ANJU LUTHRA
WHAT MAKES ME A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL
Education is responsible for producing responsible global students and teachers which is possible under able guidance of effective school leadership which is always open to changes happening in education and society and move in the direction of progress. In the past 18 years I have been a constant learner myself accepting and adapting to changes in the society and taking my children and school to greater heights by creating a benchmark for others to emulate.
MY MISSION AS A PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL
My personal mission and vision is to produce responsible global citizens. Being a Progressive Principal will help me in two ways. Firstly, it will act as a motivating factor for me. Secondly, it will reassure and create a trust in all my parents that they their children are being nurtured in a safe, healthy and progressive environment.
LEARNING BY DOING
By implementing theory of Multiple intelligences given by Howard Gardner in our curriculum where different methods are followed to teach a topic to children with different intelligences and by implementing a unique concept of C2B – Caterpillar to Butterfly brain child of the school Director – Dr. Monisha Sharma, wherein a topic is taken from the curriculum and learning of it is presented in a unique manner in front of parents. Children present their learning in the form of a role play, song, dance presentation. The added attraction is a quiz conducted by children. Infused and bubbling with confidence, children ask questions, judge the promptness and accuracy of the responses given by parents. In this entire activity teachers are not to be seen on the stage at all. I also promote research based learning and by following and promotive many different innovative practices.
INTEGRATED CURRICULUM
By incorporating theme based learning where ever possible whether in classroom learning or annual concerts or class presentations. All the presentations are team work wherein each area is looked after by a faculty member skilled in that field irrespective of which class it belongs to.
INTEGRATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTO EDUCATION THROUGH FACULTY
By exposing staff to different workshops for growth. I also promote peer learning, circle time and giving each teacher opportunity to present their best foot in front and also giving them opportunities to come on stage and to express their talent of being a good teacher. Full support and help taken from parents for career counselling and in sharing of experiences with all. It is ensured that teachers get full support required to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset.
PROBLEM SOLVING & CRITICAL THINKING AMIDST THE FACULTY
Problem solving and Critical thinking are inter related to each other. Each teacher who is able to innovate and implement new ideas are acknowledged. Teachers are always motivated by me to devise new techniques for teaching wherein they act only as facilitators and children are made to reach the goal by exploring. Research and development is given importance with all innovative practices possible.
GROUP WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS AMIDST THE FACULTY
By joining the team in doing any work together. By conducting circle time and promoting peer learning. Student Council members are made responsible for various activities. Lot many community activities are executed through teams led by students. I have always believed in creating new leaders and nurturing the concept of “We” than I, me myself.
UNDERSTANDING & ACTION BASED LEARNING
By following different teaching methods which are child centric and ensuring each topic is taught in different styles as stated by ‘Howard Gardner’ in his theory of Multiple Intelligences which speaks about each child has different learning styles. And also by ensuring that they are assessed on various parameters and not just on pen and paper test.
COLLABORATIVE & COOPERATIVE LEARNING PROJECTS FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
We have peer learning and circle time once a month where teachers learn and share from each other. Once a year we also have an exchange programme on the same with our sister schools wherein we share different learning and teaching styles with each other projecting the best foot forward. In addition to this we have “Buzz” which is a monthly e-magazine showcasing different activities and different unique sessions in academics which are shared with sister concerns so that each one gets a chance to improvise and learn. We also organize various workshops for awareness on different topics.
EDUCATION ACCENTUATING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY
“Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is not a preparation for life, education is life itself.” – John Dewey. My aim here in life as an educator has always been to provide an enriching, engaging and challenging environment that will prepare students and teachers to reach their full potential as lifelong learners and creative problem solvers, speak their mind boldly, be good listeners and to be accountable for all their actions, be it good or bad. Children, parents and teachers are given full opportunities to share their feedbacks, give suggestions, express their views through direct communication, be it face to face or mails or letters. And, because of this as a leader I have been able to create trust in the system amongst all associated.
DESIGN & DELIVERY OF A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM WHEREBY HIGHLY PERSONALIZED LEARNING ACCOUNTING IS DONE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL’S PERSONAL GOALS
Each child has a personal profile file maintained in the school by the class teachers which covers scholastic & co-scholastic records along with minute details of behaviour. This file is updated every year and is then passed on to respective class teachers after promotion. This file records growth of the child in all parameters making it easier for the teachers to help and understanding the child better and helping in reaching individual personalized goals.
INTEGRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS INTO THE DAILY CURRICULUM
Community services – SEWA as we call is integrated in the curriculum and all our children are involved in various activities leading to community service. Some of the community aided service that we have taken up in past 5 years are – Coastal cleanup, Preservation of water, Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Behtar India, Healthy eating – Saying Bye to obesity, Traffic rules, sending rakhis to soldiers at the borders, visit to old age home to name a few.
FUTURISTIC SELECTION OF SUBJECT CONTENT
Value education, Life skills and confidence boosting activities are all part of our curriculum.
LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL SKILLS OF FACULTY MEMBERS
I have contributed in curriculum planning for my own school in subject English wherein with my team based on the content we have devised and chalked out the implementation of the curriculum through different teaching methodologies.
FACULTY ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION OF THEIR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS & PRODUCTIONS
Excellence in teaching demands a continuous process of upgrading knowledge of teachers. Therefore, we ensure every year teachers attend various workshops either in house or attend outside wherever possible. I also ensure to have one to one communication with my staff in order to ensure positive growth and regular feedbacks from parents.
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY TO FACULTY EMPOWERMENT
A structured system of staff appraisal is followed every quarter wherein they are assessed on various parameters and the report is shared with them so that it becomes a part of continuous growth for teachers. We also have regular audits happening in school by internal & external agencies and reports of the same are shared. Teachers are assessed not only for academics but also for overall handling of different assignments like Clubs, Activities, Concerts, Olympiads etc.