The Higher Education Review

A teacher by choice and not by chance, Kavita Sharma had dreamt of becoming a teacher at a very young age. Sharma joined the Regional Institute of Education, Mysore for pursuing a four-year Integrated B.Sc. + B. Ed programme, right after completing 12th. Sincerely marching towards her life goal, Sharma started her teaching career in 1995 and served for two years in two different Kendriya Vidyalayas. Later she moved to Kanpur and continued teaching at various schools alongside obtaining her Masters in Zoology from CSJM University. Before joining JG International School (JGIS), Sharma had already served at diverse leading positions and kept earning degrees like PG Diploma in School Leadership and Management coupled with a Masters in Education. Awarded as "Progressive Principal of India 2017" at India International Centre, New Delhi and "Principal of the Year" by Times of India in 2017, Sharma's journey demonstrates how right moves makes everything fall in place.

A Dynamic Educator made up of Tenacity

Spent more than two decades in the sphere of teaching and administration, the aim of bringing a difference in the way children perceive and experience learning intrigue Kavita Sharma to keep going. "A moment that I will cherish for my entire life was when one of my ex-student nominated me for the "Teacher Trove award" in 2011 which was handed over to me by the then Governor of Karnataka," pinpoints Sharma. Always

longing for attaining perfection in teaching, Sharma now aspires to hold a Ph.D. degree in Education. Since the very first day at JGIS as a Principal, Sharma with her undying gumption and positivity have brought in a fresh approach to the well-established methods of teaching and learning at the school.

"A Generation of winners can be created by instilling a hunger for learning in children and making them believe in the 'I can' attitude."
- Kavita Sharma

JGIS which was established under the aegis of ASIA Charitable Trust (ACT) in 2004 has evolved into a most sought-after school in the Ahmedabad city. For being a symbol of excellence; JGIS has been awarded "The Economics Times Best School Brands" in 2016. "As the tagline of the school 'a class apart' suggests, we along with all the stakeholder of the school every day contribute to be unique in our approaches and deliver the best education to our students," opines Sharma. The school impeccably has adopted an 'open door policy' which allows the students, teachers, parents and ancillary staff get access to the management at all times.

Affiliated to IB (International Baccalaureate), CIE (Cambridge International Examinations, UK) and CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) New Delhi, the school hosts students ranging from pre-primary to higher secondary level. "Our school was adjudged Times of India in 2017 for rendering best International Curriculum and achieving excellence in Co-Curricular," proudly says Sharma. Promoting strongly the concept of 'compassionate classrooms' in the school, Sharma has introduced nonviolence communication model (NVC) to her students, which was developed by Marshall Rosenberg. Sharma explains, "I believe the world needs more peacemakers and with this objective, I and my team abide by to produce a safe and productive learning

environment for our students. Schooling should be a happy experience which will eventually inculcate in each child the joy of learning." As the students of JGIS are expected to be grown into 'future-ready' and responsible citizen of the nation, the school focuses on the 4C's -critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. The teaching staffs of the school, who are thoroughly guided by Sharma, are enabled to teach students with modern and appropriate teaching methodologies. Classes are conducted using technology-driven equipment assisting students to incorporate skills which are prerequisite for surviving in the 21st century.

The school has a dedicated ERP system and an active website for communication with parents where academic components such as course outline and curriculum framework are made accessible. Being an environment-friendly school, teachers are motivated to prepare master lesson plans on the ERP system. Further, the elegant and spacious campus boost the seamless teaching-learning process ensuring students get enough room to realize their passion and interests along with providing priority to academic part. "The yearning for teaching I possess multiplies my intensity of rendering the finest service to the school. As to cater to more learners, we envision opening more branches of JGIS in the coming years," concludes Sharma.

Her Favorites

Book: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey

Author: Sufi saint Kabir and Rahim.

Role model in life: My former teacher, Ms. Usha Menon

Movie: To Sir, with Love and 3 Idiots.

Quote: Awake, arise and stop not till thy goal is achieved.