Poetry from Sushant Kumar

Middle aged South Asian man with short dark hair, a mustache and short beard, and a tan collared shirt.
The Teacher: Beyond Intelligence  

"Mero ta  Moj cha Yaar,"- “I am having extreme fun” – my friend Ramesh replied when I asked him about his well-being over the phone. Ramesh and I had been intimate friends since childhood, growing up in the same countryside, studying together at the local college, Ramesh was always the top student; his intelligence was far superior to that of his peers, a fact reflected in his academic results as well.

After earning his bachelor's degree, he headed to Kathmandu to pursue further education and continued to shine in his academic journey. He excelled at the top of his master's degree program at a prestigious university. His academic achievements were the talk of our village, and we all celebrated his success.

However, during the conversation, Ramesh revealed another side of his life. "During the day, I teach at three different private colleges as a part-time English teacher in Kathmandu," he admitted. "But mostly on Friday nights, I spend time drinking whiskey at bars in Thamel with some students. They pay for everything since they belong to rich families."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Somewhere deep down, those words compelled me to question the ethics of his professional life, as they seemed to reflect a lack of wisdom and character despite his engaging classes, knowledge, and the success of his students under his guidance.

Some philosophers argue that wisdom is a broader term than intelligence. Wisdom includes ethical values and actions, and those who possess wisdom can distinguish between wrong and right. 

However, despite being a teacher who is supposed to be full of wisdom, Ramesh’s choice to visit bars and drink with students made me feel that he lacks such qualities. During our conversation, he also mentioned that he does not feel the positive burden of duties and responsibilities, as he is a part-time teacher and most of his fellow teachers are unfamiliar with him. 

"Who comes and goes doesn’t matter. No one knows except the person who hired you," he said. Ramesh is a clear illustration of the moral deficiencies prevalent among many teachers today. It is truly disheartening to realize that they undermine the integrity of the educational system.

The conversation made me ponder what makes a good teacher. Is intelligence the only criterion for being a good teacher? What about wisdom and character? What is the right process for selecting teachers? Do educational institutions train teachers to be honest and moral? How can they motivate teachers to be duty-bound and self-disciplined? 

In recent years, with the rise of science and technology, teachers have become more resourceful and knowledgeable than ever. 

However, it is crucial for them to also embody wisdom and good character. The role of a teacher is not only to impart academic knowledge but also to serve as a role model for students. The impact of a teacher on a student's life spreads beyond the classroom; Teachers’ values, ethics, overall personality, and character absolutely influence students.   

Therefore, the following considerations should be made during the selection process and after the selection of teachers.

Selection of Teachers

When selecting teachers, the education institutions should initiate a mechanism to evaluate candidates' ethical values, in addition to their excellent academic qualifications. The mechanism could include thorough background checks, psychological well-being assessments, and interviews focusing on ethical issues. By doing so, schools can ensure they are hiring teachers who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of serving as positive role models for their students.


Teachers’ Trainings beyond Curriculum and Methodology
 
Educational institutions often focus teacher training solely on curriculum, syllabus, and teaching methodologies. However, training should encompass more than these aspects. It should also cover ethics, self-discipline, and teachers' roles and responsibilities.


The cushioning role of the principal

The principal should create an environment where teachers feel that the institution is their second home by bridging the communication gap among staff members. Rewarding good behavior can motivate teachers to strive for excellence in all aspects of their roles. Additionally, the principal should make teachers feel like the school's true foundation by recognizing them as valuable employees. Fostering a sense of permanence and belonging will encourage teachers to dedicate both their hearts and minds to the organization.

This can be achieved through regular meetings, team-building activities, and, if needed, one-on-one positive counseling.
In a nutshell, the role of a teacher goes beyond imparting academic knowledge. Teachers should serve as role models embodying wisdom, good character, and ethical values. 

Therefore, educational institutions should prioritize selecting teachers who possess these qualities and provide professional as well as ethical training to help them grow in all aspects of their profession. Thus, schools can ensure that teachers are highly motivated, duty-bound, and self-disciplined. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on pupils. Over time, students will grow into individuals with strong moral values and ethical standards.

