A day in the life of a teacher with visual impairment- Teachers Day 2022!

Every morning Bhagyashree wakes up at 5:30 am excited about the learning and imparting of knowledge each day brings to her life. Being a special teacher for over 20 years, she is proud to have defied the norms by fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher, as a person with visual impairment, and enjoying the work she gets to do.

She starts her morning with 45 minutes of Suryanamaskara (yoga) and meditation, to keep her energised the whole day. She eats breakfast and prepares lunch and gets going to reach Government Blind School, Davanagere* by 9:55. At 10:00 when the bell rings the students greet her with the loudest “good morning Miss” and a bunch of them rush to hug her as she enters the classroom.

Bhagyashree teaches the students from the primary classes 1st to 5th in maths, English and computer science. She is passionate about teaching students and making a strong academic base for the students in the junior classes. She firmly believes that a student with visual impairment should have no fewer opportunities as compared to their sighted peers. During the free periods, Bhagyashree enjoys telling Indian folklore to enhance her students’ imagination and make them familiar with their Indian roots.

“I love to witness children’s enthusiasm and excitement to learn new things. It encourages me to update my knowledge in different areas for the simple joy of getting to share the same with my students”, shares Bhagyashree.

Bhagyashree’s heart swells with pride when her old students who are now pursuing SSLC and higher education call her up on teacher’s day every year thanking her for not just her teaching but also for setting an example to lead life.

She winds down her day by spending some time reading newspaper, enjoying dinner and preparing lessons for the next day. When asked how being a teacher makes her feel, Bhagyashree says with a beaming smile, “I am elated to live each day of my life independently, teaching and making a difference in the lives of students with visual impairment. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

This Teacher’s Day, we at Vision Empower want to celebrate Bhagyashree, and all teachers, who enrich the lives of their students every day with utmost sincerity and dedication.

Teachers’ Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Born on September 5, 1888, Dr Radhakrishnan was the first Vice-President of India and the second President of India. Dr Radhakrishnan is well-known for his notable work as a teacher, philosopher and scholar.

*Government Blind School, Davanagere is one of the many special schools of Karnataka VE works with.

In the 'Stories' section, we attempt to document experiences while working or interacting with VE. If you have volunteered with Vision Empower and have an interesting experience or story to share, do write to us at outreach.ve@gmail.com.