Teacher’s Diary: ‘I don’t just teach but also learn simultaneously & devise teaching modules’

After spending 10 years of my career working with multinational companies, I switched to teaching in a government school. When I was posted in Belkur Upper Primary School in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur in the year 2015, people welcomed me but I was unfamiliar with

rural schools, communities and the general way of working.

During the initial few days, I used to contemplate if my decision to leave a private job for a government job in a village was wise. I wondered if I could adjust to a life in the village and do justice with my role.

Soon enough, the affection and respect I got from the children in the school cleared every doubt. I was clear that I had to impart quality education to my students and help them fulfil their dreams.

With the support and guidance of principal Shailendra Kumar Singh and my colleague Amit Kumar Yadav, our entire team put in effort to change the condition of the school.

Also Read: Teacher’s Diary: ‘When ensuring order in an anarchy-ridden school shot up its attendance’

The most difficult task for us as teachers was to create a positive mindset about the school amongst the rural community. Our humble efforts of engaging with children and parents started showing impact. The achievements of students of Upper Primary School Belkur have now become noticeable not only at the block and district level but at state and national level competitions as well.

 Along with teaching the children, I continued learning myself to be able to do something better for the children. Eventually, I developed 100 educational videos based on modules of basic education by the Office of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan. Furthermore, I created electronic content for differently-abled students in collaboration with United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund [UNICEF], as a loyalty coach and carried out training responsibilities in seven blocks of the district.

I was then selected as a member of the State Teacher Resource Repository. My work is not limited to my students; in order to help my teacher colleagues become tech-savvy, I have been campaigning for online Information and Communication Technology workshops and awareness drives.

Recognising my contribution towards the education space, the Uttar Pradesh government had honoured me with the State Teacher Award on September 5, 2022. These achievements are mere small steps in my journey. My larger goal is the all-round development of my students so that they can contribute to the development of the country and society.