[Sushant Kumar B.K. is a Nepali poet, translator, educator, and freelance writer from Gulariya, Bardiya, Nepal. He holds two degrees: an MA in English Literature and Political Science. He primarily writes poems in English and Nepali. His poems have been featured in national and international anthologies, magazines, newspapers, and online portals. He can be reached at sushantacademia@gmail.com.".]

Poetry and photography from Brian Barbeito

Closeup of pink florets on a plant's large complex flower.

The Fourteen Days

(for Tara)

(Easy Co., Mercury Rules Virgo and Gemini, and the Birds in the Trees)

37D17E93-BF86-4B8D-B542-4537E23E3304.jpeg

We had fourteen days free and went to the forests each morning to walk. There was a car there that said, – EASY CO. and that was the car I happened to park behind one day, the last day actually. I took it as a Jungian synchronic sign as I used to buy Sgt. Rock comics often as a kid and his war group of soldiers were called Easy Company. I used to read each issue and also the letters of compliments and questions to the makers of the comic that they published at the back each issue. How I loved the adventure stories and the art, and one got to know each character of the comic through the years.

Inside the paths, the woodlands wild and whimsy driven and wondrous, I was walking with Tara, a Virgo. I am Gemini and we are the only two signs ruled by the same planet, Mercury, the fastest planet, the messenger, the one that denotes communication. The birds in the trees called out, and sometimes a squirrel ran away or a chipmunk. Verdant place. Kind atmosphere. A little too hot and humid those days for my liking. But the autumn would one day come. Still, we followed the idea of three S’s,…short, shaded, and slow,- when it was mighty hot. Sometimes a breeze came along. Sometimes not. Mostly empty area. But once in a while a solitary jogger, or an old couple, something. There, a heron that fishes for food by the still pond, and little groups of wild roses, where when their petals are absent the middle looks like a berry red.

I talked to Tara, about the things people talk about,- current events local and the greater world, plus spirituality, things like karma and dreams and journeys. Silence is okay also. Just the sight of the leaves. Or raspberries. Stones. The plain earth itself. The paths are often gravel but at times sand. Orchids are there, and ferns green and wild. I know where some snakes live, and I know all the trails through experience, time, steps. So does she. Little marshes and bogs,- the logs and an owl watching in the day if you are lucky. It’s not an ambitious worldly achievement, but there are worse things people do than nature walk. I loved the fourteen days. Talk walk see be. Believe contemplate meditate heal. Like love belong and dream. Ideas for writings, plus landscape photography, blossom often and well, yes blossom like the summer wildflowers. 

——-

Poetry from Ilhomova Mohichehra

Central Asian teen girl leaning to the right, with long dark hair and brown eyes and a ruffly black blouse.
Uzbekistan

My country is always
My dear Uzbekistan.
This girl is rich in beauty,
Narcissus in my garden.

The so-called Uzbekistan
I was born in a beautiful place.
By and by
I pulled out the rock.

Have fun these days,
Flowers open every day.
Birds flying far away,
Happy girls.

Play and laugh at home
Sneak away.
Push your period,
You build the future.

The country is burning for you,
Both parents.
always burning for you
Sweating and burning.

For the value of such a country,
Enough dear friends.
Such a country from the world,
You will never find.

Ilhomova Mohichehra is a student of the 8th grade of the 9th general secondary school of Zarafshan city, Navoi region.

Essay from Ruxshona Qiyomova

A skilled pedagogue and his image

Among all professions, the teaching profession has a special and important social importance. After all, the teacher is the architect of the maturity of the heart of the young generation, the person who educates and educates the youth. Today, he teaches the youth the laws of society, social life, and the development of thinking, prepares the youth for work, and helps them master the secrets of the profession. they say. This responsibility requires the teacher to be a master of his profession. A skilled pedagogue is a highly cultured specialist who is a skilled master of his profession, has a deep knowledge of his subject, and has mastered the methodology of education and training.

Pedagogical skills teach teachers pedagogical creativity, pedagogical technique, speech culture, thinking, organization and implementation of educational work of the pedagogue. It provides information about the system of pedagogical activities that develop their profession. In order for the pedagogical activities of teachers to be effective the system of necessary skills: knowledge, ability to understand the child, observation, speech skills, organization, ability to see the future, ability to divide attention, correctly assess the situation, handle all kinds of conflicts that may arise timely elimination, making students interested in learning.

