Look at the entrance of any temple – it has an elephant and a lion. Elephant stands for prosperity and the lion for strength. Wealth and strength are normally the causes of a person’s ego. When you go into a temple, the symbols remind you to leave the ego outside. It is exactly how you should enter a classroom – there is always something to learn. If you go in thinking ‘I know more than the trainer / teacher, you miss out on the learning opportunities. It is a complete waste of time, you might as well go watch a movie without disturbing others.

source: http://www.subramoney.com/2009/09/happy-teachers-day/