Vaishali Vishnu Tarle teaches the middle school in New English School located in Nashik, Maharashtra. Her empathy towards struggling children from disadvantaged backgrounds motivates her to provide the best education in her capacity, to her students.

 

Tell us about yourself

Hailing from a typical middle-class family where I had the privilege of getting education, I always wanted to take science as my subject for future endeavours. But destiny had something different for me. Thus, today I am a teacher who is married to another teacher. I never realized how this profession grew on me. With every passing experience, I started loving my profession more and more. Teaching today is one of the biggest sources of happiness and motivation for me. Teaching young minds, inspiring them to become the successful individuals of tomorrow provides me joy. I have a dream of teaching in an environment which is conducive and friendly to students, which provides them opportunities of growth and development. Talking about my hobbies, I love listening to classic melodies and calligraphy. Every now and then, I try my hands on learning something new through reading.

What is your most preferred way of teaching?         

 I like to teach students using multiple methods and strategies as it is important to make classes as interactive and holistic as possible to enhance learning outcomes. Some of my preferred teaching methods are through audio – visual learning tools, frequent practice of concepts and exercises and engaging students in group activities to enhance team building and peer learning among them.

 

What motivated you to become a teacher?

As I grew up, there were many instances when I could see students who came from underprivileged backgrounds and faced struggling situations succeed under the right guidance of some wonderful teachers. Thus, the idea of being an inspiration and guide for such students moved me. It motivated me to become a teacher and do something worthwhile in the field of educational empowerment of young minds. It is indeed beautiful how a teacher can change the lives of so many children and provide them the right direction for a brighter future. I had a classmate who is now working in a foreign country and doing well for himself because he was guided by great teachers. He didn't come from an affluent background. It was his hardwork and the guidance of teachers which helped him reach where he is. Thus, helping children carve out a beautiful future can be done by teachers. Who wouldn't like to be a part of such great work?

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

In my previous school where I used to teach, there was a kid who was put in a class section of underprivileged and not so bright children. His father used to work as a laborer. Today, he has become an RTO officer. Imagine the journey of that kid who despite all odds, worked hard and excelled. That is one of the most memorable incidents of my teaching career. Being a witness and an agent of such a beautiful journey is worth cherishing.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

I work in Rayat Shikshan Sanstha which is associated with Gurushala. I have had interactions with many trainees of Gurushala. Thus, that's how I have been introduced to Gurushala. It is a great learning source, according to me. It is useful not only for teachers but also for students. It provides motivation and resources to everyone and this is a very considerate gesture. During COVID, one of my students received financial aid from Gurushala in the form of a scholarship when one of my students lost his father. These initiatives have created a special space for Gurushala in my heart.

What is your favorite section of Gurushala and why?

I really like the modules and learning resources provided by Gurushala. Their teaching methodology is very nice and lucid. I attended a class on Spoken English provided by Gurushala last year and it was a wonderful experience. Gurushala has provided great support and resources to me which have helped me immensely in learning new concepts and methodologies of teaching.

How has Gurushala helped you in your journey as a teacher?

Every person is a student throughout his/her life. It's not possible for everyone to know everything. We are never perfect because we are always in the process of learning and creating. Gurushala is a great milestone and agent in that regard. It teaches us so much. It empowers us through its resources and modules by enhancing our capabilities. I learn new things through Gurushala and that's a great thing in my opinion. Every individual should strive to learn something or the other from the sources around us. Gurushala is one such great source which has taught me many things which have helped me become a better teacher and a learner.

What according to you is a 21st Century Teacher?

A 21st century teacher should be able to balance new resources like ICT tools and classic methodologies of teaching. Though the future seems bright in terms of resources like images and video-based lectures, I believe the traditional methodologies have a flair of their own. I have seen my teachers being such brilliant teachers to us despite being in settings where there was hardly any technology. Thus, every teacher should be able to inculcate the time-tested methods of teaching. Maintaining decorum of a classroom, being the right blend of lenient and strict with students and providing them a safe space is very much needed for a good classroom environment. It is also important for us to recreate times when teachers were seen as great sources of guidance and who received great respect and importance from students.

What is your life motto as a teacher?

In my opinion, we should be able to justify our professions and the earning that we receive through it. Each penny demands honesty from us. Thus, by being honest and dedicated, I want to bring positive changes in the field of education. I have seen kids covering miles and kilometers just to reach schools under such difficult circumstances. It is my duty and the responsibility of every individual involved in the field of education to ensure that every such student should gain the best of our support and guidance. Every student should be provided the due by our efforts to impart quality education. We should remember all the facilities which we are getting from the government and NGOs when we are teaching children. The sense of gratitude is the source of motivation for me.

How do you wish to bring change in the society?

Each and every individual in our society should inculcate high morals and good principles in life. By being educated and cooperative, a lot can be achieved. Each one of us has the responsibility to become well educated individuals who are tolerant and cooperative, breaking down the barriers of social distinctions and differences. It is by following such a motto, I believe we can bring the right kind of changes in society. The whole society should be a garland of diversity created by efforts of unity.

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