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My teaching philosophy

Be the change you want to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi


My education was started in Bombay, India during the early 1980s. As it was in those
days; and still is; the education system was based on the old British system of rote
learning and almost military school-like discipline. Most of my teachers, though
passionate and knowledgeable in their subject, had the main responsibility to cover all
the curriculum. We had no centers, no manipulatives and not many activities. They
came, wrote out the lessons on the board, we copied the information in our notebooks,
fill out worksheets, and on occasions come out in front of the class and write the correct
answer on the board. And I thought that, that is the way it is done. And then during my
8th grade, I came to visit my cousins in Glastonbury, CT, USA. And received the shock
of my life.
Seeing that I was bored during the day when my cousin when to school, he got
permission from my cousins school to allow me to visit. The minute I entered the hall I
felt I was in education heaven, colorful posters and students artwork everywhere. Lively
discussions with the teachers, centers where you could read the book of your choice,
manipulatives in Math class, and teachers who were actually invested in you and
making sure you understood the lesson. That was the moment of truth for me! Years
later, when I came to graduate school I had already decided to be a teacher, but the
kind I saw in Glastonbury school all those years ago.

I believe that the children are naturally curious, and though all want to learn, every child
learns differently. I am a teacher so that I can impart my passion for the subject and
make it come alive for them by using different methods. By using structured class
discussions and team study, I will help each child to learn and in turn help a fellow
classmate to understand, fostering a teamwork. By providing a safe, structured
environment I will be able to let them spread their intellectual wings and fly. By
providing, gentle course corrections when they are off course, I will make sure that they
accomplish their goals. I am a teacher, because I live for the glow that comes into their
eyes, when after weeks of instruction, someone says I got it. I am a teacher for the
look of wonderment in their eyes when a subject comes alive for them.

In the end I hope to impart to the students that while education may end after school,
the love for learning is a flame that is never extinguished and if by luck, I can touch even
one childs heart I will consider myself truly blessed!

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