Why Reading Is Important for Teachers? - Neetu Koranga

Isn't it challenging if your students don’t read a novel or a book prescribed in the syllabus? Or if they make faces when you tell them about the benefits of reading books like 'The Old Man and The Sea' by Ernest Hemingway or 'Gitanjali' by Rabindranath Tagore? However, it's no use emphasising how great classic pieces of literature these books are if they don't understand the significance of reading.

Reading is essential, not only for children but also for adults, especially teachers. As a teacher, it's crucial to keep the love for learning and creativity alive; believe me, reading helps! While teaching students, teachers never know what kind of questions are waiting for them. They face not just unique challenges daily but also go through unique teaching experiences. However, the critical point here is that teachers can only influence students to read if they do.

A teaching environment is dynamic; a teacher must be creative, broad-minded, and composed to handle it. But how does a teacher build such traits? These traits don't develop overnight. Teachers must learn them through dedicated discipline. And believe it or not, reading brings that discipline.

As a reader, a teacher can help students understand why reading is essential. Here are the reasons for you to read if you’re a teacher in the 21st century:

Increase Knowledge: Regular reading habits deepen teachers' knowledge of their subject-matter expertise. For example, a history teacher can read fictional or non-fictional historical works and help students understand a particular topic with examples, stories, facts and more.

Improved Vocabulary: Reading can help teachers improve their vocabulary. It can help them get an undefeated command of a particular language. A strong vocabulary can also help teachers build critical thinking abilities. This can lead to a better understanding of a topic, and teachers can convey their ideas clearly.

Lifelong Learning: Reading can help teachers keep inner curiosity alive. It can lead to a better teaching experience. Moreover, teachers, as readers, can become a positive influence on their students.

Better communication skills: Reading can improve teachers' abilities to interpret, write, speak, analyse, and understand. Also, with the help of extensive knowledge, teachers can always stand out in the crowd.

Cultural Awareness: Reading literature takes you to places. It can help teachers understand diverse cultures and create an inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe, seen and heard.

Stress-buster: Reading can help teachers reduce stress and improve their brain health. It can also help the teachers concentrate for a more extended period and stay motivated.

You’d be surprised to know there are many more unlisted benefits of reading for teachers. So, are you ready to be the teacher who reads?

This year, we are reading the book Wanted Backbencher and Last Ranker Teacher for our Masterclass at The Teacher's Academy. Why not join us online and read with us?

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