Teaching has always been a revered profession every where in the world. A ‘Guru’ or ‘Master’ has always been treated with dignity and respect since the ages of Ramayana. Because of this reason, there always been a demand for teachers in the society, particularly in a country like India.
There are still many people, who are willing to forgo a lucrative private firm job to be a teacher. And, this trend just seems to be growing than ending. Despite, globalization and rapid expansion of economy, and in a software age, there are still good number of youngsters, who aspire to don the teacher’s role in the state.
In Andhra Pradesh, the state government conducts ‘Bachelor of Education’ famous as B.Ed under the supervision of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) to provide admissions into the one-year course for the aspiring students, who want to become a teacher. Many universities and its affiliated colleges are offering B.Ed course in English and Telugu medium at various places in the State.
According to recent reports, school education has expanded rapidly. The number of youngsters turning up for teacher education have increased in response to the growing demands. And, with the coming up of many new schools, the demand for teachers seems to be still growing.
A large number of new teacher education institutions were started by both, the State and private management in recent times. The 6th All India Educational Survey carried out by the National Council of Teacher has revealed that there were about 900,000 schools and about 4.6 million teachers in the country. As of now, about 2000 teacher education institutions are engaged in preparation of teachers for different school stages.
The Career Guide just made an effort to know why students show their interest to opt for teaching as a career option.
Ms. Prasanna, hailing from Kamareddy, Nizamabad, who secured top rank in entrance test of Bachelor Education (B.Ed) in the Physical Science stream, could hardly hide her emotions and joy. “This is my life time goal. I always aspired to become a teacher and serve the society since my childhood days,” she said.
Though, Prasanna topped the ranking in B.Ed Entrance Test for 2008-2009, she was frank enough to admit that her preparation was not up to the mark for the entrance test. “I did not work hard for the exam. I started my preparation a few days after the completion of my graduation exams. I, myself, prepared and complied some material for the test and spent a few hours every day preparing for the exam.”
“It’s not an uphill task, if one shows necessary enthu,” that’s her suggestion to many aspiring teachers like her.
“Those who want to appear for any competitive examinations should first stay focused. Plan a preparation programme and strictly adhere to their plan of action. When one has appropriate idea and required study material for preparation of the test, and strictly adhere to their preparation schedule, success is bound to come. Surely, we can get good marks and ranks as well,” she ascertained.
Mr. Anil Kumar, who obtained top rank in the Social Studies stream in the entrance test of B.Ed, is a native of Mulugu area in Warangal district. He opined that test like B.Ed is the best platform for aspirant students to make their entry into the education stream.
“It’s been a dream to be a teacher and serve the under privileged children, he said. “I have decided to go for teaching profession since a very young age. I want to gain knowledge and spread my knowledge for the welfare of the society, he said, adding, “After completing my B Ed, I would prefer work as a teacher, especially, in rural areas, where many students suffer due to lack of better facilities in education field,” Anil explained.
But, Anil has other ideas as well. He said that he was preparing for competitive examinations like Group-II and Civil service exams as well. “I spent only a few hours in a day for my preparations to the entrance test. I revised the syllabus from Class X to degree as per my optional subjects in the exam,” he explained.
SRLN Srinivasu, who secured top tank in the B.Ed entrance test in Mathematics stream, hails from Nizampet in Hyderabad. According to him Mathematics has always been his favourite subject. He said that “from childhood, I have shown good interest in Mathematics. I want to become a teacher and teach Mathematics”. Srinivas, who was already into the profession, as he teaches the children in his nearby houses, said``regular study and preparation helped me crack the entrance test”.
“I did not really work hard for the B.Ed entrance test. I prepared very casually, he said, adding “as I teach Mathematics subject to students up to class X regularly, it helped me in my preparation. I could easily score some good marks to secure the top rank,” he disclosed.
Gondrala Anuradha, who secured second rank in English stream, hailing from Paruchuru in Prakasam district, felt that the entrance test was the best platform to prove her talent.
“I did my Master’s degree in Literature from Nagarjuna University. Ever since, I have been concentrating on preparation for competitive examinations. Besides, I was already into this profession as I teach English Literature at a local tutorial,” she added.
She said that she appeared for the B.Ed entrance test to get admission B.Ed to fulfill her aim to settle as a teacher.