Meet Divya:
My name is Divya Behl and I'm a program manager at World Schools Forum. Previously, I have supported teachers working in low-income schools in India and Africa and, as a Teach For India Fellow in 2010, I taught second grade in a free public school in western India. On behalf of the GSF, we wish all the world's teachers a happy World Teachers' Day!
The Global School Forum (GSF) strives to strengthen global education by supporting non-governmental organizations in developing countries that care for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We are a membership organization united by a common vision of a world in which all children have access to quality education. Our network of 64 member organizations spans 52 countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Collectively, they manage or support 30,000 schools, providing education to over 5 million children.
Why is it important to have a network of teachers?
A network of like-minded peers is a boon in any profession, a fortiori in a creative one like teaching. A network of teachers, local or global, enables continuous learning outside of formal training sessions - exchanging ideas, student case studies, lesson plans, resources and even day-to-day concerns. At GSF, members such as Dignitas create communities of practice in their schools that enable the creation of a positive environment in which teachers can responsibly bring about change.
How have the teachers in your network fared in these times of crisis?
The teachers in our network have shown exemplary strength, creativity and commitment. In several GSF member organizations, many of which run schools in remote areas, teachers who had never been exposed to technology quickly adapted to online teaching. They used every means at their disposal to continue teaching their students. Teachers in Rising Academies started using the radio, Peepul and Simple Education Foundation have taken advantage of WhatsApp, and several other teachers have started using text messaging to maintain teaching continuity.
À United World Schools and Luminos Fundthe teachers have reoriented their role to support the well-being of the community. Despite facing difficult times themselves, teachers make regular phone calls to ensure the emotional and mental well-being of their students. Teachers have truly become front-line warriors in these difficult times!
How do you see the future for the teachers in your network?
Teaching is a tough job, and we recognize that. Having been a teacher myself, I imagine a future where schools and wider systems provide the comprehensive support teachers need to do their job well. As well as advice on teaching and content, teachers benefit from mental wellbeing support, teachers receive support for their mental well-being. Teachers have the time and space to share their work-related stress, have access to tools to alleviate certain stress factors and, above all, can turn to a community of peers.
(Courtesy of Divya Behl)
