Ms Nita Nierutti Shete teaches at New Maharashtra Vidhyalay and Junior College, Pimpri Waghere, Pune  in the state of Maharashtra. Having associated with Gurushala for over three years, Ms Nita talks about the pertinent issue of continuous learning among teachers which is an indispensable activity to undertake in order to enhance teaching outcomes. Let's learn more about her journey as a teacher through this interview.




Tell us about yourself

I have completed 19 years in the field of education. I am currently doing my PhD in English Literature and I like the subject of Mathematics. I like to read books related to teaching methodologies and autobiographies of great personalities. I like reading autobiographies because they serve as an example and guide for the right motivations and actions for every individual. They inspire us to become better versions of ourselves and teach us important life lessons. I am also a speaker and the cultural head of my school which keeps me occupied with a lot of cultural activities that are organized by our school. There are various books and summaries which are suggested on Gurushala which have helped me pursue my love for reading new books and novels. Reading is a very strong force which has helped me a lot in my growth in personal and professional life.

What is your preferred way of teaching?

I use videos and images. I try to engage my students through group activities, homeworks, practice questions and games. I teach Mathematics which requires a lot of practical effort and constant engagement. Thus, I try to ensure that I should be able to motivate and encourage my students to practice more and interact with me to get the best out of this subject.

What motivated you to become a teacher?

Oddly enough, I never thought of becoming a teacher. I wanted to become an engineer. But fate and circumstances unfolded in certain ways and I landed in the field of teaching. But with time, I have realized that I learn a lot in this profession and I get to handle newer challenges everyday. Interacting with students and spending time around them is also a beautiful perk of this occupation which I couldn't have experienced otherwise. Thus, there is constant growth and progres for my personality in this field for which I am grateful. In the process of teaching and updating students, I update and grow on a personal level. It is a very creative field in which I never feel tired or disheartened. Everyday is a new opportunity and a beautiful moment spent well with children. Learning from them and with them is the beauty of this field. 

In what activities of Gurushala have you participated?

I have been connected with Gurushala for over three years now and it has brought many opportunities to me. It organized an award program called National Changemaker Award with which I have been associated. I have learnt through its modules and workshops. I have also been associated with the National Aptitude Test of Gurushala. Gurushala's content on German and French classes for students has been very unique. Gurushala has organized many classes on different subjects which have proven to be very beneficial for students. Gurushala has helped me grow and learn a lot. Its different classes on ICT tools, softwares and programming languages have proven to be very beneficial for me and other teachers as well. It has introduced us to so many free apps, courseworks, educational resources which have contributed a lot in our growth.

What has been your most memorable moment as a teacher so far?

I write many plays for my students to help them participate in cultural events and play competitions. I remember one of my students who became a Chartered Accountant visited Rayat Shikshan Sanstha and sent me a picture on whatsapp after getting my contact from somewhere, just to thank me and tell me that he was very grateful for my guidance and how he could recall me taking him for a cultural event. This was a very delightful moment. A student extending his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for my contribution in his school life after almost 6 years touched me deeply. Every now and then, I see my students showing their appreciation and respect for me which is a very motivational thing. To see kids appreciate and love my efforts is a memory to cherish forever. Even after so many years, some students have reached out to me and they have proven to be beautiful memories.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

Reyat Sikhshan Sanstha organized an offline workshop where we were also introduced to Gurushala. The National Changemaker Award was organized in which I participated and won which involved me even more closely with Gurushala. From that day till now, I have constantly been in touch with Gurushala.

What is your favourite section about Gurushala?

My favourite part about Gurushala is it's facility of feedback and constant sharing of ideas. A week-long program was also organized by Gurushala where teachers from different parts of India participated in a quiz and shared their experiences. It was a very fun and memorable event. I also won there which was truly an amazing experience for me. That has been my favourite part.

How has Gurushala helped you as a teacher?

Gurushala's modules and workshops on teaching methodology related to arranging question papers, where students perform better and improve the learning process have proven to be very beneficial for me. I have completed around 48 modules of Gurushala till now. Every module has taught me something new and worthwhile. Proper application of various techniques and methodologies to improve my teaching style is an important aspect of my journey with Gurushala. Gurushala has therefore helped me a lot in improving my skills and engaging my students more.

What is a 21st century teacher according to you?

A 21st century teacher should put students in the center of the whole learning process and act as a guide as well as facilitator in the process. He or she should keep on encouraging students to take initiatives and develop original thoughts. He or she should provide support from the background and help their students shine brighter. A 21st century teacher should be highly encouraging and motivating for his/her students and should constantly interact with the students. 

What is your life motto as a teacher?

My life motto as a teacher is to become a better learner as well. A great teacher is also a great learner. I want to constantly grow and evolve in my journey by being open to changes and new sources of knowledge. I believe in constantly evolving and updating myself through new ways of teaching. I aspire to become the ideal individual, a motivational force for my students. The student should be able to envision their teachers as the model individuals, someone whom they respect and see as a source of motivation. 

How do you wish to bring changes in society?

Changes cannot happen overnight and all the changes happen through us. To bring in the necessary changes we have to improve the foundational knowledge of all the students. We have to create the change-makers of tomorrow by encouraging students and young minds to imbibe good morals and principles in life. We have to be very patient with the process. By being practical and patient with students, we can bring in the necessary changes in the whole society. 

About the author