Is a Good Teacher Born or Made?

The conservatives consider that only those men and women born with the qualities of a good teacher become competent teachers. To them professional training is hollow. In support of this view they give examples of men like Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Asutosh.

This view is questioned on the ground that if good teachers are only born, then what is the use of establishing so many teachers training institution? At the same time it cannot be denied that a large number of these qualities; are inherent, because those whom we regard as great teachers became so without the aid of training.

Then what is the solution? In answer we may state that even those persons not born with the qualities of a teacher can become one if they acquire such qualities through training, sincere effort and a genuine interest in teaching.

Besides, in every profession there is a minimum working efficiency which is attainable through training. Our statesmen have' decided to introduce compulsory primary education throughout India. So, now to educate crores of children we need millions of teachers. It is not possible for us to wait for teachers to be born, we have to train individuals to become, if not excellent, at least average teachers. This is the function of the teachers training institutions.

Besides, the famous teachers who became so on the strength of other inherent qualities have left behind theories and teaching methods, which have shown the way and helped generations of teachers who followed them.

For developing the qualities of a human being we require proper environment. Many qualities remain latent until aroused from their stupor with the right opportunities and training. The teachers training institutions help in arousing such latent qualities in teachers.

From the above discussion we come to the conclusion that teachers may be both born and trained. However, in our view the best teachers will be those who have both the intrinsic qualities and the obligatory training. 

Article contributed by: Mam Chatterjee