Dr Neha’s teaching journey started around 22 years back as the class teacher for Grade 8 and as an English teacher for middle year classes. Three words can be used to describe her career progression: Continual, Learning, and Evolving. She holds an M.A. degree in English Literature, an M.Ed. degree with specialisation in Special Education and Education Technology and a PhD in Education. She had her first assignment as a Principal at the age of thirty four. Couple of years later, she got selected for a government job. Later she left the position understanding that education was the field in which she could work according to her passion.
Education today needs a congenial learning environment to investigate and explore complex challenges and real-world problems. In current times, students are tech-savvy. Being digital natives, technology is an ever-present element in their everyday life. However, children have been found misusing digital platforms and they have also become vulnerable to digital predators. Hence, schools should get comfortable with the use of latest technology and software to enable effective teaching and learning. At GD Goenka Public School, we have introduced the ‘Digital Citizenship’ programme for students (Classes 3-10) and teachers. This is executed through well planned lessons with interactive activities and worksheets. This programme not only makes them comfortable with the use of technology and digital platforms but also guides them to be safe and responsible. Teachers play a critical role in leveraging the technology but they belong to a different century altogether. Hence, it is essential to invest in their training to improve their technological skills as well as to make them more aware and responsible digital citizens.
One domain that is given absolute attention in our school is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). In this Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) world SEL is the magic potion. The school has a unique programme – You Are Not Alone (YANA), designed to support the emotional well being and safety of the students. The aim of this programme is to help students learn to understand and manage their emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations effectively. This is done through various interactive activities, open mic sessions and workshops.
The students have direct access to the Principal and School Counsellors through email, WhatsApp and YANA Suggestion Box. SEL has been given centre stage in the school curriculum because it supports academic success and helps students develop skills needed for leading a productive and happy life. We have also integrated SEL into routine classroom instruction and infused SEL concepts into academic subjects.
As a School, we unapologetically expand our focus beyond the rigor and accountability of the academic instruction to education that focuses on the whole child, so that students will be better prepared for life’s opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges of tomorrow.
SEL has been given centre stage in our school curriculum because it not only supports academic success but also helps students develop the skills needed for leading a productive and happy life. We have also integrated SEL into our routine classroom instruction and infused SEL concepts into academic subjects