A teacher who does not understand the essence of the pedagogical process and does not respect the child will not have an opinion that ensures the effectiveness of education and human maturity. Pedagogical skill – “Teachers’ qualities such as childishness, humanity, kindness and knowledge, ingenuity, creativity, ability is a defining characteristic, and it is an activity that provides teachers with the opportunity to reach a high level in their educational activities and to constantly improve their professional skills. He is perfect in his subject who knows, has pedagogical and methodical training,

It is manifested in the professional activity of every teacher who conducts practical activities in order to find ways to teach, educate and develop students.

During the formation of the teaching profession, it is pedagogical skills improve. He conducts educational activities with students with various psychological characteristics. Faces various conflicts. This, in turn, forces him to constantly create, to find and skillfully apply various means and methods of education. Thus, to become the owner of pedagogical skills, the teacher is himself he should know the educational subject based on the requirements of the time, have pedagogical and psychological knowledge, and should have humanity, curiosity and self-sacrifice.

Essay from Sarvinoz Mansurova

I became the pride of my parents Mansurova Sarvinoz Khasan Student of Bukhara State Medical Institute I am the daughter of Sarvinoz Khassan, currently a 3rd-year student of the medical department of the Bukhara Contemporary Medical Institute.

I am the winner of the “Student of the Year” award. I am a participant in international conferences. I am the founder and head of “Noza Academy”, which was established for the purpose of ensuring employment and personal development of women and girls. The main basis of these achievements are the trust and hard work of my parents. “responsibility and pride.

From my father, I learned not to give up on dreams, to always move forward and to lead. From my mother, I learned to speak correctly, to study tirelessly, and to be responsible. I studied at a medical institute since I was a child. I dreamed of becoming a doctor.

Poetry from Farida Botayeva

Middle aged light skinned Central Asian woman with shoulder length hair and earrings wearing a pink floral blouse and holding a book.

YESTERDAY WAS SO…

I was very happy yesterday

What happened to me today?

Yesterday my hair was a river,

And today, a knot like a heart?!

Yesterday was the sky, the sky

Today it is raining and cloudy.

Yesterday was a lifetime, a lifetime

Forget today like a dream.

Yesterday was full of heart,

Today it suddenly became a mess.

But a word became a sword,

There is no place to live, no shelter.

Yesterday I was alive too,

Today, it’s a stone.

I was a man, I was a man

I got sunburned today!

O friend!

No matter what you say, it’s today

Do not leave a knot in your heart.

The dream is long, the regret is long,

Can tomorrow find today?

Hey man!

Don’t hide what you say,

Say I love you, beg nolan.

Hearts are full of love,

Can tomorrow find today?

It’s beautiful when a flower blooms next to me,

I will put your eyes on my eyes.

If you don’t come, I’ll go myself

Can tomorrow find today?

Come, come with your mountain on your shoulders,

Come with your Khazonrez garden.

Come with sadness in your heart,

Can tomorrow find today?

Dear man, make your day strong,

A handful for every moment.

Live today, find strength,

Can tomorrow find today?

Farida Afroz (Farida Botayeva) was born on March 5, 1956 in the city of Kokan, Fergana region. She studied at the Kokan State Pedagogical Institute named after Muqimi. She is a member of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan, a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Poetry from Ziyoda Murodilova


          Fate

No matter how much suffering hurts my tongue,
I will go on my way.
Sometimes falling, sometimes standing
Trials lead to dreams.

If not for God,
The wind doesn't blow, it doesn't pour high
I fall for a reason too
This fall will not last forever.

The stars count the days in the distance,
The sun always shines its golden light.
If only I had wings to fly
I would reach the heavens.



   Just that

A beautiful breeze works every moment
My dreams are with me
It's like a long time ago
I just learned to live.

When I am in pain, my heart feels my pain.
Every breath I take is visible to my body
Obedience all my life
Just stop for a moment.

My imagination is sad and gently stirs
The sweet door of my heart
It is as if he has entered a mysterious world
I just live in a secret age.

A butterfly will land on my hand
And my emotions are like an unstable wind
My tender words from the heart
It's just a piece of paper.


Ziyoda Murodilova, daughter of Zufarjon, was born on October 15, 2007 in the city of Fergana in the Republic of Uzbekistan. She wants to use her creative abilities to read, write and help people any way possible.