Ms. Uttara Roy hails from Tripura and teaches class 9th and 10th at Nurture High School in Sepahijala district of Tripura. Ms. Roy emphasizes on the necessary changes in policy and implementation that needs to be brought in teaching and learning outcomes which should aim towards the holistic development of students. 

Tell us about yourself.

When I was young, I really admired my teachers and respected them for their contribution towards students. As I grew up, I developed an interest for Physics and I decided to complete my postgraduation and join teaching profession. I completed my Masters in Science and then I did Bachelor in Education. I gave TET(Teacher Eligibility Test) and scored well and was recruited in my current school. It has been 8 months since I am teaching and I am very happy and satisfied with my life, it’s like my dream come true.

What is your most preferred way of teaching?

I prefer interactive study where involvement of children with teachers help them for better understanding of certain tough topics. In order to facilitate this, I use videos and images along with assigning group activities and by making students revise the concepts taught.

What motivated you to become a teacher?

My biggest motivation has been my parents. They have always supported me to achieve my dreams and aspirations. From the very beginning they were aware that I have a passion towards teaching children, and they have always supported me in every possible way to  achieve my goal of becoming a teacher.

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

The best memory of my life till date is when I got a teaching job right after my postgraduation degree. Since I didn’t have to wait for a long time or keep struggling towards finding a job as a teacher, I consider this as a blessing.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

District Education department introduced Gurushala to us. They showed us videos and courses modules in Gurushala available to assist teachers. At that time as it was just the beginning of my career, I was facing issues regarding the teaching style and how to convey lessons. It was challenging for me to make my students understand the topic therefore I joined the WhatsApp group and there I was guided by humble teachers who listened to my problems and helped me out. As a new teacher, I received a lot of support from Gurushala team and teachers.

What is your favorite section of Gurushala and why?

I like the content library and the course module section of Gurushala. I like all the videos and courses of Gurushala. However, here in Tripura people speak Bengali which makes it a little challenging for students to follow some of the content on Gurushala. In order to prevent that, I took time and converted all the English and Hindi contents of Gurushala to Bengali to teach students in their own language.

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

It really helped me to learn different teaching styles. Learning is very easy if we know how to interact with the students and give them group study activities as per their interest then they are more curious and eager to learn new things. Gurushala helped me to plan lessons and make content for online classes. They showed us simplified teaching methods.

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

I had participated in an event Gurushala team had conducted Teacher's Training program for two days. I gained knowledge from the team and they shared their training experiences and many teaching strategies. I was very motivated and applied implemented the teaching strategies discussed in the training to upgrade my teaching style and it really helped me.

What according to you is a 21st Century Teacher?

Today online classes have become so very common after the pandemic that students and teachers are getting used to it but they do not get to see each other face to face. Personally speaking, I like to be physically present for my students because one cannot teach every valuable lesson remotely. Thus, a 21^st century teacher should possess all the skills that contributes to the holistic development of the student. He or she should be equipped with all the technical and non-technical skills as well which helps them transition smoothly as times and circumstances change. The teacher should be willing to work hard and give the best result for their students.

How do you wish to bring change in the society?

I have started my career as a teacher but my life goal is to reach the pinnacle of our education system and change the system and add more pertinent points that are beneficial to both student and teacher. I want to change the society through my children and my teaching experience. There are still backward people who hesitate to send their children to school and they think education is not that important for a living. My effort will be to change their thinking and make them aware of the aids provided by the government to each child. I want every child to grow and start dreaming and make their life best.

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