‘My journey at the Apeejay’s School of Education has been truly transformative’

Meet Shikha Mishra, a passionate B.Ed. trainee from the School of Education (SoE), Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram. With a strong inclination towards teaching and community service, she has already demonstrated her commitment to education by organising literacy drives and actively engaging in seminars. In this candid conversation, Shikha shares her experiences as a trainee teacher, her learnings from practice teaching, and how her mentors shaped her professional journey.

Shikha, how would you describe your journey as a B.Ed. trainee at Apeejay Stya University?

My journey at the School of Education has been truly transformative. It has been a period of immense learning, inspiration, and self-growth. The dedicated faculty members guided me at every step, helping me become a more confident and reflective teacher. Their mentorship has shaped not only my teaching skills but also my overall outlook as an educator.

Could you tell us more about the practice teaching experience in your programme?

In our B.Ed. programme, practice teaching is a semester-long internship where we are placed in reputed schools across Delhi NCR, such as Apeejay Schools, DPS, DAV, and Government Schools. During my internship at Government School, Saket, Delhi, I had the privilege of learning from excellent teachers and examiners. It was a rewarding experience to observe real classrooms, interact with students, and learn the practical aspects of teaching.

Was there any particular teacher who left a lasting impression on you during this internship?

Yes, absolutely. Among the teachers I worked with, Mr. Pramod Kumar from VCSG Boys School, Saket, Delhi stood out as an exemplary role model. He embodied patience, discipline, and fairness. What inspired me the most was how he maintained discipline through gentle reminders rather than fear, and how he balanced strictness with affection. His ability to encourage trainees like us with constructive feedback was remarkable.

What key lessons did you take away from observing him?

By observing him, I learned that honesty, alertness, and empathy are critical qualities for a teacher and examiner. His conduct showed me that fairness and transparency create a positive learning environment, and I aspire to carry these values forward in my own teaching career.

Apart from classroom training, have you been part of other academic or community initiatives?

Yes. I attended the NEEEV seminar (New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision), which broadened my perspective on education and entrepreneurship. Additionally, marking Teachers’ Day, I organised ULLAS Week (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) from September 1 to 8. This initiative focused on promoting literacy among citizens above 15 years of age, and it was deeply fulfilling to contribute to society in this way.

Finally, how do you feel Apeejay Stya University has prepared you for your future career?

ASU has prepared me not only to be a teacher but also a lifelong learner, leader, and contributor to society. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and confidence this journey has given me.