Know Your Teacher: ‘I draw inspiration from the smiling faces of my students’

As a student or even a parent, building rapport with the teacher has several advantages. Knowing your teacher’s background and experience can help you understand their teaching style and help a student adjust to their expectations and learn more effectively. Knowing more about your teachers can help you develop a deeper level of respect for them. You may gain a greater appreciation for their knowledge, experience, and dedication to teaching.

Meet Shankrit Kumar Kashyap who hails from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. After completing his schooling at NSCG Inter College, Aligarh, he did his post-graduation in Physics from Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University (originally Agra University), in 2005.

“Additionally, I completed BEd. I have earned certifications in DCA, CCNA, and Capacity Building programmes conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education. At present, I work as a PGT Physics at Apeejay International School, Greater Noida,” Kashyap said, who has 12 years of teaching experience.

Excerpts from the interview.

What classes do you teach, and how long have you been teaching?

I teach classes IX, X, XI, and XII, at present. However, my journey as a teacher began in 2006 as a tutor. But as my interest and passion rose as a teacher, I decided to switch to full-time teaching, and in 2010 I started teaching senior secondary school students.

When did your association with Apeejay begin, and why did you choose this school?

I joined the Apeejay Education in November 2022. If you are a teacher, you would have heard about this school and not just heard, you would have heard about the brand and the brilliant reputation that the education group has been enjoying for the longest time. When the opportunity presented itself, I was enthused and applied. I am grateful that I am teaching students at this school and working with my esteemed colleagues. What I also like is the positive environment the school provides.

Who or what inspired you to teach?

What are the challenges that teachers are facing post-COVID?

When I was a tutor, I loved that I could have an impact on the scores of my students. Then when I started teaching in schools, the smiling faces of students, their faith in me, and the cooperation of colleagues inspired me to teach and continue to teach.

 The main challenges that teachers are facing post-COVID are the loss of writing habits among the students, a decrease in reading habits, and a lack of basic knowledge due to the COVID-19 pandemic slowing down the learning rate of students.

Students appear to know everything. How do you convince them that not everything on the Internet is correct?

You have to tell the students that everything that they read on the Internet need not always be correct. They must get and look for correct information that can be verified. This can be done by going to reliable sources and reading or going to government-approved books and websites. And based on the information that they have gathered, they should make informed decisions.

What tips do you have to motivate underachievers?

To motivate underachievers, I work with the students on a one-on-one basis and go slow with the subject topics. I also have to have patience. I tell the students that it is important they stay focused on the topic, practice continuously, and avoid social media distractions.

How has your journey been so far?

I am very happy with the responsibilities that I have been given over the years. I am happy that the school as well as the management has faith in my abilities. I have gained the faith and expectations of students, parents, supporting staff, the principal, and the director. But I have miles to go and I am sure that bigger responsibilities are waiting for me where I can prove myself time and again. I hope to grow as my students grow to become valued citizens of this country.