My Expressions

Ed Leader – Ivan Smith, Columbia Global School, Raipur

Education is an integral part of a child’s upbringing. We, at Curious Times, have made it our aim to ensure that we also play an active role in imparting the right knowledge to all the Curious children. As such, we also try to ensure that we are always in touch with the leaders in education today and learning from them. After all, it is important to learn from the best.

So, today, we present to you a one-on-one conversation with Ivan Smith. He is the Principal of Columbia Global School, Raipur. Its vision is to build an institution where each and every child will grow with confidence, in a stress-free environment.

When did you decide to step into the world of education? What motivated you to become an Educator? Coming from a family with many teachers, since a young age, I had been seeing teachers around me and so, was influenced very early to enter into education. Looking at my Mother, Uncles & Aunts as teachers motivated me to take up teaching. I did try to explore other career options but could not do them for very long. I always felt an urge, a voice, a calling in me to be a Teacher. And so, today, I can proudly say that I feel I was born a Teacher.

Share some of the challenges you have faced in your career journey. How did you convert those challenges into the pillars of success? Being a teacher is not easy. Life throws up many challenges all the time. As a Teacher, one thing that I have understood and strongly believe is ‘To Stay Positive, and be Optimistic’. This mantra has always guided me through all challenges. A constant challenge that I faced in my career journey was to begin from the START every time – whether it was my first job as a teacher out of my home town of Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) or when I returned home to complete my teacher’s training and took up a job in my hometown (starting from scratch again). But I accepted those challenges and kept doing my work without expecting rewards. I strongly believe in ‘Karmanye Vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadhachana’. I always took up the challenge willingly and I achieved success and growth. I learned an important lesson from my professional guru, a former Principal I worked with, who told me once – “Mr. Smith, Don’t Say You Can’t, Say You’ll Try”. When you try, you will either succeed or you learn a life learn that will help you somewhere in the future.

What are the changes have you observed over the years in the field of education? Are you happy with these changes? Over the years there has been a lot of change in the field of Education. The most striking change from our times of schooling to the current times is the fact that today’s education system is giving students an opportunity to learn by doing; where the students today not only gain knowledge but also learn how to apply it. This is a very positive change as it is important to know how to apply our knowledge. For instance, I always wondered as a student as to why or how is the Pythagoras Theorem relevant to me, until I came across a programme that explained the construction of a bridge which used and applied the theorem. We merely mugged up the theorem when we were in school just to pass an exam. So, it is good to see today the efforts being put in by teachers to help students understand concepts rather than mere rote-learning.

What changes would you like to see in the field of Education? What role can the various stakeholders like the government, teachers, students and parents play in this? I would love to see a change in our education system where there is a greater focus on Experiential Learning and Competency-based learning systems where students learn more by doing and applying. I also hope that our students are made more job-ready through education, as one cannot get a job today by just being a graduate or postgraduate in a subject. Somehow specialization is required to get a job or a candidate has to learn the skill sets required at a job. The National Education Policy 2020 envisages this dream and has come up with a great plan to improve our education system, to suit the 21st century needs. Now, it remains a task for all stakeholders whether it is the government, teachers, parents and students to help implement these changes. Over a period of time, we should be able to bring about change.

Share your message with the aspiring teachers and leaders of tomorrow. To All aspiring Teachers and leaders of tomorrow, remember that Teaching has always been regarded as a very noble profession. You are the builders of a Nation’s future generation, which is a big responsibility and so you should be very serious with your work. Remember, you should be a ‘Teacher by Choice’ and ‘not by chance’. This is not a field where you will earn a lot of money but you will definitely win a lot of respect, love and affection. The best reward for being a Great Teacher is when years later, you still get love and affection from your new and old students. I’m sure each one of you still definitely remembers their Favourite Teacher and many may still be in contact with them.

Share your message for your and Curious Times students. Dear Students and Readers, remember that ‘Learning’ is a ‘continuous and lifelong process’. It will never end if you are open to learning. My advice to you all is ‘Find every opportunity to learn and be sincere in learning whatever you can. Don’t think anything is too small, little or insignificant for you to learn. Even a Rickshaw puller along the road can teach you a good lesson on hard work. Stay focussed, positive and optimistic. This will guide you in your learning adventures. Learn to ask questions – I mean a lot of questions(with many ????????s). No question is insignificant. It may be as silly as possible but that is perfectly alright. Love what you do and make it your passion and you will surely succeed. Thank you for reading all this patiently and wish you all the very best for a bright future!!!

Ivan Smith, Principal

Columbia Global School, Raipur

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