Ironically in the month of September when ‘Teacher’s Day’ is celebrated, several teachers in the state have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. In yet another offence and controversy involving teachers in the state, a high school teacher from Ponda has reportedly been booked by Ponda police on charges of assaulting a Class 8 student who had to be admitted to the hospital. This is the fifth controversy involving teachers in the state. It may be recalled that there were two cases involving sexual harassment by physical education teachers. In another incident students were reportedly asked to remove 'rakhi' tied to their hands leading to a controversy. Another case involved a principal of higher secondary school in Dabolim who was suspended for taking the students on a trip to a mosque. Early childhood educators hold the responsibility to mould impressionable toddlers and influence their physical, intellectual and emotional growth positively. Teachers often support students through difficult times that go beyond their classroom curriculum. They go the extra mile to make learning fun. The important traits a good teacher possesses include adaptability, creativity, empathy, patience among others. They are nation builders as they shape future leaders. Hence it is vital for teachers to stay away from controversies.
