Tell us about yourself

My name is Kiran Ramchandra Mhatre and I hail from Raigarh in Maharashtra. There are many things and hobbies that interest me but teaching has proved to be my favorite activity. This has also materialized into a profession which I thoroughly enjoy. I teach English as a subject in my school. I get immense joy from the fact that my students understand the technicalities of this subject through my teaching style.
Apart from classroom teachings, I enjoy my time contributing my bit in social work. We have a group since 1999, in which we actively participate in organizing and contributing our bits in social causes. I am elated to mention that we have undertaken various activities ranging from cleanliness drives to initiatives related to the environment. Thus, I believe that everyone should do their bit for the betterment of society and environment. Another thing which interests me is technology. I am quite fascinated by the developments in technology which have taken place over the years.

What is your most preferred way of teaching?         

I use multiple methods while teaching such as Lecture Method, Through videos, images etc. and by giving group activities. I also ensure that they develop a habit of learning by practise, I believe in adopting a mixed approach to bring out the best in my students. Engaging children in classroom activity through various means is important to gain their attention and interest. I make sure that I provide them some kind of interactive homework which they can do once they get back home. This ensures that they take back the best from their classroom and apply it outside their school as well.

What motivated you to become a teacher?

My father was a teacher and I used to observe him closely when I was a kid. Seeing him working day and night for imparting education to children was a positive contribution in this regard. But perhaps the biggest motivation for me has been the contribution of our principal in college, Miss Anna Fernandez. She was a great inspiration to me who motivated us through her speeches and classroom teachings. Her kind demeanour and brilliant teaching skills inspired me to take this profession. I thoroughly enjoyed imparting education to young minds. Seeing children grow and learn was a very positive change which I could see through my teachings and this motivated me to keep up with this journey.

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

There have been many instances which are golden memories for me. But I would like to mention a very recent interaction with one of my old colleagues. We were trainees in a school and worked together as teachers during that period. It's been more than 12 years to that phase but I recently received an invite from her for her farewell. It was a very heart-warming moment because even after all these years, all the staff members could recall my time there. It was that gesture of acknowledgement and respect which inspired me to be better in this field every day. Being remembered by teachers and colleagues is one of the finest things that one can experience as a teacher.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

I was introduced to Gurushala through Rayat Sikshshan Sanstha. They have been introducing new techniques, activities, organizations and programs to us which can help us grow as teachers. It was one fine moment,when they introduced us to Gurushala. After that introduction, I went through the website and app of Gurushala which I really liked.

What is your favorite section of Gurushala and why?

The training modules provided by Gurushala are brilliant and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. They have been quite enriching in terms of introducing us to innovate methodologies and new techniques of teaching. Not only they inspire but also educate teachers about new concepts and ways of teaching. This I believe is a great part about Gurushala.

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

The biggest contribution of Gurushala has been the support and encouragement it has provided to teachers to impart education to students in the last few years of pandemic and lockdown. When everything was stalled and it was impossible to conduct physical classroom teachings, Gurushala has helped us to reach our students through information technology and digital means. This I believe is a very strong factor which can contribute immensely to the growth and development of quality education in India. Training teachers to utilize digital tools and technologies to provide the benefits of teachings is something that has helped us immensely in the last few years. Videos, training modules and webinars have helped us learn and adopt innovative methods to teach children. This has particularly inspired me to be more open to changes and adopt creative ways to teach my students.

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

I have been an active user of Gurushala's app and website. I have attended various training modules and quizzes. Furthermore, I have watched many videos and webinars conducted by Gurushala. Other than these,I have tried to incorporate various methods which I learn on Gurushala in my everyday classroom lessons.

What according to you is a 21st Century Teacher?

A 21st century teacher should be more considerate and understanding towards his/her students. Showing faith in the abilities of each student and letting them grow as distinct individuals are the traits which will help in bringing a harmonious and conducive environment in classrooms. Teachers should look beyond books and classrooms when they are teaching kids. Instilling values and ethos in students is necessary to help them grow and become better. One can definitely notice this in the movie 'Special 30' in which the character of the teacher was highly invested in bringing positive changes to the lives of his students. It was amazing to watch those students struggle against all odds and shine brightly under the guidance of their teacher. The concepts that we teach in the classroom should provide life skills and valuable lessons to students which can help them grow in personal life as well. This is something which I envision in 21st century teachers.

What is your life motto as a teacher?

As a teacher I envision myself to be an agent of change and motivation in the life of my students. I want to provide them the best of my capabilities and help them grow. It is my dream to impart them quality education which can help them understand concepts and be responsible individuals. I don't want each and every student in my classroom to score 100/100 or be an excellent scholar. It is an unrealistic goal which puts undue pressure on kids. Rather I would be happy to see my students be great dancers,writers, poets and sportspersons in future. Helping them achieve goals which they want to set for themselves while imparting quality education and positive morals is my ultimate motto. I want to provide wings to their aspirations and provide them with the right direction. I want to ensure that my kids should study not for marks but for enriching their lives, to learn more and be curious about things and avenues of knowledge. Knowledge is an asset which is necessary for human growth and evolution.

How do you wish to bring change in the society?

There are many big questions related to inequalities, environmental degradation and growth in front of human civilization which needs to be addressed. I believe in doing my bit to bring those big chances. Each individual should start with themselves when they envision big changes for society. As individuals, each one of us needs to change our mindset and do our bit to do what is required. Expecting others to change and do all the work isn't the right way to approach this situation. Each one has to work upon oneself and bring positive changes within oneself before expecting it from external sources. Every individual should strive to become a good person and this will lead to a great society.

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