As awareness of autism, ADHD and learning disorders grows, parents and schools turn to shadow teachers to bridge the gap in classrooms.
A child enters a regular classroom but struggles to write or focus. Lessons that others grasp easily remain confusing. Parents, unaware of hidden challenges, urger her to work harder. It’s not that she isn’t trying — she simply can’t explain her struggle. Anxiety mounts, often spilling over into aggression, tears, or meltdowns. Eventually, the signs can no longer be ignored.
Parents consult a counselor, the school is informed, and soon, a quiet addition joins the classroom: a shadow teacher — a trained professional who provides one-on one support to children with learning differences within mainstream schools.
GROWING NEED FOR CLASSROOM SUPPORT:
“The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder” (ASD) is rising, and most school teachers aren’t equipped to handle them. That’s where a shadow teacher steps in.”
Post-Covid, with growing awareness around mental health, early diagnoses of ASD and ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ) became more common — and so did the demand for specialists who could quietly guide students through the school day.
Today, shadow teachers are often hired directly by parents, with schools offering their consent and support.
PARENTS HIRE, SCHOOLS CONSENT:
Indian’s educational policies — from the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE) to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 — advocate for inclusive classrooms that cater to children of all abilities.
While elite private schools often have multidisciplinary Special Education Needs (SEN) sections with specialists among their staff, many private institutions lack the budget or personnel to offer such services. In these cases, when parents are willing to bring in shadow teachers, schools are happy to collaborate.
“We have 6-7 shadow teachers in our school. They’re hired by parents, but the school monitors their performance and updates parents regularly. It’s a much-needed collaboration that benefits everyone.” The school’s shadow teachers support students with conditions such as severe anxiety, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy.”
Some schools provides specialist support to students with learning difficulties like dyslexia and dysgraphia, often incorporating privately hired shadow teachers after school approval.
Most schools require shadow teachers to submit police clearance certificates and sign child protection declarations.
MORE THAN AN ACADEMIC AID:
Shadow teachers — often trained co-educators with diplomas in special education — do much more than simplify classroom tasks. They monitor student’s emotional states, prevent crises, and build bridges between students, teachers, and parents.
“A good shadow teacher doesn’t push a child beyond their capacity. They read early signs of anxiety or fatigue and intervene wisely.” “Empathy is crucial. They must stay calm during meltdowns without getting overwhelmed. Every child is different, every day is different.
Their support extends beyond children with developmental issues. Students dealing with social anxiety, low self-esteem, or emotional challenges also benefit from having a steady, understanding guide by their side.
A MIRROR TO SOCIETAL CHANGE:
“Counseling is no longer a luxury or an afterthought. “It’s as fundamental to education as literacy itself.” “With rising academic pressures and invisible stressors, emotional and psychological support must be woven into our educational fabric.”
The change is visible on the ground. “Even five years ago, many parents would deny their child’s condition.” Today, there’s greater willingness to learn about ADHD, dyslexia, autism — and to seek help.”
“Shadows are an essential investment during a special early years. They help level the playing field and strengthen their future.”
Shadows are valuable, but parents must reassess their role periodically.
THE CHALLENGE OF COST:
While shadow teachers are slowly becoming essential partners in mainstream education, affordability remains a hurdle.
Experts believe the profession is poised for a transformation –from an informal role to a structured vocation backed by standardized training and accreditation. “Parents sometimes mistakenly hire tuition teachers or relatives without professional training. To maintain quality, we need formal certification and clear policies for integration into school setups.”
But cost is a cost barrier. Specialist shadow teachers with experience can charge between Rs 15,000 to Rs 45,000 a month — an expense that many middle-class families struggle to bear.
“Shadow teachers are a godsend for families of children on the autism spectrum. But unless govt support expands, too many families will be priced out.”
As Indian classrooms increasingly evolve to embrace diversity, shadow teachers are quietly rewriting the rules of inclusion — giving children who learn differently not just an education, but a fair chance of thriving.
