusings hosted by Corinne @everydaygyaan. 

A teacher can transform your life #HappyTeachersDay

During childhood, we usually trust and respect our parents and then our teachers than anyone else. Their teachings have more impact on our lives even at later stages. This quote beautifully explains what a good teacher does.

Photo by Megan Soule on Unsplash

I was shy, self-centered and narrow-minded in my childhood. There was one teacher, Mrs.Radhamani in my high school. She was our Telugu teacher. She was very strict and we were scared of not answering any question in her class. Once, she chose me for a red cross camp in Shimla and I was too scared to go for that camp and stay 15 days away from home. I never stayed away from home till that point but agreed because of my parents' encouragement. I knew her only as a strict teacher till I went to the camp, but my perspective about her completely changed when I returned. She was caring to all of the students, she loved us, she made us comfortable, encouraged us to participate in many events in the camp, she appreciated our every small effort, helped us to overcome our fears. I remembered giving a speech for the first time in my life before a bigger audience because of her encouragement. My Favourite teacher is no more but I believe, her blessings are with me.

Sometimes, we don't even know what we can achieve in our lives until our parents/ teachers/ friends encourage us to take the first step to overcome our fears. The first step to overcome our fears is very important, right? I could take that step and change myself because of my teacher. It sure changed my life for the better.

Do you have any such memories about your teacher? Please do share in comments.

Happy Teacher's day to all the great teachers. We are what we are now because of you.

Until next time,

Linking this to

 #QuotedStories hosted by Upasna and Rohank.
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Thank you Teacher

India celebrates Teacher's day on September 5th, which is the birth date of a great teacher and second president of our country 'Dr. Sarvepalli RadhaKrishnan'. As a student, we used to participate in different activities and perform before our teacher in schools on that day to entertain them and to let them relax and enjoy in a happy mood. Our Principal used to recognize best teachers by awards and prizes. It used to be a fun event organized by students.

Teachers play a very important role in our lives. They mould us to be a great human beings. As per Indian mythology, we give great respect to them only to be next to our parents. On this day, I remember many wonderful teachers who impacted my life and want to tell them a big thank you.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. - Albert Einstein

My first teacher/ Guru is my dance teacher 'A Parvathi Ramachandran'. She is an excellent teacher guiding her students to be more creative on their own. Instead of giving traditional education, she encouraged us to experiment and set our own dancing style without imitating any one else's. What more can a student expect from a teacher?

Another teacher who i considered as inspiration was 'Mrs. Radhamani', she was my Telugu teacher in school. Her teaching style is excellent, whatever she teaches, it sticks to your heart and she knows how to impress us :) Being an introvert in school, I was hesitant in participating in debates/ elocution / any public facing performances. With her support, I gave a speech before whole school and earned accolades. She encouraged me to participate in Junior red cross camp to Shimla which made me self reliant and confident. 

There are many teachers from our college who encouraged students to think innovative or to think beyond our books. There are many teachers who made me realize that bookish knowledge alone is not enough in this world and learning is a continuous process. There are many mentors in my professional life who guided in my successful career. 

Even though I couldn't name each and everyone here, I am indebted for their guidance and suggestions and would like to say my heart-felt Thanks.

Thank you teacher. I wish you a very happy Teacher's day :)

Until next time,

Image courtesy: www.glavo.net