S Tethsomong Sangtam, one of the three recipients of the Teachers Award for the year 2022 in Kiphire district, said he was honoured and humbled to have been chosen worthy of the prize. He added that the award had also encouraged him to be more dedicated, sincere and responsible in his duties as a teacher.

Tethsomong Sangtam has been working as a teacher for 18 years and is presently posted at Government Middle School, Sanphure.

Speaking about the ways to reform the educational system in Nagaland, Sangtam said that there should be proper infrastructure, appointment of teachers according to requisite knowledge and qualifications, implementation of digital attendance, and setting up of qualified School Management Committee (SMC) members. He also said that teachers, parents, and students must come together so that there may be positive changes.

He appealed to all teachers to be sincere and dedicated in their duties, wherever their postings may be.

Speaking about the challenges being faced as a teacher in a rural area, he mentioned the lack of or absence of teachers and parents not giving importance to their children’s education. He added that the school curriculum needs to be simplified so that children can understand better.

Sangtam also expressed hope and optimism in the changes and improvements happening in the education system. He said that remedial teaching and parent-teacher meetings will strengthen and reform the school.

Finally, he encouraged students to focus more on their studies than other activities, and to be disciplined and obedient to become someone in life.