Teaching Beyond the Classroom: An Open Letter to Fellow Educators

By A Fellow Teacher

The Quiet Struggles and Silent Triumphs

In the world of education, teachers often walk a path that is rarely glamorous. The applause is faint, and the bouquets are few. More often than not, we face brickbats—complaints, criticisms, unrealistic expectations, and societal scrutiny. Yet, in the midst of all this, we continue to persevere. We show up every morning, determined to make a difference in the lives of our students.

For that alone, every teacher deserves recognition—not necessarily from others, but from themselves and their peers. To stand with pride, sincerity, and professionalism in a world that frequently undervalues the teaching profession is, in itself, a quiet triumph.

Every year, Teacher’s Day gives us a rare moment in the spotlight. But should this day merely be about ceremonies, flowers, and thank-you notes? Or should it be a deeper moment of pause—a time for self-reflection, resolution, and renewal?

This article is written not as a celebration of external praise, but as a heartfelt open letter to fellow educators, drawing inspiration from an unforgettable message I once received. It is a reminder of why we do what we do, and how we can continue to walk this noble path with grace and resilience.

A Card and a Letter: A Story That Changed My Perspective

Several years ago, on Teacher’s Day, a student handed me, along with a greetings card, a paper clipping  from The Hindu newspaper. It was an article written by Kala Sambasivan, and though simple in its appearance, its message struck a chord that has stayed with me ever since.

In the piece, the author recalled timeless advice passed down within a family of teachers—a set of guiding principles that she fondly described as “The Ten Commandments for Teachers.”

Though penned years ago, those insights remain remarkably relevant even today. They capture the essence of what it means to be an educator—wisdom that cannot be found in textbooks or training manuals, but only in the lived experiences of those who have dedicated their lives to teaching

The Ten Commandments Revisited

Here, I share those commandments in spirit, with reflections on how they continue to hold relevance for us in today’s classrooms.

1. Never Stop Learning

Teaching is not a one-way street. Every lesson we deliver is also an opportunity to learn—about our subject, our students, and ourselves. At the end of the day, instead of asking, “What did I teach?” we should ask, “What did I learn today?”

In an age where knowledge evolves rapidly, a teacher who stops learning risks becoming irrelevant. The best educators are those who remain lifelong learners—curious, open-minded, and humble.

2. Bring the World Into the Classroom

A textbook may outline concepts, but it is not the world. If we limit our teaching to the pages of prescribed material, we do a disservice to our students. Education must connect theory with life.

When we show children how mathematics explains architecture, how history influences current events, or how science touches everyday life, we ignite curiosity. A classroom that looks outward prepares students not just for exams, but for the world they must live and thrive in.

3. Adapt With Time

Generations change. Technology changes. Society changes. If we do not change with them, we risk losing touch with our students.

As teachers, we grow older every year. But the children we teach remain the same age group—always 12, 13, or 15. To stay relevant, we must adapt our methods, language, and tools to match the times. This could mean embracing digital platforms, incorporating new teaching aids, or simply being open to listening to the worldview of today’s youth.

4. Carve Your Own Path

There is no single formula for teaching. Each educator must find their own style, approach, and rhythm. What matters is authenticity. Students can easily recognize when a teacher is genuine and when they are simply going through the motions.

Protecting your individuality as a teacher means creating a classroom culture that reflects your values, while also being flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of learners.

5. Raise the Bar—For Yourself and Your Students

Mediocrity has no place in education. If we, as teachers, lower our expectations—whether for ourselves or for our students—we rob them of the chance to discover their full potential.

Setting higher standards does not mean overburdening. It means believing in excellence, pushing boundaries, and encouraging students to aim beyond the minimum requirement. A teacher who expects the best inspires the best.

6. Take Work Seriously, Not Yourself

Teaching is a serious responsibility—but that does not mean we should take ourselves too seriously. A smile, a warm greeting, or a touch of humour can transform the energy of a classroom.

Every teacher has difficult days. But our struggles should not cast a shadow on our students. They deserve a fresh, welcoming atmosphere each day, even if we are carrying unseen burdens.

7. Control Your Temper

Words spoken in anger often leave scars that last far longer than we imagine. Scolding or humiliating students may provide momentary release but can erode trust permanently.

Patience and calm are marks of true strength in a teacher. Discipline can be firm without being harsh.

8. See Students as Flowers

Children are fragile, beautiful, and full of potential. Like flowers, they bloom best when nurtured with care and attention. Thoughtless words or actions can crush their spirit.

A good teacher cultivates, waters, and tends—never tramples.

9. Respect Individuality

Every student is unique. Some excel in academics, others in art, music, or sports. Some grasp concepts quickly; others need more time.

To criticize or condemn a child for not fitting into a narrow mold is unjust. It is precisely those who struggle that need our patience and support the most.

10. Teach Character Along With Knowledge

Education without values is incomplete. Truthfulness, kindness, respect, and integrity must be woven into our teaching. Facts and figures may fade from memory, but lessons in character endure for life.

Why These Lessons Still Matter Today

Some may argue that these principles sound idealistic or outdated in today’s fast-paced world. After all, modern classrooms are driven by syllabi, assessments, and measurable outcomes. But let us pause and ask: what is the true purpose of education?

Is it merely to prepare students for exams? Or is it to shape responsible, compassionate, and capable human beings?

The reality is that children today face unprecedented challenges—digital distractions, societal pressures, mental health struggles, and a competitive world that often values achievement over well-being. In this landscape, the role of a teacher as a guide, mentor, and moral compass has never been more important.

The “Ten Commandments” remind us that education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about nurturing humanity.

Teacher’s Day: Beyond Ceremonies

Too often, Teacher’s Day gets reduced to rituals—speeches, cultural programmes, and tokens of appreciation. While these are meaningful, they should not distract us from the deeper purpose of the day.

True celebration lies in introspection. On this day, each of us should pause and ask:

• Have I grown as a teacher this year?
• Did I inspire curiosity, or just deliver content?
• Did I treat each student with fairness and respect?
• What resolutions will I make for the coming year?

Teacher’s Day should be our annual checkpoint—a reminder that teaching is not a static profession but an evolving journey.

The Teacher’s Legacy

Long after the last exam is written, students remember their teachers not for the chapters they covered, but for how they made them feel. A single encouraging word can build confidence for life. A single harsh remark can shatter it.

The greatest tribute a student can give a teacher is not a card, a speech, or a bouquet—but the memory of having been inspired, understood, and guided with care.

Every teacher leaves a legacy. The question is: what kind of legacy will we choose to leave behind?

Walking the Path Together

The card I once received is lost, but the wisdom of that letter remains evergreen. It is a reminder that teaching is not just a profession, but a calling.

As we move forward, let us carry these timeless principles with us. Let us continue to learn, adapt, smile, encourage, and inspire. Let us hold ourselves to higher standards while nurturing the uniqueness of every child. And above all, let us remember that knowledge without values is incomplete.

To my fellow teachers, I say this: our work is not easy, but it is meaningful beyond measure. Let us walk this journey together—with pride, humility, and unwavering faith in the transformative power of education.

After all, while the world often forgets, teachers quietly shape the future—one child, one lesson, one act of kindness at a time.