Interviews
Know Your Teacher: ‘The pursuit of knowledge is not restricted by age’
A Hindi language teacher at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi in Jalandhar, says that she aspired to work where education and teachers were valued
Her dedication to teaching can be gauged from the fact that she commutes daily from Phagwara to Jalandhar – a distance of a little over 25 km. Her role as an educator involves teaching Hindi to the students of classes II, III, IV, V, and VII. Along with this, she also holds positions as a primary in-charge, examination in-charge, and coordinator of The Awakened Citizen Program classes.
“I take great pleasure in exploring various creative pursuits like writing stories, engaging in role-play, composing poetry, and introducing innovative teaching methodologies. In 2007, I had the honour of being awarded the first prize at an inter-school competition for my exceptional skills in jingle writing. I was also recognised for my outstanding contribution to education by being awarded the Best Teacher Award from Victoria International Public School in 2005,” Indu Bala said, a teacher at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, who holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours and a master’s in Hindi. She also holds a BEd degree.
Excerpts from the interview.
How and when did you join Apeejay?
My aspiration has always been to work in an institute that places equal emphasis on value education and academics, where teachers are held in high regard and encouraged to express their opinions freely. Having heard much about the exemplary standard of education at Apeejay School, it was my ambition to be a part of this esteemed institute and to gain knowledge from it. I was fortunate enough to secure the position of Hindi language teacher when it became available in 2006, following a successful interview.
How has your journey been so far?
When I arrived at this institute, I realised how essential education is and learnt innovative teaching methods. Though I was already passionate about teaching, this place gave me a new way to direct my passion and a chance to express my ideas. My endeavours were duly acknowledged and commended.
What motivates and drives you?
It is the opportunity to nurture and develop my student’s language skills and instill a love for the Hindi language and its rich culture. I am driven by the responsibility to prepare my students for their future academic and professional pursuits, by equipping them with effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. The challenge of coordinating school examinations and ensuring that they are fair, transparent, and reflective of the student’s academic abilities also motivates me to constantly improve my teaching methods and assessment strategies.
What inspires you?
Witnessing my student’s academic growth and success is a constant source of motivation and inspires me to strive for excellence in my teaching practices. Additionally, the constant support and collaboration of my school leader and colleagues drive me to work towards achieving our shared goals and objectives. Ultimately, what motivates and drives me is the opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of my students and create a positive impact on their academic and personal growth.
How do you make your classes interactive?
To enhance the interaction within the classroom, a diverse range of activities are periodically arranged. These activities encompass reading while engaging in games, incorporating experiential learning to enable students to explore beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom, utilising audio-visual aids to facilitate teaching, imparting knowledge through role-playing and music, and providing mentoring to students who require additional support. Additionally, each student’s efforts are acknowledged, with a pronounced emphasis placed on student-centred education. Diligent endeavours are made to cultivate the speaking, writing, and reading proficiencies of every student through a multitude of distinct approaches.
Is it important for teachers to be learners as well?
Undoubtedly, it holds great importance. The pursuit of knowledge is not restricted by age and one can never fully comprehend oneself. Aspiring for excellence entails recognising the necessity of ongoing learning, and I always endeavour to improve myself and maintain a keenness to acquire fresh knowledge. In truth, we as educators, learn more from our students than we impart to them. Every day, we encounter novel challenges that widen our intellectual horizons and expand our exploration.
How do you communicate and build a relationship with students and parents?
As a teacher, effective communication and building positive relationships with students and their parents are vital aspects of my job. To achieve this I encourage students and parents to reach out to me with any concerns or queries they may have. This open-door policy fosters trust and transparency and creates an environment where all stakeholders feel heard and valued. When students or parents approach me, I make a conscious effort to actively listen to their concerns, without any preconceived notions or biases. I keep parents informed about their child’s academic progress, behaviour, and overall well-being by sending regular updates, progress reports, and feedback. This helps build trust and establishes a strong partnership between the parents and me.
