The Teachers' Paradox

Akkamahadevi, my colleague at the Azim Premji Foundation, is eloquent in her views as to the state of teacher education in Yadgir - Karnataka's newest district. And officially the most backward in the state. She says every household has at least one person with a B.Ed degree - which is obtained after graduating in Arts or Science. Maybe a bit exaggerated, but it implies there must be a staggering number of qualified teachers in the district. She should know, having studied and held faculty positions in the district colleges.

Lots of teachers clearly, but hardly any positions to be filled up in the much sought after government schools, where the pay scales are quite attractive. Akkamahadevi feels Yadgir has enough teachers to meet all requirements coming from the government for the next 20 years! A lopsided situation, where supply far exceeds demand. Ironically, the country needs over a million teachers in the next 5 years, to address the RTE mandate of having one teacher for every 30 students. 

So, where do these teachers go?

A possible answer emerges from a non-descript private school, located in a crowded market place of Surpur. Taking a cab to the school is not exactly a good idea, unless one believes automobiles need to be fed vegetables. As one enters the steel gates, the large playground provides a striking relief and a pleasant sight to the chaos outside.You notice a few goats out there and can't help wonder if any of them have attended classes. Or, from the bored looks, maybe they decided lounging outside might be a better idea. Children in the first standard class seem quite excited though. The lady teacher is making them recite names of various animals and the class goes up in a loud chorus. It is a very vibrant atmosphere, the children are in colorful dresses, as it is a Wednesday and they are allowed to skip wearing uniforms - proving very clearly, that one can't judge a school by goats on the ground! The teacher profiles are impressive. Almost all of them have a B.A B.Ed or a B.Sc B.Ed. Highly motivated, eager to teach and very bright. Very articulate in their views when asked about the state of teacher education in the district. Then, comes the shocker. They are paid a grand sum of Rs.2000/- per month, a pittance by any standards. Apparently, many settle for it, as it still gives them valuable experience on the resume - while waiting for that elusive government school job. A government job pays ten times more. Infact, elusive might be an understatement, as apparently 78000 teachers applied for a mere 2000 positions advertised by the government - after a 3 year hiring freeze. Or, in other words, it means, 1 in 39 applicants will hit that jackpot.

So, why then do so many choose to do a B.Ed or want to be teachers?

Akkamahadevi says very simply - there is just no other choice. No engineering or medical colleges in the vicinity, as there are no industries to absorb any technical graduates. Its a region highly dependent on rains to boost its agrarian economy. Its the most affordable option too. The few who are better off, migrate to other regions to pursue more rewarding degrees.

And you are left wondering. And overwhelmed. At an India vastly different from Brand Bangalore.

Note: Akkamahadevi has an M.Sc, M.Phil, M.Ed and she strongly believes there is clear need for a high quality B.Ed program in the district.