The educational quality of an institute is determined by the teachers’ efficiency and the principal’s vision influencing them. These creative leaders uses advanced strategies to establish a supportive learning environment for young minds. They are the driving forces behind a school, overseeing other departments that meet the needs of the students and creating a plan for their success in addition to ensuring the security and welfare of the faculty and students.
In the vast and dynamic world of education, Ms. Savita Devi, Principal of J.K.M. Sr. Sec. Kalanaur School is among the most inspirational personalities, contributing to positive changes in this field with her commitment to enhancing educational standards.
Ms. Savita states, “Becoming an educator is a profound journey that intertwines personal passion, transformative experiences, and a deep-seated belief in the power of education.” Several factors from her professional and personal life have influenced her decision to become an educator.
Ms. Savita’s passion for learning and the way that education can change the lives and society at large number of individuals kindled the desire to become an educator from the beginning. According to her, education is a catalyst for both societal advancement and individual development, in addition to enlightening minds with knowledge. Her belief that educators have a critical role in determining the country’s future was strengthened by seeing students’ transformative journey while navigating the academic system.
She has worked in the education field for 22 years, and during that time, she has seen firsthand the significant impact that teachers can have on their students’ lives. It involves more than just teaching subject matter expertise; it also entails instilling moral principles, encouraging critical thinking, and developing a sense of accountability. Together, these elements support people’s holistic development, strengthening the country’s foundation.
Witnessing the transformation of a nervous student into a self-assured, competent person was a turning point in her education. It emphasized how educators can unleash potential and pique students’ curiosity. This life-changing event turned into a motivating factor that made her want to actively influence the direction of education.
Ms. Savita became an educator because she is ardent about education, has had life-changing experiences, and firmly believes education can influence people and society. Serving as the principal of J K M Senior Sec School in Kalanaur is inspired by her passion for societal advancement via education and her satisfaction from seeing students succeed.
Aims and Aspirations of the Institute
The vision of J.K.M. Sr. Sec. Kalanaur School, under the visionary leadership of Ms. Savita as a principal, is rooted in the commitment to “provide educational excellence to boys and girls irrespective of caste, creed, or color.” This vision is a guiding principle, emphasizing inclusivity and equal access to quality education for all. It reflects the dedication of Ms. Savita and her staff to creating an educational environment that transcends social barriers, fostering an atmosphere where every student can excel.
Aligned with this vision, the institute’s mission is to “nurture students to develop them morally, intellectually, and socially, equipping them to become honorable and decent individuals leading a good, healthy, and progressive way of life.” This mission statement recognizes that education is more than just academics and emphasizes the holistic development of students. Instilling moral solid principles, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and advancing social responsibility are further goals of the institute.
Through its mission, the institute aims to equip students with the knowledge, moral grounding, and interpersonal skills needed to contribute significantly to society. The emphasis on an honourable and decent way of life reflects a commitment to developing people who excel academically and possess integrity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.
Navigating through the Challenges
Ms. Savita has faced significant challenges in instructing J.K.M. Sr. Sec. students who receive little to no support from their families. This problem frequently results from parents who lack education or feel careless about their child’s schooling.
Navigating this challenge requires a multifaceted approach. Ms. Savita recognizes that a supportive home environment is crucial to a student’s academic success. To address this issue, the institute has implemented the following strategies:
- Parental Engagement Initiatives: The institute actively engages in initiatives that encourage parents, especially those with limited education, to participate in their child’s learning journey. This includes workshops on the importance of education, parent-teacher conferences, and informational sessions on how parents can support their child’s studies at home.
- Student Support Services: The institute also provides additional student support services for students who lack support at home. This may involve tailored tutoring, mentorship programs, and counseling services to address academic and personal challenges.
- Fostering a Supportive School Culture: It fosters a culture of support and understanding within the school. Teachers and staff are trained to identify students who may require additional assistance, and intervention plans are developed to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Efficient Utilization of Technology
Ms. Savita states that a primary goal of hers has been utilizing technology to improve the educational experience for the students. The following are some of the ways the institute has incorporated technology:
- Interactive Learning Platforms: The curriculum now includes digital resources and interactive learning platforms. With the help of these platforms’ dynamic and engaging content, students can investigate ideas in fresh ways.
- Smart Classrooms: Audio-visual systems and smart boards are installed. With the help of this technology, educators can present interactive lessons that include multimedia components to accommodate various learning preferences.
- Platforms for Parent-Teacher Communication: The institute uses digital channels to facilitate effective parent-teacher communication. Digital communication between the school and the home is encouraged by sharing important announcements, progress reports, and regular updates.
These technological developments raise the educational standard and reflect Ms. Savita’s visionary ideas and efficiency as a principal.
Encouraging Extracurricular Activities
Ms. Savita believes that because extracurricular activities offer chances for academic and personal development outside of the traditional classroom, they are essential in helping to shape a well-rounded educational experience for students. These activities cover various interests, such as clubs, community service, sports, arts, music, and theatre. The following are some justifications for the significance of extracurricular activities and strategies for enhancing them:
- Development of Skills: Through extracurricular activities, students can hone various abilities, including problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management. These abilities support a more all-encompassing education because they are frequently helpful and applicable to actual circumstances.
- Personal Development: By assisting students in identifying and pursuing their passions, interests, and skills, extracurricular activities promote personal development in students. Students who excel in non-academic areas are given a self-expression platform, and experience increased self-esteem.
- Social Interaction: Students who participate in extracurricular activities are likely to make friends with classmates who share their interests. This can improve the educational experience and support a positive school culture.
- Well-rounded Lifestyle: Students who participate in various activities can better manage their time between school and other facets of life. It promotes a balanced and healthy lifestyle by encouraging them to prioritize their responsibilities and use their time wisely.
The annual schedule and curriculum have been designed to support rather than impede students’ participation in extracurricular activities. Ms. Savita has given the students many chances to participate in and win competitions, from speech and debate to dancing and singing.
Prestigious Awards and Accolades
Under Ms. Savita’s leadership, the school was awarded for its contribution to the field of STEM by Engineering Watch in 2013 and secured a place on the list of 100 best schools in India as per the recommendation of the Board of School Education, Haryana, Bhiwani. It was also awarded Best School with New Education System at the World School Summit held in Malaysia in 2023.
Roadmap for the Future
Ms. Savita’s goals and visions for the future of education revolve around creating an inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive learning environment. Here are some key aspects:
- Technology Integration: Embracing the latest educational technologies is a priority. She seeks to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum to enhance learning experiences, promote digital literacy, and prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern world.
- Global Perspective: She also aspires to instill a global perspective in the students, promoting cultural awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility as global citizens.
- 21st-Century Skills: Recognizing the importance of preparing students for the future job market, she focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Community Engagement: Ms. Savita envisions a school that actively engages with the local community, fostering partnerships and collaborations that benefit the students and the broader community. This includes community service initiatives, outreach programs, and involvement in civic activities.
- Professional Development: Ms. Savita prioritizes ongoing professional development opportunities for the staff, ensuring they stay abreast of educational trends, teaching methodologies, and advancements in their respective fields.
- Environmental Sustainability: She aims to instill a sense of ecological responsibility in the students. This includes integrating sustainability practices into the school operations and incorporating environmental education into the curriculum.
Pursuing these objectives, she hopes to positively impact the larger educational community by acting as an example of a pragmatic, student-centered, and progressive educational approach. She feels that by creating these efforts, she and her staff can better equip the students to succeed in a world that is changing quickly and make valuable contributions to society.
