A Passionate Young Educator

Education has been her passion. This gold medallist from Calcutta University, through her hard work and perseverance has made a significant impact on students by introducing innovative teaching methods and her dedication towards the field of education. Mentor Magazine features an inspirational journey of the Academic Head of the Narayana Group, West Bengal, Ms. Priyanka Mukherjee, a passionate young educator.

Priyanka Mukherjee Academic Head of the Narayana Group

Her Journey

“Education has always been a personal passion, a realm where curiosity fuels creativity and ideas can transform lives” says Priyanka Mukherjee. She embarked on her professional journey as a physics teacher which turned into her calling. “I found immense joy in sharing my love for physics with eager minds. Through teaching methods and a sincere dedication I built a strong rapport with my students” remarks Mukherjee. The classroom buzzed with enthusiasm as students engaged in thought-provoking discussions, transforming her into a beloved figure within the school community.

Beyond teaching, she aspired to contribute to education on a broader level. She was offered an administrative role as a coordinator, where she focused on enhancing the educational framework and supporting fellow teachers. “My efforts and passion did not go unnoticed, and before long, I was appointed Principal. This role allowed me to implement strategies that improved student outcomes and fostered a supportive learning environment, ensuring overall development of students and teachers” states Priyanka.

Inspiration

“I am inspired by my students and many esteemed educators in India whose efforts and dedication to serve the society, having greatly influenced my teaching philosophy and approach” remarks Priyanka.

Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar stands out as a beacon of hope and commitment to education for Mukherjee as his relentless advocacy in promoting education for women and the underprivileged, serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education.

Physics.

Priyanka Mukherjee’s journey into the world of physics began with a profound curiosity about the universe and its governing fundamental principles. As a child, she often pondered about space, time, and the nature of reality. Physics offered a way to explore these questions, combining her love for mathematics with a desire to understand how things work at a fundamental level.

Right from technology to the mysteries of the cosmos, physics intersecting with various aspects of our lives motivated her immensely. She was inspired by the stories of great physicists, their innovations, and how their work has shaped our understanding of the world.

“The most rewarding aspect of being an educator in physics is the opportunity to ignite curiosity and inspire a sense of wonder in my students” declares Priyanka. Physics isn’t just an abstract subject, she declares; it helps students understand the world around them, she states. 

Administration over Teaching

Priyanka Mukherjee observes that choosing a career in administration over teaching stemmed from a desire to impact the educational system on a broader scale. “I was inspired by the potential to implement policies supporting both students and educators, creating an environment where learning thrives”. While she enjoyed the classroom experience, she realized that she could better serve the educational community from an administrative perspective. 

Challenges

Transitioning from the classroom to an administrative role presents several challenges, states Priyanka Mukherjee.

Firstly, it requires adapting from student-centered teaching to a broader focus on institutional governance and policy-making. Time management becomes crucial, as administrative responsibilities often demand juggling multiple tasks that divert attention from direct student interactions. Additionally, navigating bureaucratic structures and fostering effective communication among diverse stakeholders can be daunting. Understanding compliance regulations and budgetary constraints adds another layer of complexity.

Lastly, maintaining a connection to the educational mission while implementing administrative decisions can be challenging, requiring a delicate balance between leadership and empathy

International Curriculum

Priyanka Mukherjee is of the opinion that introducing international curriculum to the Indian educational realm is essential to foster global competencies among students. It promotes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills aligning with the demands of the 21st century. She aims to implement inquiry-based learning, multicultural perspectives, and a flexible assessment model. Additionally, integrating technology and real-world problem-solving activities will prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

An international curriculum can cultivate not only knowledgeable individuals but also empathetic global citizens, enriching India’s educational landscape.

Some of the important aspects according to Priyanka Mukherjee that should be included in the Indian education curricula are:

1. Global Competence:

  Emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to understand and engage with diverse cultures and perspectives.

2. Interdisciplinary Learning:

Promotes connections between subjects, encouraging students to apply knowledge across different disciplines for a holistic understanding.

3. Skill Development:

Focus on creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy to prepare students for a globalized job market.

4. Personalized Learning:

Tailored educational experiences based on individual strengths, interests, and learning paces, fostering student ownership of their education.

5. Assessment Diversity:

 Various assessment methods to evaluate not just knowledge, but skills and competencies.

6. Critical Global Issues:

Issues such as sustainability, climate change, and social justice, encouraging students to be informed global citizens.

7. Language

Proficiency:

Multilingual education to enhance communication skills and cultural appreciation

8. Technology Integration:

Modern technology and digital platforms in teaching and learning processes for a tech-driven world.

9. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL):

To help students develop empathy, resilience, and interpersonal skills essential for personal and professional success.

10. Community Engagement:

Involvement in local and global communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and collaboration through service-learning opportunities.

11. Cultural Perspective:

Integrates local culture and values with global perspectives to create a balanced approach to education.

12. Flexible Curriculum Framework:

Supports adaptability to local contexts while aligning with international standards, allowing for both localization and globalization of education.

13. Emphasis on Research and Inquiry:

Inquiry-based learning to actively explore and investigate questions, fostering a love for learning.

Stem V/S Arts

As a STEM educator who values the arts, I believe schools can thrive by integrating both disciplines through interdisciplinary projects and collaborative teaching. By fostering creative problem-solving, utilizing maker spaces, and hosting exhibitions that showcase student innovations, schools can create dynamic learning environments.  

Emphasizing mentorship from professionals in unconventional fields encourages students to explore careers that blend science and the arts. Ultimately, cultivating a culture of curiosity and exploration will empower children to pursue their passions, shaping them into innovative thinkers prepared for diverse futures.

A Defining Moment

When she was in charge of science (as a Physics teacher), her students faced a setback during a robotics competition. Their robot malfunctioned just minutes before the event. Without losing hope, the team rallied together, using creativity and problem-solving skills to brainstorm solutions. They improvised with available materials, rebuilt components, incorporated art into the design, and turned their robot into a visually stunning yet functional creation.

At the competition, their enthusiasm and teamwork mesmerized the audience, despite not bringing home the trophy. But that day, she witnessed the power of collaboration, resilience, and ingenuity. Their pride and newfound confidence, despite the adversity, reaffirmed her purpose as an educator, reminding that education transcends rote learning; it’s about nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and the courage to embrace challenges.

The Path Ahead 

As an academician, Priyanka Mukherjee envisions a future where education transcends traditional boundaries, fostering a vibrant learning ecosystem that nurtures innovation and creativity. She aspires to create an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds collaborate and thrive, empowered to explore their passions.

“My goal is to integrate technology and hands-on learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice, inspiring students to become lifelong learners. I see myself as a mentor, guiding the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers to navigate an ever-evolving world, ultimately contributing to a society that values curiosity, resilience, and interconnectedness” affirms Priyanka.