This past year has been a great coming back and coming back even stronger for me. My venture in India was not successful but, I still feel that I made a significant impact on the teachers that I had worked with. I am sure some teachers there, thought I was not fit for the Indian system and my philosophy only worked in the USA; but, students are the same anywhere in the world! Human beings have an innate desire to learn and they are driven only to become masters of their environment, not to become 'naughty', 'disobedient' or 'disinterested' in the process.
I visited many schools in India and met the leaders in this field. But, my experience was of not being accepted readily. Some leaders appreciated what they had heard or learned from me but could not implement, however at Greenway Modern Sr. Secondary School I was allowed certain freedom and my beliefs were valued.
"The face of the child reveals the quality of education at school..."
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| When my hands rest and my students' hands create...... |
These were Sister Anita's words during one of our philosophy lectures at the Institute. I hold this true, if you look at the faces of the students in your classroom, you can see yourself in them. We as teachers shine light on our students' strengths and help them grow and refine those strengths for their success not only in academic field but, in life, inspiring them to become good people. To become a responsible person who will be the future contributor to his society. A confident and self radiant citizen, just like the one from Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Montessori's dreams; a peaceful person who appreciates and admires the diverse world.
It has been a humbling moment to find out that I have been nominated for the Washington DC Teacher of the Year Award 2016 and am so, touched by this gesture of encouragement by my school, Shining Stars Montessori Academy, PCS. I am looking forward to further learning and refining my teaching skills.
