Samuel, a teacher from Government Higher Secondary School Kiphire, received the Kiphire District Teachers Award 2022 along with two other recipients on 5 September.

Having served as a teacher for nearly 20 years, Samuel has shown great dedication and sincerity in his field of work. He says receiving the Teachers Award has truly solidified his belief and given a boost to his morale to continue serving even more diligently in his field.

“There’s no substitute for hard work,” says Samuel, adding that his encouragement to others is to never underestimate one’s ability but instead develop self-confidence and strong will power.

Hailing from Phor village of Phek district, he is one of eight siblings, five of whom are working in the government service. His father is a retired primary teacher and his mother a house wife.

The history teacher has proved through his life that hard work leads to achievement. Having done his primary and high school education from St Xavier School Meluri, he went on to study PU in vocational music from Patkai Christian College followed by a BA degree in the same college. He then completed his MA degree from Madurai Kamaraj University in Tamil Nadu and a B Ed degree from Nagaland University.

Samuel began his teaching career in 2003, first working as a government teacher at Government High School Pholary under Meluri sub-division of Phek district. In 2014, Samuel was among those teachers who were appointed as Post Graduate Teachers. He was then posted to the newly upgraded Government Higher Secondary School in Kiphire. He currently teaches history to students of class 11 and 12 of the same school.

“As teachers, we all must be punctual, regular, honest and diligent in our duties and be role models to our students,” says Samuel.

Sharing his thoughts on some of the challenges faced in the teaching profession, Samuel points out the issue of high student enrolment when there are not enough resources to provide quality education. Good infrastructure and a sufficient number of well qualified trained teachers in a school can help the situation, Samuel says, adding that each teacher must be sensitized on the professional ethics of a teacher.

“If we don’t work hard or perform our duties as assigned, then we don’t have the right to claim our wages or salary,” he states.

Samuel also emphasizes the importance of building trust between the school authorities and staff for an educational institution to function well. There should be understanding and cooperation among the colleagues at school, he adds.

For the days to come, Samuel says its an inspiration and challenge for him to serve his duties sincerely and dedicate himself to do his best.