Know Your Teacher: ‘Once a teacher, always a teacher’

Not only has she done her MA in English and BEd, but she is also part of the Face to Faith – a project of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation programme. She has attended the Teacher Training Workshop organised by the foundation.

“I have also attended ELT and YLE workshops organised by The British Council. I have been teaching for almost 19 years now, and have been associated with the Apeejay family since 2007. I teach English from classes VI to X,” Anand Mahon said of Apeejay School, Rama Mandi in Jalandhar.

Excerpts from the interview.

What is the most rewarding aspect of a teacher?

The fact that we teachers get a chance to impact lives and make significant contributions to our student’s future is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher. The cherry on the cake is when students remember us even after years of passing out and respect us the same way they did in their schooling days. I believe it is fair to say that ‘once a teacher, always a teacher.’

Why did you want to be a teacher?

I come from a family of teachers; I have grown up listening to how satisfying being a teacher was from my parents. I believe teachers are the most significant part of anyone’s life, and being able to make that contribution to society is truly what inspired me to be a teacher from my school days.

What are some ways that parent-teacher interaction can be improved?

Mutual respect is the key to an ideal interaction between parents and teachers. If we continue to respect each other’s opinions, feedback, and inputs, all being centric toward the growth of our children, parent-teacher interactions can truly be a vital part of a child’s holistic development.

Do you think that students have changed post-Covid? What are the challenges here?

Children have come to think that a teacher can be replaced by online videos and classes post-Covid. What they don’t realise is that the role of a teacher is much more than teaching textbooks. Along with imparting knowledge related to curriculum, teachers significantly contribute to a child’s personality, mindset, behaviour, and values. Making children realise this is the biggest challenge that teachers are facing post-Covid.

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The involvement of the parent in a child’s education is as significant as that of a teacher. Parents are the role models of a child; what they see is what they learn. Ensuring a positive and encouraging environment at home is extremely important

–Anand Mahon, English Teacher, at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi

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The need for holistic development for students today.

The aim of education is not limited to learning and understanding textbooks. The sole objective of education is the development of human beings who contribute to society, and that doesn’t happen only through teaching curriculum. The development of social, emotional, mental, physical, and intellectual aspects of students is important so that the child can face everyday challenges in the best way. 

What motivates you?

The fact that I can make some contribution towards my students’ future every day through my job is what makes me feel motivated every single day. Their success is my success and my inspiration to give my best as an educator.

How has your journey been thus far?

My journey as a teacher here at the Apeejay family has been the best of my years in the education field. It has been enriching, fulfilling, rewarding, and contenting. Also, the Apeejay family has given me immense opportunities to grow as an educator and as a human being. Without the support of this family, I don’t believe I would have grown so much in these years. So far, this has been the best I could’ve asked for.

How can parents support their child’s learning at home?

The involvement of the parent in a child’s education is as significant as that of a teacher. Parents are the role models of a child; what they see is what they learn. Ensuring a positive and encouraging environment at home is extremely important. So, creating that environment is something that parents can contribute towards to make the learning process for their child more fun and productive.