Building a Good Society through Education
“A teacher’s role in the lives of such students is tantamount to that of a parent and I have to rise up to that role each day through my teaching. This means that I have to constantly be a learner to be a good teacher.”
Mr. Mohammed Akbar
A teacher supported at our Shikshaantar program in Hyderabad
Following the path of his science teacher, Mohammed Akbar believes that teaching is a profession that creates all other professions and it is the pillar of the nation which can pave way for a good society. He is now a high school biology teacher working at Zilla Parishad High School, Urella in Rangareddy District, Telangana.
The students studying in government schools come from economically disadvantaged families, some of whom even struggle on a daily basis to make ends meet. “Motivating such students and sustaining their interest towards education is a herculean task.” says Akbar. He adds, “A teacher’s role in lives of such students is tantamount to that of a parent and I have to rise up to that role each day through my teaching. This means that I have to constantly be a learner to be a good teacher.”
His training at Science Academy helped explore and strengthen the learner in him. “A science teacher must have good practical skills to inculcate a scientific attitude among the students. My training at Science Academy gave me a very good opportunity to hone these skills,” explains Akbar. In collaboration with Sahayata Trust, Tech Mahindra Foundation established a Science Academy in Hyderabad to enhance the pedagogy skills of teachers in Science for grades 5 and above. A dedicated lab for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, the Science Academy instigates curiosity in teachers to learn and teach Science in a creative manner.
According to a survey conducted by Brainly, a peer-to-peer learning community, Science teachers are students’ favourite. For his colleagues and principal, Akbar is a proof who testifies the results of such surveys. They are confident that his style and attitude towards teaching makes him students’ favourite.
Akbar’s efforts standout as he is open to receiving feedback and improving his teaching methods. Three of his students have also been selected for INSPIRE awards 2019-20, an annual award executed by the Department of Science and Technology, India, to encourage original ideas and innovations by school children rooted in Science.