Teacher portrait – Ms Sakthi

Ms Sakthi originates from Tiruchirapalli, a town in the southern Tamil Nadu which is known for its cultural and architectural heritage. Being a post-graduate in English Literature from the University of Madras, she started her teaching career at the age of 18 after earning her Teaching Diploma. Being wholeheartedly enthusiastic about teaching, teaching remains Ms Sakthi’s passion until the present date. We reached out to Ms Sakthi to find out more about her love for teaching and education.  

I am most proud of the CAS work that TISB students excelled during the lockdown – Ms Sakthi, English Teacher, CAS Coordinator 

Being on her eight year at TISB, Ms Sakthi is English teacher and is excited about the way that teaching and learning takes place at the school. “I love TISB because of the freedom it gives to the teachers and to the students in the classroom, and the uninhibited exchange of ideas and brainstorming because of that freedom”, says Ms Sakthi, who likes the school’s culture which promotes collaboration and mutual support, and focusing on understanding and solving mistakes, rather than rote learning and student punishments. 

As well as being an English teacher, Ms Sakthi is the CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) Coordinator. Being one of the core aspects of the IBDP really motivates Ms Sakthi. “And, because of the fact that I can motivate my students to be socially responsible and interact with the society!”, says Ms Sakthi, whose students have engaged and excelled during the pandemic, especially the period of April 2020 to January 2021. A few of the CAS projects and activities have been online magazines, such as Photon, LEAP initiatives, especially organic gardening and candle making, Covid Fit club, online dance, music, art and mural shows and craft lessons to the less privileged. 

In the near future, Ms Sakthi is looking forward to the upcoming CAS work. “I am looking forward to listening to all the project initiatives of our students – from Grade 9 till 12”, says Ms Sakthi, who is also very excited about her upcoming visit to Mount Kailash where she will trek. 

A quick Q&A with Ms Sakthi 

What is your favourite food? 
Hot idlis. 

What is your favourite music? 
Rap and Rock: Duran Duran, Kendrick Lamar and Dr Dre. 

What is your favourite book/ movie? 
All novels by the Tamil novelist, Lakshmi. The Pursuit of Happyness. 

What is your favourite animal? 
I am definitely a cat person. 

What is your favourite colour? 
Yellow. 

What is your favourite hobby? 
Spending time with the inmates of the orphanage, ‘Udavum Karangal’. They teach me handicrafts and I teach them. I really love to see the ‘aha’ moment in their eyes after learning a difficult concept!