Transform the lives of 3200 children in Hyderabad

During the first year of my Fellowship, I walked into a classroom where most of my students were pre-emergent readers, struggling to comprehend English. Many found it difficult to decode words or express themselves, which highlighted an urgent need to prioritize strong foundational literacy. This realization shaped my approach to teaching and became the cornerstone of my work throughout the year. I focused on consistent reading practice, phonics instruction, and creating opportunities for students to speak and engage in English. Gradually, I began to witness steady progress. Students who initially hesitated to read or speak started building confidence, reading independently, and expressing themselves more comfortably. By the end of the year, most students were reading at or above grade level. While my initial vision evolved over time, my sense of purpose only grew stronger as I saw the transformation and potential in my students.

Alongside literacy, I placed a strong emphasis on making STEM learning meaningful and engaging. In mathematics, I adopted the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach to deepen conceptual understanding. For instance, while teaching multiplication and equal grouping, students first worked with tangible materials such as beads and counters, then represented their understanding through drawings, and finally translated it into numerical equations. This progression enabled them to grasp concepts more effectively.

Students showed particular interest in areas such as grouping, patterns, number sense, and real-life applications of mathematics. Activities like handling money, sharing food equally, counting classroom objects, and measuring spaces made learning relevant and relatable. To further enhance engagement, I incorporated math kits and game-based learning into lessons and small group work. These interactive methods not only increased participation but also strengthened students’ confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Additionally, I attended 13-15 Aavishkaar STEM learning sessions over the academic year. These sessions deepened my understanding of experiential and concept-based learning, which I actively integrated into my classroom. As a result, students became more engaged learners, demonstrated stronger conceptual clarity, and showed increased confidence in articulating their thinking during discussions.

Recognizing that education extends beyond the classroom, our school team is planning a community engagement initiative aimed at strengthening the role of families in children’s learning journeys. We intend to organize visits to nearby parks or recreational spaces for students and their mothers, many of whom rarely have access to such opportunities. In this relaxed and welcoming environment, we will engage mothers in conversations about the importance of education and the possibilities it can unlock for their children.

Importantly, this initiative also aims to create a space for mothers to reflect on their own aspirations. By encouraging them to think about their passions and whether they are pursuing them, we hope to foster a sense of empowerment and agency. We believe that when caregivers feel valued and inspired, they become stronger partners in their children’s education.

As I step into the second year of my Fellowship, my vision is to build on these foundations by creating a more interactive and inquiry-based classroom. I aspire to help students connect their learning to real-life contexts, strengthen their confidence, and continue growing not only academically but also as compassionate individuals. This journey will continue to be rooted in collaboration, with both the school and the community playing integral roles.

At the core of my work are the values of kindness, equality, and communication. My strengths are empathy, a growth mindset, and dedication which guide my approach as an educator. I remain deeply passionate about introducing both students and parents to the transformative power of education and expanding their awareness of the opportunities the world holds for them. Through this journey, I hope to not only support my students in achieving academic success but also to nurture a broader ecosystem where learning, aspiration, and possibility thrive together.