Ms. Snehal Anil Bhosle has a teaching experience for around 10 years and is continuously working towards bringing positive changes in the class. The interview documents her journey as a teacher and her aspirations and expectations from her profession. 



Tell us about yourself?

I hail from Maharashtra and completed my studies in Satara. It's been around 10 years that I have been working as a teacher.  I teach Mathematics and Science in school but my favourite subject is Marathi Language. The richness and diversity of this language fascinates me and whenever I get a few minutes of leisure, I indulge in Marathi Literature. Apart from Marathi literature, technology and digital mediums also interest me. It's interesting to try new technologies and learn through them. Times have changes and perhaps technology has emerged to be a new medium of learning and growth for everyone. 

What is your preferred method of teaching?

I try to use a variety of methods and techniques to teach in my classroom. Traditional teaching methodology can be made more interesting and interactive through newer forms of engagement with children like group activities and use of visual medium. I also try to use my own innovative methods like providing relatable and practical examples which helps them understand concepts better and provide them activities to involve them to the best of my capabilities. It is necessary that we involve students who sit in the last rows and not just focus on the ones who sit in the front. 

What motivated you to become a teacher?

Growing up, I could see my friends taking up professions like engineers, doctors and so on. But one thing struck me that despite whatever profession they took, a teacher was always there to help them reach where they are now. I wanted to be a part of that creative process, to be a teacher who could guide others  and who could construct the foundations of a strong, educated society. Moreover, I was blessed to have wonderful teachers who inspired me to take this profession. It was inspiring to see them teach so gracefully and with so much efficiency. 

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

Though there have been many instances where students have been very supportive of me and have expressed their desire to learn, there is one particular incident which is close to my heart. When I began teaching in a new school, my first day was difficult because the kids were unfamiliar with me and few of them were not very cooperative. I got a little disheartened to see that but one particular kid wrote me a small note which is the most memorable and inspirational thing for me. He wrote that I should continue teaching the way I was and should not pay heed to the nuisance created by kids. Since they were uncomfortable with a new teacher, it was their way of showing their feelings. But they would soon show cooperation and like me because he found my teaching style to be nice. It was a very heartwarming note and I continued teaching. His words prove to be true and that little note has always been an inspiration for me to keep going and trying. 

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

I was introduced to Gurushala through Reyat Sikshan Sanstha. They organized a one day workshop with Gurushala in Raigad. There were activities which involved teachers and we were also introduced to many new strategies and techniques of teaching. They also introduced us to the website of Gurushala. I would like to mention that I am extremely grateful to Gurushala for the scholarship which they provided to me. It has been very helpful for me to attain resources which are proving to be of immense help. The laptop and printer which I got from that scholarship has helped me immensely in my contribution to the school and classroom lectures. It has helped in increasing my efficiency to complete the classroom related work. I have been able to use it for improving my teaching techniques as well.

What is your favourite section of Gurushala?

Gurushala has been extremely beneficial for me. I really like the modules. Class strategies are one of my favourite parts about Gurushala. The testimonies of teachers and their strategies shared on the website help us immensely to deal with issues in our everyday classroom learning. Thus, sharing such content with teachers can help us make our teaching techniques more efficient and student friendly.

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

Gurushala has definitely helped me a lot in my professional experience. Despite being a teacher, I consider myself to be a learner and a student who is open to new things and concepts. I believe we can never reach any end point in the process of learning and becoming better. I also learn a lot when I teach and Gurushala has helped in both the aspects of my life as a teacher. It has introduced me to better and innovative strategies, concepts and methodologies and at the same time has provided me with content which inspires me to read and learn more. 

In what activities/ events of Gurushala have you participated in?

I was very active in attending online lectures and workshops organized by Gurushala during the period of lockdown. We had some spare time in lockdown which I utilized in getting engaged with Gurushala in ways of mocks,lectures, workshops, modules and so on. But, now it's difficult to manage time since schools have reopened and we as teachers are hardly left with any spare time in our hands. 

What according to you is a 21st Century Teacher?

Students of this era are way more advanced than before. They are very well versed with technology and everything which might not be the case for the teachers. Thus, updating oneself through Gurushala has supported me in that regard. Gurushala has helped me progress further in terms of handling technology and digital mediums. It also inspired me to learn through online courses and adopt new techniques. But having said that, I believe this is what is required in the teachers of today. We need to be more honest and hardworking in our pursuit to impart education. A teacher of the 21st century should be kind, compassionate and progressive. They should be updated about technology and new methods of teaching to deliver the best to their students.

What is your life motto as a teacher?

A typical task of a teacher includes going to school and signing the attendance register. But is that enough?. I don't think so. We have to do much more than that. We aren't involved in this profession to provide bare minimum. Rather, the vision of a developed nation, a grand India has to be fulfilled by us. As teachers, we have to ensure that students are receiving the best kind of teaching and they are able to become good learners and even better individuals for society. We have the grand responsibility of carving out a bright future for society and children. Thus, we have to ensure that we can impart a rational understanding and develop scientific temper in students. The changes and the reforms that we talk about in terms of the working of systems and society have to be brought through these students and as teachers we have to provide the required support. We have to direct the minds of students into thinking on the lines of justice and fairness while also ensuring that they receive the required foundational knowledge of every subject. 

How do you wish to bring change in society?

I believe changes begin with us, with 'I'. As a teacher, I am also an ideal and a role model to many of my students. Thus, I have to bring positive changes within ourselves before expecting anything revolutionary from the society. A school is a micro institution within the society but it is like a mini society with students coming from various backgrounds, studying and also celebrating festivals together. Thus, as a teacher it is my duty that I bring positive changes within me,within my students which can naturally bring changes in the society.

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