With reducing attention spans and increasing distractions, it takes more than mere talent to teach a class-full of youngsters, who already know quite a bit—courtesy the internet and other sources. It takes passion and dedication to educate the future generations of our country, and this is easier said than done. We may dedicate just one day in the entire year to teachers, but it takes years to perfect the knack of connecting with students and helping them understand concepts.

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Considering a teaching career?Our education system offers several options for people who would like to be teachers, including a basic Diploma in Teachers Education (D. Ted), a Bachelor in Education (B. Ed) and a Masters in Education (M. Ed). While the Diploma and Bachelor courses extend over a period of two years, the Masters degree is a year-long course.Any of the courses we mentioned would qualify you to teach. However to be a principal, a Bachelors degree is the minimum requirement. Avnita Bir, Principal, R.N. Podar tells us, "Apart from the basic B.Ed, higher degrees are add-ons. Also, different institutions require varying years of teaching experience to qualify for the post of a principal". In the minority institutions, principals are elected through management votes, whilst considering their years of years.Eligibility criteriaClearing the 12th standard in the minimum qualification required to be eligible for the D.TEd. For the B.Ed programme, you need to be either a B.A, B.Sc or B.Com graduate. Lastly, a B.Ed is essential to to qualify for the Masters degree and specialize in a specific subject.But it doesn't stop there. You also have to do entrance tests. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) conducts the Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH-SET). This test is for candidates aspiring to become teachers in primary and upper primary sections of schools in the State of Maharashtra.College and university teaching posts require a different approach. After completing the B.Ed degree, you will have to clear the National Eligibility Test (NET), in order to become a college professor. The test is conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and qualifies you to teach across India.What's the difference?While the B. Ed qualifies aspirants to become school teachers up to 12th grade, the D.Ted qualifies you to teach till the 7th grade."A D.Ted trains you in every subject, from arts and craft to maths and games, so you can teach any subject," says Jennifer Pereira, Headmistress of the primary section, St.Stanislaus High School. On the other hand, the B.Ed involves learning and training for a teaching post that can be done after a B.A, B.Sc. or B. Com. For instance, after a B.A in History, you will have to opt for a B.Ed in History. "Unlike its diploma counterpart, the bachelor's degree focuses more on the lecturing methods," Jennifer pointed out.Martina Correa, who teaches at Christ Church School agrees. "The B. Ed course focuses on the content of the subject, followed by the methodology, i.e. how to teach the subject. Also, at the B. Ed level, you are graded on how well you learn, along with how well you teach," she says.M.Ed. is the teacher training course, where teachers are increasing their knowledge in their specific field or branching to another area, under the assumption that the pupil already knows about the subject, explained Martina.

Aptitude MattersIt is one thing to know a lot about a subject. But, it's your ability to teach that subject and dumb it down for students to learn, that really matters. "You need to be motivated and versatile. You also need to have a desire to learn continuously," says Bir. "Keeping yourself updated on the subject you are teaching and working on your ability to connect to children, are the most important characteristics of a teacher. Since, technology takes up a significant part of our lives, being tech-savvy will help a great deal," she explains.

Training PeriodGaining theoretical knowledge is just one aspect of teaching. Practical training is the other. "Institutions are now becoming increasingly conscious about this, and are trying to keep pace with the ever-changing trends and provides for individual development," pointed out Bir.

IB goes the extra mileThe International Baccalaureate institutions are far more particular about the way they train their teachers. Not only do the teachers have to do their basic degrees, but additional training is provided to them. "There are certain thinking skills, we are taught, which we in turn teach the students. IB schools follow certain learner profiles, which play an important role in the way education is imparted, says Patricia Rodrigues, special educator at Oberoi International School. "The students are enquirers and the teachers are the facilitators in the scheme of things in IB institutions," she added.

Dealing with tough casesNow, with the inability to use corporal punishment, verbal chastisement or even stare, it can be trying for teachers to deal with difficult students. "We are supposed to have a positive attitude and find ways to correct students positively. Even though researchers talk about using positive reinforcement and other ways to deal with students, it's easier said than done," says Jennifer.Stating that this often leads to students being manipulative and taking the upper hand, Martina added, "During practical training we are graded on the basis of good noise and bad noise. Good noise involves productive discussions in class, while bad noise shows that the students are disinterested and the teacher does not have a firm hold over the class."On the other hand, NextDeeksha, a training platform that trains teachers to deal with different situations in a class says ---

Top colleges offering these coursesAccording to the www.indiaeducation.net, the top 5 colleges offering degrees for the teaching profession are:K.J. Somaiya Comprehensive College of Education, Training and ResearchBombay Teacher's Training CollegeSNDT Women's UniversityOriental Education SocietyHK Institute of Management Studies & ResearchChembur Sarvankash Shikshan Shastra MahavidyalayaPillai's College of Education & ResearchHow the teaching courses have changed over the years?