Alwin Shaji

As an English teacher, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding. Every day, I engage with a diverse group of students, each bringing their unique perspectives and abilities to the classroom. My primary goal is to foster a love for literature and language while ensuring students develop strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.

One of the highlights of my job is designing lesson plans that not only align with the curriculum but also captivate the students' interests. For instance, incorporating contemporary literature alongside classic texts helps students relate more personally to the material. Creative writing assignments, debates, and group projects are some of the interactive methods I use to make learning more dynamic.

The challenges are real, too. Managing a classroom with varied learning paces requires adaptability and patience. There are days when it feels like I’m juggling too many tasks at once—grading papers, preparing for the next lesson, addressing individual student needs, and coordinating with colleagues. But these challenges are part of what makes the job fulfilling.

Parent-teacher interactions play a crucial role in my experience. Regular communication with parents helps me understand students better and provides a support system to ensure their academic and personal growth.

One of the most gratifying aspects of teaching is witnessing the "aha" moments—when a student grasps a difficult concept or expresses enthusiasm about a book or poem. These moments remind me why I chose this profession.

Overall, being an English teacher is a journey of continuous learning, not just for the students but for myself as well. Every day brings new experiences, insights, and opportunities to make a positive impact on young minds.