Know Your Teacher: ‘My mother inspired me to pursue this profession’

While a lot of students may not want to study Hindi as a subject, there are some people who choose the language since it provides them with an opportunity to understand the nuances, richness of the dialect, and a peek into our heritage. Meet Usha Yadav, who has been teaching at Apeejay School, Nerul since 2006.

Besides a double MA in Hindi and Political Science from Kanpur University and a BEd, she has to her credit 40 courses that the Central Board of Secondary Education has introduced for teacher training. If this was not enough, she has First Aid and NCC courses under her belt. She has also attended several seminars and workshops related to teacher training.

In a candid interview, Yadav, who teaches Hindi to classes VIII and X and Sanskrit to classes VI and VII, talks about how her mother has been the inspiration why she chose to be an educator.

Who inspired you to become a teacher?

It was my mother who inspired me. Her teachings were like writings on the stone which I follow even today. Her teachings resonate with me till date. There is a doha by Kabir: गुरु गोविंद दोऊ खड़े, काके लागू पाय । बलिहारी गुरु आपनो, जिन गोविंद दियो बताय । My mother used to teach me these lines when I was very young. She always said that whatever has been taught to you by the teachers is correct and you must listen to what they have to say very carefully.

She also said that if she ever got a complaint from any teacher, I would no longer be allowed to go to school. In my mother’s opinion, a teacher was the most important person and a noble profession and hence, I decided to teach.

Why did you join Apeejay?

My teaching journey began in July 1999 at Naval Public School in Colaba, Mumbai. My stint at Apeejay started after an interesting but harrowing incident that took place during the 2005 floods in Mumbai when my two kids and I were stuck for over 10 hours on the streets. My husband was not in town and I was teaching at Naval Public School. My husband was adamant that I leave my job. That is when I applied at Apeejay School, Kharghar and Nerul.

Interestingly, I got an interview call from the Kharghar branch. So, I went to the Kharghar branch for the interview and told them to call me if there was ever a vacancy. But one day I decided to go to the Nerul branch and check if the interviews had been conducted. Much to my delight I was asked to come the next day. I went, gave the interview and here I am 17 years later at Apeejay School, Nerul.

How has the journey been thus far?

It has been excellent. I came to know that besides academics, the school paid stress on human values as well, I was thrilled. It resonates with my belief that children must be taught moral values. I have also learnt a lot here. All the principals and vice-principals have been pillars of strength for me. My English was poor but with sheer hard work, help from peers, and administration I carried out my duties. I have been given a lot of responsibilities over the years. I was made coordinator for Interact Club; I am a House master; class teacher, and class in-charge. Despite my English not being very strong, the administration had the trust in me to do my work diligently; for this I am eternally grateful to them.

How to manage work-life balance?

There are a couple of things that I do. First, whatever work that I have been given at school is my priority. I carry it out to the best of my abilities. Second, I love teaching, it is never a burden to do work that is related to school. I derive pleasure when I teach.

How do you ensure that learning for all is at par?

It is correct, no two students are the same and nor is their learning. I ask questions in a manner that will make the high achievers answer. I use complex words knowing fully well that some students will ask its meaning. This helps underachievers to learn by default. I give personalised attention to help the students when they get stuck. I try to pair the high achievers with underachievers. If my Sanskrit students get stuck, I send Hindi explanations to the parent so that they can help their child. But if the child lives nearby, I take extra classes as well.