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Can you share a bit about your teaching journey? What led participate in debates. We also attend plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream
you to focus on teaching English to older students? and Matilda and dramatize works such as Macbeth to enhance language skills.
Occasionally, we hold outdoor reading sessions, whether on the field or even on
Driven by a deep love for literature, nurtured in a family of avid readers, I consider the collaborative common spaces outside the classrooms, allowing students to
myself fortunate to have turned my passion into a profession. What began as a connect with literature in a personal way. These experiences foster both
simple activity to keep me occupied soon evolved into a fulfilling career as I academic and emotional growth, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking, but
discovered how much I enjoyed interacting with students. In 1997, I embarked on in a more fun way!
my educational journey which now marks it to a 27-year enriching adventure in
teaching English this year. My venture into international education began in 2009 What are you currently reading with your students, and
when I first taught a GCSE English class in London. I found teaching older students what are you reading personally?
especially rewarding, as they possessed independent thought, which sparked
engaging discussions. I appreciated how I could connect with them, understand Currently, with my students, we’re exploring Maus, a graphic novel by Art
their perspectives, and successfully teach them skills in inquiry and Spiegelman, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard by
problem-solving. I truly enjoyed this process of mutual growth and learning. Kiran Desai. We are also reading The Age of Kali by William Dalrymple, The Doll’s
House by Henrik Ibsen, and The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh. I have
How do you inspire your students to love writing and incorporated diverse media, such as the Hayao Miyazaki Studio Ghibli film on the
develop a curiosity for reading? environment, the web series The Handmaid’s Tale based on Margaret Atwood’s
novel, and even Frida Kahlo's paintings, to help students make connections with
I make a conscious effort to include books, writing prompts, and discussions that global issues. Personally, I’m reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
align with students' personal interests. Whether it's exploring genres they love, My all-time favourite authors are Rumi and Gibran. But if I could have dinner with Beyond teaching English, what other initiatives are you
current events, or topics that resonate with them, this helps them see the any author, it would be Ernest Hemingway. As literature teachers, we can never involved in?
relevance of reading and writing in their own lives. In contrast to a decade ago, settle on just one—there are so many authors we love!
when the curriculum felt more rigid, classrooms now pulse with energy, driven by One of my most unforgettable experiences was our educational trip to Germany,
students’ intellectual curiosity. Over the years, my teaching style has evolved What personal experience has been pivotal in your where we visited the Holocaust museum—a profoundly moving moment that
toward a ‘flipped classroom’ approach, where students confidently take ownership journey as a teacher? resonated deeply with both students and teachers. The student exchange trip to
of their learning. Spain further highlighted how cultured and forthcoming our DAIS students are. In
A pivotal experience in my journey as a teacher occurred when my mother was
I strive to bring the subject of English to life by connecting the prescribed syllabus diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and Hepatitis B. During this challenging time, our addition to teaching, I also contribute to publishing the school magazine, Insignia,
to students' experiences in the world today. By relating what is taught in class to chairperson, Mrs. Nita Ma’am, noticed me in the school foyer and, with genuine How has your professional growth journey as a high school and oversee the MUN newsletter. Both publications involve ideation, editing, and
real-world contexts, I believe it sparks interest and helps students understand the concern, suggested I take my mother to Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, teacher evolved? printing for a large audience. I also help curate and design social media content for
relevance of what they're learning. Before reading a literary text, I always introduce offering her full support. I was touched that M’am had so much empathy and our school website. However, the highlight for me is being part of the DAISpora
students to various forms of media—films, posters, infographics, and news concern for our wellbeing. This act of kindness, along with the care from my Initially, I saw teaching as a way to earn a living, but it has since become one of the Alumni editorial board, where I assist in fostering a vibrant alumni community. I
articles—related to the prescribed text on the syllabus. This approach has proven school Heads, especially Mr. Basu and Ms Sonali, and my colleagues at DAIS, most cherished aspects of my life. Interacting with students is an incredibly truly believe in the school’s ideals and its shared commitment to delivering
to be a successful hook, motivating students to engage with literature and dive gave me a profound sense of belonging and purpose, motivating me to come to enriching experience for me. The professional development programs I’ve something meaningful.
into the reading. undertaken have been instrumental in allowing me to grow both personally and
school each day with renewed dedication.
professionally. I am fortunate to work alongside colleagues who are not only
How do you create opportunities for students to experience I hope to pass this kindness forward in my professional journey as an educator. well-read and intellectually stimulating but also constantly inspire me with their
learning outside of the traditional classroom? One way I’ve done this in the past is through my work with a selectively mute wealth of knowledge. Engaging with them feels like having a professional
Feriel Jackson student in London. By offering patience and creating a safe space for her to development course every day. Their insights, thoughtful discussions, and diverse
I create learning opportunities beyond the classroom by integrating films, engage at her own pace, I encouraged her to communicate in small but perspectives enrich my own understanding and encourage me to continually grow
Class of 2005
documentaries, and theatrical productions to bring literature to life. For example, meaningful ways. This experience taught me the importance of sensitivity and as both an educator and an individual. Working in such a dynamic environment like
we attend film screenings and explore cinematic narratives alongside literary understanding in helping all students feel seen and valued. DAIS has truly been a privilege.
themes, while students engage in language fairs, present their favorite books, and
