The role of a teacher has transformed remarkably—from the blackboard and projector era to smart classrooms and now AI-driven learning spaces. These experiences are vast and ever-evolving, making learning an endless ocean. One can never gather it all at once; instead, going with the wave feels more realistic. At the heart of this journey lie two powerful engines: change and adaptability.
I still remember the first day of my teaching career as vividly as if it were yesterday. I walked into the classroom carrying the exhaustion of the previous day—stranded due to a car breakdown on the national highway, travelling 100 kilometres back home with my elderly in-laws and two children, just to reach Bangalore. Yet, despite all this, I entered the classroom with confidence, passion, and hope for my new role—much like many mothers who step into teaching for varied reasons.
That confidence, however, was soon shaken by the unfamiliar accents and slang used by students. Moments of panic set in when I couldn’t understand them, leaving me responding with nothing more than a hesitant “yes” or “no.” Children, however, are perceptive and empathetic. They recognised my struggle and helped me through it with patience and slow, thoughtful communication. Building this rapport was not easy—it grew gradually, nurtured by patience on both sides.
Life felt brighter when I later became a lead teacher in a small classroom. The conversations we shared—about ambitions, future plans, new gadgets, evolving slang, football, movies—remain vivid even after eight years. The true joy lies there, regardless of the generation we teach. Connection, or what we often call geling, is vital for meaningful social interaction and learning.
Learning, indeed, never ends. As a teacher, while advocating 21st-century skills such as adaptability, change, and resilience, I have embodied these values myself. Beyond subject knowledge, I engaged with social and community groups to better understand the realities of students from diverse economic backgrounds. I learned to assess online and learn online through MOOCs, collaborate virtually, use digital tools to engage students actively, create effective presentations, and conduct fun online activities to strengthen connection with students.
I also adopted varied teaching approaches—constructivist, inductive, deductive, differentiated, and inquiry-based learning. While I may not be a technical expert, I continuously explore different ways to stay connected and engaged with my students.
My once-shaken confidence has grown stronger, and the experiences I have gained have helped me adapt my teaching methods to meet the needs of the present time. This transformation has been possible solely through self-motivation and a deep passion for my role as an educator.
The memories I carry are countless—moments when students say, “I learned something interesting,” “It was easy to understand when you taught,” “You are a patient listener,” or simply, “You are an incredible teacher with engaging activities.” Gestures like dedicating a song, saying “You are missed,” sharing emotional conversations, being told “you are a go-to person in trouble,” engaging in circle time, appreciating the effort I put in, and even connecting through relatable examples like Nobita from Doraemon, Gudetama, and Shinchan—all these moments are deeply cherished and unforgettable.
Alongside these experiences, I have placed equal emphasis on strong subject knowledge and academic excellence. In an era defined by artificial intelligence, global connectivity, and rapid technological advancement, the focus of the classroom has shifted—from simple knowledge recall to analysis, from basic understanding to critical thinking, and from drawing conclusions to forming well-reasoned ones.
Today, the role of a teacher has evolved into that of a facilitator, promoting learner-centred approaches guided by facilitation rather than direct instruction.
I see myself as contributing to nation-building—a facilitator who creates classroom experiences that empower students with knowledge, decision-making abilities, communication skills, teamwork, listening, empathy, resilience, adaptability, self-management, social awareness, digital responsibility, and personal grooming. None of these can be prioritised over another; they are all equally essential for the holistic well-being of both teachers and students.
The challenges I—and all teachers—face today are far greater than commonly assumed. Though in the short run they may appear like a mountain of difficulty, they ultimately form a steep and rewarding learning curve. Yet teachers willingly embrace change and adaptability, driven by the belief that every effort contributes to shaping future global citizens and leaders—envisioning sustainable, inclusive, and happier communities.
— Bhargavi Besthamalli
IBDP, IGCSE, AS & A Level Economics Facilitator
Phone: 8147270532
Email: bhargavipolisetty@gmail.com