A primary teacher with a difference

Monju Sarkar, an assistant teacher of Satkhira's Palashpole Government Primary School, has become the best female teacher of the district in 2020.

She received the honour for making a difference with her teaching method and thinking outside the box.

Monju, a resident of Satkhira city, has been teaching successfully alongside looking after her household.

She joined the profession in 2003 and has been working as an assistant teacher at the primary school since 2010.

Monju shared about her journey, as a teacher, with The Business Standard.

"Education is the linchpin of a nation. I believe this with all my heart. And teaching is a noble profession through which one can be a part of building an enlightened nation," Monju said.

She dreamed of being a teacher from an early age and thought of the profession to be the right one for her.

Monju always got support and inspiration from her husband.

For her, teaching is not just a profession; it is like serving the country. "The great responsibilities that come with teaching make it different from everything," she said.

The assistant teacher completed her undergraduate from Satkhira Mohila College and earned a Master's degree from Jashore MM College.

About her recognition, Monju said she was always serious about serving her official duties in the right way along with applying new and creative methods of teaching. "I always tried to use new ideas with the support of my headteacher and colleagues." 

Her activities include creating and preserving digital content, conducting child surveys, enrolling students and submitting online requests for stipends.

Monju also looks after the children's well-being going home to home, encourage dropped-out students to return to school, persuade parents to involve children in school banking, take special classes for fifth graders after holidays and encourage them to read newspapers.

The best female teacher of Satkhira also wants her son to be a teacher and show the mark of his excellence.

About the perils of being a teacher, Monju said, "Teachers are not getting what they deserve. We need talented and skilled teachers for quality education. If the government offers the highest honour and financial compensation for this profession, brighter students will be here [in teaching]. There will be no obstacles."

About shadow education, the assistant teacher said if the teachers are 100% sincere, the practice of coaching will stop at all levels.

"Class activities need to be made more enjoyable. There is no alternative to stopping coaching. Also, parents need to be more conscious," she said.

Palashpole Government Primary School Headteacher Maleka Parvin said Monju has a golden heart and always shoulder the responsibilities given to her. 

"Also, she has done innovative things like creating walls of humanity and launched newspaper corners to shape the minds of students."

"Monju also gives special lessons for weak students. All in all, she is an ideal teacher," Maleka said.

Satkhira Primary Education Officer Ruhul Amin said four teachers – two headteachers (male and female) and two assistant teachers (female and male) – are selected as the best ones in the district every year.

"We went to the school to directly observe Monju Sarkar's activities. After assessing her overall activities, the upazila and district committees selected Monju as the best female teacher and gave recognition to her good work."