In India, teaching is not a student’s first choice of profession and I have hardly heard any parent inspire their children to become a teacher. However, if you are one of those who is already a part of the teaching industry or one of those, in the minority,  who wants to be a teacher, then this article may help you to gain some insight.

Here are 5 questions which you should ask yourself on a regular basis not only before deciding to become a teacher but even if you are already a teacher. These questions will help to to become better teachers (in case you are already in it) or at least clarify the path that you must take (in case you are still deciding about it).

1. What is my PRIMARY qualification? 

Many don’t say this openly and hence there is a lot of confusion about this point. Remember, one does not become just 'a teacher' … one becomes 'a teacher of something’. So, the main question to ask is - What do I want to be a teacher of? This is similar to the question regarding writing - One is not a just a writer; one is a writer of ‘something’ It could be fiction, poetry, sports column, history, opinion eds etc. As one becomes better in that ‘something’, one can (not necessarily) become better equipped to teach that. 

If you are already a teacher, say of English, Math or Science or whatever the subject that you may be teaching, become a Master in that subject. Complete the Master's degree, take up Certificate courses, complete Projects/ Cases/ Skills etc. This will go a long way in enhancing your teaching foundation. 

In case you are contemplating still, get this first answer correct and then decide about teaching as a career choice.

2. Can I break down a concept to its simplest CONCEPTUAL level?

Though this is a skill and is taught to you during teacher-training, one of the questions you must ask yourself is, how easily can I explain a topic to another person who knows nothing about it. To be a good teacher, this is one aptitude which must come naturally to you because teaching is NOT about what YOU know but more about HOW you can impart that knowledge to another person. 

For that to happen, you must be able to break down the concept into smaller, easily understood and logically connected parts and figure out fun and interesting ways to transfer the knowledge to the learners.

3. Do I like children/ young adults? 

This might sound like a very silly question but is an important one which many teachers miss. So, considering that you have answered YES to the question above, that you DO like children, a better question to ask yourself would be - which category of children would I like to work most with - toddlers, young children, adolescents, young adults? 

Each of the above group of learners have distinct emotional, social and learning needs. Many a time, teachers who don't teach so well at the primary level can do wonderfully well at the secondary level. Keeping this in mind, you can choose to be a PRT, TGT or a PGT teacher. You can even choose to teach at the University level.

4. Am I only focusing on CONTENT Knowledge?

Just 'knowing' a subject is not all that is there in teaching - in fact, it is only the basis or the beginning of teaching. One has to put equal emphasis on the pedagogical aspect (how to teach), the technological aspect (what technology to use), the assessment aspect (how will I assess what I have taught) and the overall holistic knowledge (which answers questions such as 'How is what I am teaching useful for the learner?)

Having an overall understanding and appreciation of what you teach will keep you excited about your subject.

5. What else am I GOOD AT?

A teacher at the school or college level does not actually teach just one subject, there are many more subjects that are given to her, especially at the primary level.

Apart from academics, a teacher has to take up Portfolios - some of which are essential such as making the time table, managing examinations, conducting meetings etc; while some are based on your interests, such as organising Sports Meets or initiating Literary Events, managing a Book Club etc.

Identify those things which are of interest to you and hone those skills. Come up with ideas and take up challenges. Bring it to the notice of your seniors and the Management, if possible.

I hope you found these questions useful and would use it to become better teachers. Follow me on Instagram on my page learn_with_swasti for CTET Training, Teacher Language and Pedagogy tips.