Know Your Teacher: ‘I strive to provide an empowering educational experience in school’

Deepti Kaushal joined Apeejay School, Tanda Road, about four years back as a coordinator. While juggling a number of responsibilities at hand, she passionately works towards creating a collaborative and inclusive environment at school with the help of teachers and students. She tells us more about her journey in an interview.

Edited excerpts:

Tell us about your role at Apeejay School, Tanda Road.

I am working as coordinator at Apeejay School, Tanda Road. The school was started in 1998 with the dream of making a significant change in the education system in India. It is the ancestral abode of Dr Satya Paulji, Apeejay’s founder.

My vision is to groom students towards holistic development by providing stress-free academics and co-curricular activities to showcase their talent. Emphasis is laid on 100 per cent participation of the students in all the activities and competitions, to help them develop confidence, overcome stage fear, and learn moral values.

Also Read: Know Your Teacher: ‘Open and effective communication essential for positive learning environment’

How long have you been associated with Apeejay and what do you have to say about your experience?

It has been more than four years that I have been associated with the school. My experience as an administrator has been incredibly enriching and fulfilling. Every day, I am inspired by the passion, talent, and potential of our students. Together with a dedicated team of educators, we continue to strive towards providing a nurturing and empowering educational experience, allowing our students to soar high and become confident, responsible, and compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Can you take us through some of your daily responsibilities?

• Maintain school operations by planning, organising, coordinating, and controlling school activities with a view to increasing productivity in the school.

• Design and implement school policies by establishing standards and procedures, measuring results against standardised metrics, and making necessary adjustments.

• Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills as they relate to interaction with students, parents, and teachers.

• Keep the principal informed by reviewing and analysing special reports, summarising information, and identifying trends.

• Achieving financial objectives by preparing an annual budget, scheduling expenditures, analysing variances, and initiating corrective actions.

• Plan the year’s academic work in consultation with the staff and hold staff meetings to review the work done during the month and assess the progress of the pupils.

• Be responsible for curriculum development, assessment of syllabi and textbooks.

• Supervise classroom management and secure cooperation and coordination amongst teachers of same-subject areas as well as inter-subject coordination.

• Monitor and track the progress of weak students (scholastic and co-scholastic arena) and thus ensure growth and educational excellence through equal opportunities.

• Organise and coordinate various co-scholastic activities for all classes.

What challenges do you face?

Challenges are a part and parcel of life. A school coordinator requires a combination of leadership, management, communication, and decision-making skills. It requires a deep commitment to student success and a willingness to take on a wide range of responsibilities and challenges.

I believe that determination and hard work is the key to overcoming any challenge. It is important to understand the power of setting goals for ourselves. When we aim high, we challenge ourselves to do better and to go beyond what we think we are capable of. Even if we don’t achieve everything we set out to do, the process of trying teaches us valuable lessons about determination and hard work. We must remember that every attempt is a step forward and with perseverance and dedication, you will get closer to achieving your dreams.

As a coordinator, how do you prioritise tasks and manage your time efficiently?

A leader must be multitasking. As a coordinator, the foremost responsibility is creating a vision of academic success of the highest standards for students. Promoting a climate that is conducive to learning and building a sense of community including parent engagement is valuable and managed effectively.

How do you foster a collaborative environment among teachers, students, and parents?

By following a cooperative and collaborative approach. A collaborative approach ensures that the three tiers work together as equals, towards a common objective of enhancing the child’s learning, development, and well-being.

Encouraging leadership skills in teachers is equally crucial. These skills play a prominent role in developing stronger working relationships among the staff and creating a professional community of teachers who can successfully guide each other.

What strategies do you use to create a supportive and inclusive environment in school?

· Build relationships and community services

· Foster a culture of values, respect and belongingness

· Be a patient listener and revere different viewpoints

· Aim for a well-structured environment that develops self-discipline among students.

· Seek to provide a happy, purposeful, safe, and nurturing environment to help learners achieve sustainable success in life