It is indeed a moment of pride for the expat Indian community in Kuwait where a most efficient teacher and administrator is bestowed with the National Award declared by the Indian Government for the best teachers for the year 2012. Mrs. Shantha Maria James, Principal, Indian Central School Abbassiya is a person best known for her multifarious capability and amiable character. She is back to her routines after receiving the prestigious award from the president of India.

IIK team congratulate her for this deserving award

IIK: It is not the first time that you are receiving an award or being recognized. What was your reaction when you heard the news of winning a National Award.

Thank You for the wish. Regarding the award, the first call I got is from CBSE office with the unofficial news and to confirm my address. I was very happy to hear it and waited for the official intimation from Human Resource Ministry. Later I got mails from HR ministry asking for my photograph and profile for newspapers. Then I called the concerned person and had a direct talk with the director who asked me to report on 2nd September at New Delhi. There is no words to express my joy and gratitude to the almighty and all those who made me strong and delegent enough in my journey in this career, that I am at a point to receive such a prestigious award.

IIK: What is the change this award has made to you.

When we receive such achievements, it increases our responsibility. Of course my responsibility and commitment towards my kids, parents and the society as a teacher has increased and am bound to keep up their expectations.

IIK: According to you, what is the challenge that our students face in current education system?

Media. Our kids are now digital learners. Media provide them the knowledge readily available on their two finger tips with latest internet facilities, computers, ipads, smartphones etc. When they come to school they have to be in the traditional world of books and pens. This shift is causing a conflict unknowingly in their minds longing to go back and embrace the digital world. To overcome this conflict and to excel in studies in terms of marks is a challenge for the students. Our tiny tots at kinder Garten is going to face this problem more when they come to higher classes as they are used to this technologies right from their childhood.

IIK: So what you think is the role of a teacher ?

Before, teachers had to teach the students. But today we just have to guide them through the right and wrong knowledge which they access from the media. This is much more important than mere teaching of the facts. They are well-informed that they can clarify even our doubts .So the role of teacher is more challenging

IIK: Even our learning scheme is shifting to digital system. How your school is taking it ?

Digital system is replacing the conventional methods of teaching everywhere, even in India. Smart boards and online system is introduced in CBSE international curriculum. In our school also we have introduced it three years back and our teachers were trained for that. Students of international scheme are given lessons and assignments online. But no digital system can replace our old system where the teacher is in personal contact with the students. The touch and influence of a teacher will be lacking in spite of all the positive side of a digital system.

IIK: Since you believe its important to have a personal contact with students, let me ask you, how will you define a teacher student relationship?

There is only one answer to it. A teacher should be a person who love kids. The love should not be forced, but should arise from the teacher’s heart on its own. Only such teachers can touch the life of a student.

IIK: Do you find such a relationship in students of Indian schools in Kuwait? Are they lacking the ability to keep a healthy relationship with a strong foundation of love and respect compared to those studying in India?

Absolutely not. Till date I haven’t had any such experience by which I had a different opinion. Even now I am in close contact with some schools in India as board member and I spend time during vacations with students over there and their love and respect for me is beyond words. Same is the case in Kuwait. They are free to approach me any time and this has created a strong bound between us. My students have love for their teachers and the school and I would say, the difference in the behavioral pattern of the teens vary from person to person and it is a global phenomenon. That depends a lot on the way they are brought up, be it in Kuwait or India.

IIK: Are the students from Kuwait Indian schools less competent than those studying in India ?

They are equally competent. The only difference is that, back in India, they have a tight competitive atmosphere while here it is comparatively less. Studious kids are there everywhere who take their lessons very seriously. Now with CCE the average students of Kuwait in academic terms outshine in other activities like a debate or a group discussions. The main reason for this is that our kids are brought up in a multi cultural classroom where they get a chance to interact and understand people from different countries of the world. This exposure grooms them to face the world with confidence.

IIK: Being a staff and the Principal you have to be an expert manager along with teaching skills. How you take up the responsibilities as the guiding force of a school and how you influence your students?

Teaching and Management is my passion. I Hail from a family who loves being teachers, it is in my blood. With more than 5000 students and 300 staffs, I enjoy being part of the administration as well as the teaching and parent community. Everyday I face new challenges which I tackle with much more confidence and this in turn trains and transforms me into a better leader. These experiences and energy I pass on to my students and staff. I am a person who gives freedom for them to act, at the same time draw the line of control. I share my responsibilities with my staff and students and regularly coordinate with them to keep myself updated. Also as part of motivation we in our school celebrate the success of all, be it a student, staff, teacher or principal. I love to lead my team and this motivates my students and they learn all such qualities by witnessing it.

IIK: What is your opinion on the teachers compelling their students to come for private tuitions at home?

First and foremost, taking private tuitions is illegal as per Kuwait ministry rules. I have made that point clear to all my staff. It is the parents who have to decide not to send their kids for private tuitions. If a child is in need of an extra care, they can inform the teacher or the principal and then it can be arranged in the school in the form of extra support.

IIK: In the present world we see a community lacking moral values. Can teachers who are considered to be the mentors, contribute for a better citizen?

Of course, teachers and the schools are responsible to a large extent in imparting moral values to a kid. But the effort will be complete only with the support of parents and the community. The right education and the importance of moral values should be given to a person when he/ she is a kid. It has to grow with them. We have value education classes in schools. But learning from books only cannot contribute to the cause. Values are not to be taught, but should be absorbed from the society including parents and teachers. It is a joint responsibility.

IIK: Which is your best experience in teaching ?