Know Your Teacher: ‘I am a teacher by choice’

These are challenging times. It has only been a little over a year since classes went offline after being held for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students are facing a lot of anxiety. Teachers can provide emotional support during challenging times. Knowing your teacher well can make it easier to approach them if you are facing personal or emotional difficulties that may affect your academic performance. They can offer empathy, understanding, and resources to help you cope with these challenges.

Establishing a relationship with your teacher encourages open communication. It becomes easier to collaborate on projects, seek feedback on your work, and engage in constructive discussions. This interaction fosters active learning and encourages critical thinking, especially in a subject like Math.

“While technology has made it easy for teachers to explain Math in the classrooms, allowing them to broaden the learning climate of their classrooms, knowing the learning pace of each student helps me to teach accordingly. This helps them understand the concepts better. When the concepts are clear, students can score well,” said Renu Shanker, a Math teacher at Apeejay School, Kharghar.

Excerpts from the interview.

Tell us about your qualifications, courses, and certifications if any.

I have completed my BSc and BEd, a four-year integrated course, from the Regional Institute of Education in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, I have pursued an MSc in Mathematics from KTHM College, where I secured the second position in college and the sixth position at Pune University.

Why did you choose Apeejay and how did you go about it?

I was always fascinated by Apeejay Schools when I lived in Delhi. When I relocated to Kharghar, I applied for the position of TGT Mathematics and was successfully selected.

Could you share your journey so far?

I have been teaching for the past 18 years, with the last nine years dedicated to Apeejay School, Kharghar. I teach Mathematics to classes IX and X. My journey has been incredibly fulfilling, as I consciously chose teaching as my profession and find immense joy and satisfaction in making a positive impact.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have always had a passion for teaching, and my journey began by tutoring my younger brother. As a student, I found a deep love for mathematics and would assist my friends whenever they had doubts about specific topics. It was from there that my interest in teaching developed. Additionally, my teachers played a crucial role in guiding and inspiring me to pursue what I truly loved. Taking up teaching as a profession was a natural transition for me.

There is a lot of emphasis on holistic development. Benefit for the students.

There is a significant emphasis on holistic development, which benefits the students. I strive to cultivate curiosity in my students by encouraging them to ask questions, allowing them to learn naturally and creatively. This approach fosters self-confidence and a positive attitude towards learning and challenging themselves in mathematics, contributing to their overall holistic development.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher?

The most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is challenging students to think beyond the confines of a textbook, inspiring them to explore new ideas. Witnessing my students excel and succeed in life brings me immense happiness and fulfillment. Celebrating their small and big achievements fills me with joy and pride.

Should teachers be learners as well?

Teachers should also embrace the role of lifelong learners. They often wear many hats and require a diverse set of skills to excel in their profession. It is crucial for teachers to continuously update their teaching and pedagogical skills to effectively educate students. In a rapidly changing world, an upgraded teacher is essential to meet the evolving needs of students.