The Progressive Teacher Vol 03 Issue 05

Principal Q&A
Principal Arti Prasad
Soami Nagar Model School, in Soami Nagar, New Delhi
Birthday : 10th October
Place of Birth : AGRA (U.P.)
Studied at Schools/Colleges:
Schooling at KendriyaVidyalaya,
Hoshangabad (M.P);
Graduation and Post Graduation
from DEI (Dayalbagh
Educational Institute); Agra,
(U.P)
First school as a teacher:
DPS, Delhi Public School,
Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
The best thing about being a
teacher:
To be with the children and for
the children. Always feel young
mapping energy of children and
interacting with young minds.
Love and respect you earn from
them cannot be measured.
How did you feel on the first
day being a school Principal:
I was excited and nervous
about the new responsibility
and challenge to shoulder. But
happy also with firm belief to
serve others and make a positive
impact with dedication.
The best thing about being a
teacher/leader:
You are able to execute
innovative ideas with progressive
approach and a good team.
You are able to shape young
minds and give them wings.
You have to be an all-rounder,
flexible, accountable, yet firm on
principles and core values.
Please describe the role you
feel parents should play in the
operation of the school:
Parent has a proactive role
as a facilitator and important
partner in the learning process.
They should trust and believe
in the child’s strength and
contribute to strengthen school’s
mission. They should spend
quality time with children and
support them in all endeavors.
First indications that the
classroom is an effective
learning place:
Happiness and energy level
of students is an important
factor. Student’s engagement
involvement and passion
of teachers reflects the
effectiveness.
Vision of special education:
It should be inclusive, but with
trained teachers to monitor
their growth and with conducive
environment. Other children also
learn empathy and values with
them.
To make inclusion a reality:
We are teaching students of
different backgrounds, and
children understand diversity
in real life scenario. Children
from all economic background
study together and learn. Our
philosophy is to impart quality
‘Education to all’.
View on CCE:
It is a good approach for
Primary and Middle school
students. Children can
experiment and learning is
joyful with ‘Learning by doing’
approach.
View on e-learning platform:
It’s an effective platform and
economical tool for sharing
knowledge. Visual impact is
more in learning process.
Best conference/seminar you
have attended on education:
TSC (Towards Science of
Consciousness) in 2014 at DEI,
Dayalbagh
Qualities you seek in a new
teacher:
Enthusiasm and willingness.
I believe, a teacher should
have passion besides good
qualifications. A teacher should
have an attitude of a learner,
have love and warmth, caring
attitude towards children, to
nurture them.
Advice that you want to give
to new teachers:
Try to kindle a spark and light
of curiosity in young minds.
Knowledge is available today,
try to inspire and motivate
children to go an extra mile.
Dedication, commitment and
your ‘Karma’ makes you a role
model for these students.
What are the key values that
a school/ institute must instill
in students?
Character building and have
courage to fulfill their dreams.
Students should be motivated
to do selfless service and
take societal responsibility
as a good citizen. Conserving
resources and environmental
consciousness to be instilled
from early stage.
Your favourite Book:
Karma Kurry by Jerninio
Jerry Almeida and Jyoti
Nanda.
How has the teaching
learning process changed
from or a decade ago to
now? How do you/ the school
meet the current needs of
students?
More technology is being used
today than in past years. We are
flexible and progressive towards
learning of students. More
activities, workshops, visits,
talk by experts from different
areas are arranged to give them
exposure and enhance their
potential.
What are the key challenges
that you go through as a
Principal/School Leader and
how do you overcome these?
Every day is a new challenge
and has a ray of hope. I try to
deal with these with patience
and divine grace. With positive
attitude, constant feedback and
belief in Karma, I evolve as a
person, to do more every day.
How do you keep abreast
with the current trends in the
education system?
By attending workshops,
meeting and interacting with
different people, more reading
and keep updated. Alumni also
contribute a lot in this.
Advice you give to your
teachers/ staff at the
beginning of each session.
A teacher is a sculptor, who
shapes the future of a child and
country. Teach from your heart
with passion and commitment.
Enjoy your work and be an
active learner with open mind.
Tell us about a recent book
you read or a recent film that
inspired you and your key
takeaways as a school leader
from:
‘Guiding Souls’ by APJ Abdul
Kalam. I am a great fan and
inspired by the Late Dr APJ
Kalam.
What inspired you to enter
the field of education?
Love and affection for children,
learning and creativity to
shape your ideas. To serve the
community and carry my social
responsibility.
What according to you is the
purpose of education?
Spiritual, intellectual,
development and evolution as a
complete man, with a purpose.
62 The Progressive Teacher Nov/Dec 2016