Why Teachers Deserve Respect and Fair Wages Worldwide

Teachers are the architects of society, shaping young minds and building the foundation of nations. Their influence extends beyond classrooms, impacting communities and shaping the future. Yet, the treatment of teachers across the world varies significantly. Some countries honour their educators with high salaries and immense respect, while others neglect the very people who nurture the next generation.

In countries like Luxembourg, Switzerland, and South Korea, teachers are celebrated not only in words but also in deeds. Luxembourg pays its teachers some of the highest salaries globally. Switzerland follows closely, ensuring that its teachers enjoy financial stability and a work-life balance. South Korea, known for its rigorous education system, places teachers on a pedestal akin to that of doctors and engineers, offering them both financial rewards and societal admiration.These nations understand that teachers are not mere employees but the backbone of their development. A well-paid, respected teacher is more motivated to deliver quality education, ensuring that students thrive academically and emotionally. Unfortunately, this understanding is absent in many regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, where thousands of contractual lecturers face harsh realities.

Contractual lecturers in Jammu and Kashmir work tirelessly, often juggling multiple responsibilities, yet their contribution is met with meagre salaries and precarious employment conditions. Earning just Rs 28,000 per month for six to eight months of work, these educators are left without pay during winter and summer breaks, when schools and colleges remain closed. This inconsistent income forces many to take up additional jobs or depend on family support to make ends meet.The challenges faced by these lecturers go beyond financial struggles. They live in constant uncertainty, knowing their contracts could be terminated at any time. Despite their dedication to teaching and the hours spent mentoring students, they are denied the dignity.

The situation becomes even more disheartening when we compare it with nations where teachers are considered assets. In Finland, for instance, teachers are treated with the same respect as lawyers and scientists. The profession attracts the best minds due to competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a real difference. Finnish society recognizes that an investment in teachers is an investment in the nation’s future.

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the disengagement of contractual lecturers during non-academic months reflects a systemic undervaluation of their work. Their plight serves as a stark reminder of how little importance is given to education in policy-making. While they educate thousands of students, they themselves face a lack of job security and respect.

Countries like Singapore and Germany have also set remarkable examples in valuing educators. Singapore’s education system is renowned globally, partly because its teachers are among the best-paid and most rigorously trained professionals. In Germany, teachers earn competitive salaries, with generous benefits ensuring they remain focused on their work without financial stress.

The disparity between these global examples and the conditions in Jammu and Kashmir highlights the need for urgent reforms. Teaching is not a seasonal job; it is a year-round commitment that involves preparing lesson plans, grading, and continuous self-education. Denying teachers fair pay during breaks is not only unjust but also detrimental to the quality of education students receive.Contractual lecturers in Jammu and Kashmir play a vital role in sustaining the education system. They are the ones filling the gaps in colleges, especially in remote areas. Despite their temporary status, their dedication often surpasses that of permanent staff. Yet, they remain invisible when it comes to policy discussions or budget allocations.

Countries like Canada and Australia offer insights into what fair treatment of teachers looks like. Canadian teachers enjoy high salaries, job stability, and professional development opportunities. In Australia, teachers are provided with a clear career progression path, ensuring they remain motivated throughout their careers.

For Jammu and Kashmir, the time has come to rethink how we treat our educators. The first step is to provide contractual lecturers with a decent salary throughout the year, recognizing their commitment as a full-time responsibility. Ensuring job security and benefits would go a long way in making teaching an attractive and sustainable profession in the region.It is also essential to change societal attitudes towards teachers. While words of appreciation are welcome, tangible actions like better pay, permanent contracts, and professional growth opportunities are far more meaningful.

If we continue to neglect teachers, we risk losing talented individuals to other professions, leaving our education system in shambles.The plight of teachers is not unique to Jammu and Kashmir; it is part of a larger issue that requires global attention. However, the specific challenges faced by contractual lecturers in the region demand immediate intervention. Policymakers must engage with educators to understand their struggles and devise solutions that prioritize their well-being.

Education is often touted as the key to progress, but this key cannot unlock potential without teachers who are valued and supported. The experiences of nations like Finland, South Korea, and Luxembourg show that treating teachers with dignity and respect yields long-term benefits for society.

The current state of contractual lecturers in Jammu and Kashmir reflects misplaced priorities. While billions are spent on infrastructure and other sectors, the backbone of education—the teachers—remains neglected. This imbalance must be corrected if we are to build a better future for the region.Teachers are not just professionals; they are nation-builders. A society that neglects its educators neglects its future.

By valuing teachers, we can inspire the next generation to dream big, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to the world. The question is not whether we can afford to invest in our teachers but whether we can afford not to.It is time for Jammu and Kashmir to set an example by uplifting its educators, starting with contractual lecturers. This is not just an investment in individuals but in the collective prosperity of the region and its people. Let us ensure that teachers are not left to struggle in silence but are celebrated as the true assets of a nation.

(Author is Assistant Professor (Academic Arrangement), Department of Philosophy, GDC Kulgam. Email: [email protected])