Know Your Teacher: ‘Smart work with hard work is the need of the hour’

His list of accomplishments is long. He is a postgraduate in Mathematics with a Bachelor of education. He is also serving as HoD, Mathematics for secondary level, member school examination committee, in-charge national standard examinations, and in charge of National Level Science Talent Search Examinations. If this is not enough, he has worked as a head examiner in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) evaluation for Mathematics this year.

“Under the able guidance of our senior educational advisors of Apeejay Education, I worked to develop a curriculum in Mathematics for class IX in 2021. In the following years – 2021 and 2022, I attended workshops and seminars organised by CBSE for continuous professional development of teachers and completing 50 hours of required training every year,” Naresh Marwaha said, who teaches Math at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar to classes IX to XII.

He added that in 2020, he worked as a coordinator for developing a model e-course for classes IX and X in Mathematics under the able guidance of Mr Aditya Berliaji. He was a resource person for conducting in-house workshops on NEP – 2020 (senior stage) as well.

Excerpts from the interview.

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for the last 25 years. I started my teaching profession in 1998 in Ludhiana (Punjab) and joined Apeejay on July 18, 2005.

Why did you join Apeejay?

The reason behind my joining this school was simple – it is one of the premier institutes which is not only known nationally but internationally also. Beyond academics, it is known for its contributions towards a good and civilised society. The management believes in man-making and nation-building which is why it focuses on its infrastructure. Apeejay makes you grow professionally. The management believes that their teachers must be equipped with the latest methodology and techniques in the education system. For this, we have continuous workshops and seminars to improve our teaching skills.

The management also believes in the social development of teachers. I still remember the words of our worthy President ma’am Mrs Sushma Paul Berliaji, “Apeejay is a family. In this family, we are there for each other and with each other.’ These were the words during COVID-19 in which she took care of us like a mother. This kind of connection in this family motivates me and my fellow members to work hard and provide a good education to the students so that they become good citizens.

At present, our principal ma’am, Ms Sangeeta Nistandra, has given us a vision that Apeejay is a platform where leaders turn their dreams into reality.

How has technology impacted teaching methodology, especially Math?

Smart work with hard work is the need of the hour. Technology has its impact on all the professions throughout this world and that is why it has impacted Math as well. Teaching using GeoGebra (a free tool) in the class gives first-hand experience of various 2-D and 3-D shapes in Math. Smart classes that we are running take learning to a new level.

Why did you want to be a teacher?

I want to touch people’s hearts and teaching is a profession where you connect with several. I like challenges that are why I chose to teach. It is a profession that keeps you young, energetic, innovative, and creative throughout your life because you remain with young minds always.

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

Parents will talk about their children with that person who is faithful, loving, affectionate, and can gain their confidence. Parent-teacher interaction can be improved by increasing the number of PTMs throughout the year, having one-on-one interactions, and listening to the problems of their child with patience so that they do not hesitate in discussing their child. 

Message for students.

Tell yourself daily: I can and I will and see the difference in my life.