Know Your Teacher: ‘Important to listen to your students to build a rapport’

Knowing the teacher can encourage parents and students to become more involved in the learning process like attending parent-teacher meetings, volunteering in the classroom, or participating in school events. If the parents and the students know a teacher’s strengths and areas of expertise, it can identify opportunities for personalised learning. For example, if a student has a particular interest or talent, the teacher may be able to provide additional resources or activities to support their development.

Meet Seema Passi, a primary teacher at Apeejay School, Saket who has been teaching for three decades now. “I did my MA in English and then BEd. I always wanted to teach thanks to my library teacher who was also our English choir and dramatics teacher. She taught us the nuances of the language and fine-tuned our idioms, similes, and metaphors; she was truly amazing,” Passi said.

Excerpts from an interview.

How and when did your teaching journey begin?

My journey this far can be best described as an enjoyable rediscovery of myself. I am also grateful to my teachers, and my mentors who were instrumental during my growing up years to teach me what counts along with counting. During this journey I have faced challenges on umpteen occasions, I have learnt time management as well which is so crucial to being a good teacher.

How do you make teaching interactive?

In Gail Goldwin’s words: Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theatre is what rings true even today. For a teacher to make an interactive class, this is the best tool. It keeps the students alert, and full of enthusiasm. The responses are quick, and lively, and come with a lot of learning.

What/who inspired you to become a teacher?

My inspiration to become a teacher was my library teacher who was our English choir and dramatics teacher as well. She had a profound effect on my decision to work as an educator. She taught us the nuances of the language and fine-tuned our idioms, similes, and metaphors. She used to write lyrics on the blackboard, back then we had blackboards and not white, and presented them in such a way that it all became a fairy tale for me. She ignited within me an immense love for reading. Today after 30 years in this profession I strive to bring the same passion for the language into my classroom.

How do you build a rapport with students?

Building a rapport with students can come with challenges. Children are impressionable. Building a rapport with them is not as easy as it appears to be. As a teacher, it’s important to know their names and address them by their name. And the most important thing to keep in mind is that one should listen to them. There is a difference between hearing and listening – most people hear what kids have to say but seldom listen to them.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher?

The most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is the unconditional love the children give you. The belief they have in you as a person leaves you with immense satisfaction. More so, when they succeed in their endeavours.

Why did you choose Apeejay?

If one is a keen learner with kindling curiosity and a sense of adventure, then Apeejay is the place to be. Apeejay firmly believes that the process is more significant than the outcome. Words fall short of describing the feeling and satisfaction of working in this prestigious school. In my 30 years of teaching experience, Apeejay has been a blessing. I am grateful to our Founder-Chairman sir Dr Stya Paul for giving us wings to soar high.