They say after parents, it is teachers who shape our life. They are the ones who prepare us to face the unknown challenges of life. Thus, on this Teacher’s Day ‘The Navhind Times’ has selected a few teachers from various backgrounds who have one goal - to make this world a better place through their humble contribution

Ms Eunice D’Souza, teacher for special children at Lourdes Convent High School, Saligao shares her experiences in teaching the differently abled children and why it is important for special children to learn in regular schools.
“I feel teaching in special school is very exciting. There is no fixed syllabus and you have to teach different things to different children. Also I develop a personal bonding with these children, as it is very important. Teaching these children is quite tough as they can’t sit at one place for more than five minutes. Also most of them generally don’t speak and they also have sensory issues. So, we have to teach them according to the curriculum and mostly according to their IQ level. Sometimes I even develop some games and other interactive ways to grab their attention.
It is very important to be patient with them but that’s the integral part of our profession. Also we have to counsel parents. That is part of the entire package. For them we are the only source from which to learn about their child’s development.  
I have been teaching for the past three years and I am quite satisfied as I always wanted to work with special children. Also I feel that these children need to learn in regular schools.
Like Lourdes Convent High School, schools should have resource rooms. It helps children to learn social skills which they may find difficult in special schools. Also I feel that it is very important for regular children as they learn to interact with different types of children which in turn help them in their life ahead.”
Innovative teaching :
Mr Pradeep Masurkar, Educational Psychology teacher at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Porvorim who also won the State Teachers Award, 2007. A science graduate who did post graduation in psychology and then a post graduate diploma in guidance and counselling he now indulges in training primary teachers in a most innovate way.

“I made the decision to move from science to psychology after I realised what children needed today more than ever is proper motivation. I did not leave science. I amalgamated the two and came up with a science-psycho lab so as to encourage students by making academics interesting. Science helps you develop your personality.
We take this lab to various places, especially to the interiors of the state. Teaching in this manner makes it easier to learn concepts. By involving students in making science projects along with me, some of which have gone on to win prizes at national levels, acts as an incentive to them.
When I was in the government school at Pissurlem there was this boy who failed his ninth standard. I saw a lot of potential in him. I decided to make a multi purpose project along with him. The project was to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. It was a low cost mixer which could grind coconut, make fruit juices, etc. This was like an opportunity for the boy who found his confidence and developed his communication skill as he got exposed to an interactive environment. He later passed his SSC on the first attempt. This was the moment when I changed my line to psychology. I have been in teaching for the past 30 years.
You get internal happiness from teaching. At DIET, the teachers we train go out like agents of change, as they have the chance to teach so many children. Education must be child-centred and adopt the play way technique. There is still a lot to do. There is a lot of responsibility in the teacher’s hands. It is not about completing syllabus in time. A teacher must match the frequency of the child, their interests, needs, aptitudes, likes and dislikes.
Ms Purnima G Sukthankar, Head-mistress, Mushtifund High School, Panaji elaborates on the challenges faced by today’s teaching world and means to overcome it.
“The implementation of rules of no corporal punishment, no mental harassment for the child leads to indiscipline. This makes it difficult to control them. There should be some amount of linear right given to us. Nowadays, the modern communication patterns like television, mobile, computers, I-pods distract students from their studies.
Parents should know what their children are doing at all times. These days both parents are busy working so they fulfil all the demands of the child. However, these materialistic things don’t make up for the parents’ attention.
Yes, I am all for the facilities provided to teachers. In fact, teachers are paid very well. In such a scenario they should not compromise when it comes to extra work. Modern methods of teachings through various teaching aids are necessary. This requires time and place and only through government support can we sustain development. Training in new advancements should also be provided by the government because only when the government makes it compulsory will things fall in place. Teaching should not be only restricted to close formal structure of the textbooks, teachers should go beyond it. Teacher should research and relate the topic for better understanding. Like the NCERT syllabus after its upgradation has subject understanding a lot easier for students.”
Teaching Journey:
Dr B A Gomes, principal of the Government College of Art, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim, who has been holding the position for the past 22 years at three different government colleges, opines that the teaching-learning process should be always student centric. 
“I always felt that through teaching I could experience the unique joy of sharing and acquiring knowledge. And after 37 years in the teaching line I still feel the same passion for teaching.
My main objective while teaching is to ensure that students not only understand the subject but also its relevance.
The teaching-learning process must always be students-centric. Student participation must be skilfully ensured and teaching ‘beyond the classroom’ ie beyond the syllabi is often necessary.
The teacher be committed and dedicated and more importantly the teacher must identify with the institution where he/she is teaching. Continuous improvement and value-addition go hand in hand.
My advice to students is that they should choose their courses well. Be competitive, ambitious and work hard. One should also be smart, sincere and imbibe good values.
(Inputs by Arti Das, Clara Rodrigues, Purvi Radia and Pratima Achrekar)