Know Your Teacher: ‘True education lies in sharing the learning’

Not only does she have a master’s degree in Biotechnology Management, but she is also a gold medalist for a Bachelor’s of Education from the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer in Rajasthan under the aegis of NCERT. Meet Sakshi Gupta who teaches Science to young minds – ages 11 to 16.

“At present, I am teaching classes VI to VIII. I have been teaching for around six years now. I hail from a family of doctors, judges, and educators. So, I chose the career which creates other careers — being an educator. However, my true inspiration is my beloved taiji who is a celebrated retired Botany Professor and principal of a Degree College in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. But it would have not been possible without the support of my husband who believes that true education lies in sharing the learning you gained from your experiences,” Gupta said, who teaches at Apeejay School, Model Town.

Excerpts from an interview.

How do you approach different learning styles and accommodate the needs of diverse students in the classroom?

I learnt about the concept of differentiated, integrated, and inclusive learning from my respected professors at RIE, Ajmer, I apply the same in my style of interaction with the kids/students, being one with them rather than focusing on the teacher-student environment only.

What is your teaching philosophy, and how does it guide your teaching practices?

Every child is different and has different capabilities. We have to guide them through things and then make informed choices based on the knowledge they have. We have to give them the choice to choose what they want to pursue.

What strategies do you use to engage students who are disinterested or struggle with the subject matter?

Objective reasoning and creating curiosity in the children and making them aware of the need of attempting any subject through real-life examples is the way to approach the students who are struggling with their studies.

How do you integrate technology into your teaching?

No doubt technology is a testament to evolution in education. I am a tech-savvy person. Hence, I usually use the smart class infrastructure of our esteemed Apeejay school, which helps the student to learn faster in many ways.

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“Objective reasoning and creating curiosity in the children and making them aware of the need of attempting any subject through real-life examples is the way to approach the students who are struggling with their studies”

–Sakshi Gupta, Science Teacher, Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar

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How do you collaborate with other teachers and staff to support student success?

Cross-functional learning is key among teachers and students. I always try to build an action plan for my learner’s success. Wherever I find that I need to address common issues, shared goals, or school-wide initiatives; I engage my co-workers in mutually beneficial endeavours using available resources for my student’s success.

How do you create a positive classroom environment?

I always start with a cheerful good morning greeting to my students in every period every day. This lightens up my classroom a little. Then I start connecting with the young minds with the concept and its application.

What advice would you give to a new teacher starting their teaching career?

Focus on the kids, they are the variables, not the subject. You are already the subject matter expert; it is the way you will deliver and connect the subject to the kids which they can apply in real-life situations that you will have to cope with.