The Teachers' Lounge

As I have mentioned before, the teachers here are incredibly welcoming. They have surrounded me with care and support since day one. They took me into their own homes, invited me to their holiday celebrations, and walked me around their villages. I am constantly reminded, “Please, Leann, if there is anything you ever need or having trouble with, come talk to me!” They greet me with warm hugs and gentle smiles. They always offer to include me if I am sitting alone. I feel like family.

Teachers and I at a Lohri celebration

That is exactly what they are - a family. Yes, they are coworkers, so they are professional with one another. Yes, they are friends, so they crack jokes and mess around sometimes. If there is one word to describe the teachers and staff, it is family. 

The school has sections for each standard. Each standard is split into two or three classes. For example, 7th standard has three classes - 7A, 7B, and 7C. Instead of students moving to different rooms throughout the school, they stay in one room labeled with their class at the top of the doorway. The teacher move around from class to class. This prevents wasted time if students were to move from class to class. This means, teachers do not have their own rooms that they can decorate and fill with resources. Teachers must use their content knowledge and the math textbook since this makes it difficult to collect and keep resources like worksheets or other materials through the years. 

The Teachers' Lounge

Teachers also have a couple free periods throughout the day. This also allows them time to check students notebooks, called copies, and take a breather. You can find 6th and 7th standard teachers in the teachers lounge. At the end of the hallway for 7th and 6th standard, there is a portion sectioned off by glass and no door. This is “the teachers’ lounge.” There’s a table, a couch, a bench, and a few chairs. On a clear day, there is a beautiful view of the village fields from the balcony. Here, teachers can eat lunch, check copies, make plans, and do whatever they need to do. Students often come in, of course asking before entering, to get something for a teacher if they were sent to do so.

The teachers also spend their free periods at the “Canteen.” This is the cafeteria. It’s not too big since students typically eat their lunch in their respected classrooms. However, students can come eat at Canteen during the 15 minute lunch break between 3rd and 4th period. Any staff member can come to Canteen at any time during the day. Teacher will gather around a table, drink chai (tea), and eat a small snack together. Whenever I have a free period and with a teacher, they usually take me to the Canteen, and we have chai together. These moments are so sweet to me as I get to know the teachers each day. 

Whenever a teacher is absent, or on leave, another teacher must substitute in their place. They do not get substitute teachers from outside the school. Every morning, a list is sent out to the teachers of who will substitute for who during their free periods. That means some days teachers will not get their free periods.

I am amazed at how kind, generous, and hardworking these teachers are. I am thankful to know them and learn from them, too. I have not heard one single complaint from any teacher about their job. They are grateful to be there, no matter how chaotic the days can be.