Meet Mrs. Tumpa Mitra, the Head of the English Department at Anantha Vidyaniketana School, Bangalore. Her journey from a small town in Jharkhand to becoming an influential educator is as inspiring as it is motivating. In this exclusive interview, Mrs. Mitra shares her experiences, challenges, and thoughts on teaching, technology, and her passion for English.
Interviewer: Tell us about your journey. How did you become an educator?
Mrs. Mitra: I was born and brought up in a small town in Jharkhand, but I had the privilege of attending a very good school where English was my favorite subject. Interestingly, I never aspired to be a teacher—I wanted to be a journalist or a newsreader!
However, destiny had other plans for me. I was very active in extracurriculars especially debates, and I often stood out in my school. My teachers and principal noticed my skills and frequently asked me to tutor my peers. That’s when I unknowingly started nurturing my teaching abilities. Over time, I realized the joy of guiding others, and that led me to where I am today.
Interviewer: What is your current role, and what does your work involve?
Mrs. Mitra: I am the Head of the English Department at Anantha Vidyaniketana School, where I teach English to grades 9 and 10. My responsibilities also include mentoring other teachers, developing teaching strategies, and ensuring that every student, irrespective of their background, gets an equal opportunity to learn and grow.
Interviewer: How do you address the diverse learning needs of students in your school?
Mrs. Mitra: Our school has students from varied backgrounds—some are below average, some are average, and others are above average. The challenge lies in creating a learning experience that works for all of them.
For grammar, I use games and fun activities because I believe children learn faster when they are actively engaged. For literature, I guide my team to use video clips to bring stories to life. And for comprehension, we’ve been using the audio feature on Class Saathi, especially during quizzes. This has been very effective in enhancing the comprehension skills of our students.
Interviewer: What are some challenges you face as the HOD, and how do you overcome them?
Mrs. Mitra: Managing a team of teachers comes with its own set of challenges. There are different opinions, responsibilities, and approaches to consider. However, I make it a point to focus on the positive aspects. We hold regular department meetings where teachers share their ideas and strategies. It’s a collaborative process, and I encourage creativity and solution-oriented thinking.
Interviewer: How has technology impacted your teaching methods?
Mrs. Mitra: As an English teacher, I’ve always been creative, but the advent of AI and modern teaching tools has taken my methods to a whole new level. I’ve embraced these changes wholeheartedly. Class Saathi, in particular, has been a game-changer for us.
We actively use the Saathi Genie feature, which helps us generate questions for quizzes and assessments. Before Class Saathi, preparing question papers was a tedious and time-consuming process. Now, it’s quick, hassle-free, and paperless. This allows us to focus more on helping our below-average students improve.
What’s even better is that students have started taking tests more seriously. Whenever we announce a quiz on Class Saathi, they prepare in advance and come to class ready to excel.
Interviewer: What is your advice to students?
Mrs. Mitra: My advice is simple: If you want to stand out, you must work hard and be passionate about what you do. There are no shortcuts to hard work. Dedication and consistent effort will always pay off in the end.
Interviewer: How has Class Saathi influenced your perspective on teaching and technology?
Mrs. Mitra: Class Saathi has completely changed the way I view technology in education. It has made teaching and learning more efficient and enjoyable. From simplifying administrative tasks to enhancing student engagement, it’s a tool that every teacher should experience.
It has also helped me stay updated with modern teaching strategies, allowing me to blend traditional methods with innovative techniques seamlessly.
Interviewer: Any parting thoughts on your journey as an educator?
Mrs. Mitra: Teaching has been a deeply fulfilling journey for me. As an English teacher, I love how the subject connects with other disciplines like history and geography. It’s more than just teaching a language—it’s about helping students explore the world through words and stories.
Class Saathi has been an incredible partner in this journey, enabling me to focus on what matters most - my students.
Mrs. Tumpa Mitra’s story is a shining example of how passion, creativity, and technology can transform education. Her dedication to her students and her openness to new teaching methods inspire us all. With Class Saathi, she’s not just teaching English—she’s shaping the future.
Are you ready to revolutionize your classrooms like Mrs. Mitra? Join the Class Saathi movement today and take the first step toward smarter, more impactful teaching!
