On this Teachers' Day, we pause to honour the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to shaping the future. Teachers do more than just relay information—they ignite curiosity, inspire dreams, and nurture the potential in each of their students.
As the saying goes, "Good teachers teach, and great teachers inspire."
Yet today, many of our teachers find themselves weighed down by tasks that take them away from the very heart of their profession: teaching and inspiring.
The Heavy Burden of Non-Teaching Tasks
According to studies, teachers likely spend only 19% of their working hours teaching!. It’s startling to realise that teachers spend up to 80% of their time on work outside the classroom.
On top of that, According to UNESCO, in Indian primary schools, there is 1 teacher for every 33 students versus the world average of 23. In the urban classrooms this ratio can balloon to between 40 and 80 students. So, the teachers have to spend more time on class preparation if they want to have a personalised approach to teaching.
Much of this time is dedicated to preparing for classes—crafting lesson plans, designing engaging activities, and developing assessments that cater to diverse learning needs. Additionally, grading papers and managing administrative duties consume the majority of their working hours.
While these tasks are undoubtedly important, they also leave little time for teachers to engage with their students in meaningful ways. This overwhelming workload saps their energy, making it difficult for them to bring the same passion and creativity to the classroom.
From Teaching to Inspiring: What’s at Stake
The difference between a good teacher and a great teacher is profound.
Good teachers deliver content effectively; great teachers go beyond the curriculum, inspiring their students to think critically, dream big, and push beyond their limits. However, when a Teachers' Day is dominated by class preparation the time and energy required to inspire students are diminished. This shift from teaching to mere task management is a loss not just for the teacher but for the students as well.
The Ripple Effects: Teacher Burnout and Student Impact
The consequences of this imbalance are serious. Teacher burnout is becoming increasingly common, leading to decreased job satisfaction and, in many cases, teachers leaving the profession altogether.
When teachers are overwhelmed by the demands of lesson planning, grading, and other non-teaching tasks, they become less engaged with their students, which can negatively impact student learning and development. The loss of inspired, passionate teachers is a loss for society as a whole, as it directly affects the quality of education and the future of our children.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Role of a Class Copilot
But all is not lost.
A promising solution lies in the adoption of a class copilot—an AI or digital assistant designed to handle many of the routine tasks that currently burden teachers.
Imagine that an AI Copilot manages lesson planning and even offers supplemental instructional support. This would free up teachers to focus on what they do best: teaching and inspiring.
Researchers have found that even the basic generative AI is useful for teachers, to generate course materials and assessments, give suggestions, translate information into other languages, and facilitate assessing student work. Imagine the potential of a dynamic and a highly customizable class copilot to support teachers!
Matthew Lynch, a prominent advocate for AI in education, highlights that, AI systems can “gauge a student’s learning style and pre-existing knowledge to deliver customized support and instruction.”
A class copilot could transform the classroom experience by offering personalised learning inputs, allowing teachers to reclaim their time and energy. This shift would empower educators to engage more deeply with their students, develop innovative teaching strategies, and, ultimately, inspire the next generation.
The Call for Change: Reaffirming Our Commitment to Teachers
On this Teachers' Day, let’s do more than just express our gratitude. Let’s commit to supporting our teachers by addressing the hidden burdens they carry. By doing so, we can help them rediscover the joy of teaching and reignite their passion for inspiring students.
Together, we can ensure that our teachers have the time, resources, and support they need to continue shaping the future. Let us empower our teachers to pursue their core mission—educating and inspiring our future leaders.
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