Shaheen Mistri, CEO of Teach For India
In a country where classroom safety is often measured by CCTV cameras, strict discipline, and secure school gates, Shaheen Mistri, Founder and CEO of Teach For India, believes that true child safety goes much deeper. For her, safety is not just about physical protection, but about creating an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
"True safety," she says, "means giving children an environment where they feel valued and respected as they learn and grow." Yet, in many schools today, safety is still narrowly defined by compliance, rules, and the absence of corporal punishment. While these measures are essential, Shaheen believes that real safety is rooted in daily classroom experiences, including a teacher's tone, how mistakes are handled, and whether every child feels emotionally secure enough to express themselves without fear.
At Teach For India, this belief shapes the foundation of their work. The organisation trains its Fellows educators who teach in under-resourced schools across India to look beyond pedagogy and focus equally on emotional well-being. Each Fellow undergoes extensive training under the Child Protection Policy, along with sessions on mental well-being and on-ground coaching. They are taught to recognise subtle signs of trauma or neglect and to respond with empathy and care.
Shaheen explains that this approach transforms classrooms into safe, nurturing spaces where children can thrive. "When educators are equipped to recognise distress and respond with compassion, learning becomes natural," she says. "Before we can teach a child's mind, we must first care for their heart."
She believes that emotional safety and academic growth are deeply intertwined. Every time a child feels neglected or unheard, a sense of safety and stability is taken away, often leaving scars deeper than physical harm. Emotional insecurity can lead to isolation and poor learning outcomes, while a sense of belonging can unlock confidence and curiosity.
In Teach For India classrooms, the impact of empathy is visible. Integrating socio-emotional learning helps students identify and express their feelings, understand others, and build resilience. Teachers who are aware of their students' emotional states naturally evolve in their approach, forming stronger, more trusting relationships. These connections, Shaheen believes, are what make learning truly meaningful.
Many children, however, may not even realise they are unsafe or lack the language to express it. For teachers, awareness is the first step. "When teachers model empathy through their tone and how they handle mistakes, they show children that kindness and respect are essential," she says. Through trauma-informed practices, consistent mentoring, and partnerships with organisations that promote child safety, Teach For India works to ensure that emotional safety holds equal importance as physical protection.
This philosophy becomes especially important for students who face layered challenges, such as poverty, neglect, or exposure to violence, that often manifest subtly in classrooms. Fellows are trained to see beyond behavior and understand the root causes. They are encouraged to build trust while maintaining boundaries, ensuring that every child's dignity and rights are upheld. In Shaheen's words, "A compassionate teacher can change a child's life trajectory."
For her, child safety is not an add-on but the very foundation of education. When children feel secure, they are more open, curious, and willing to take risks, all of which are essential for learning. But when safety is compromised, fear and anxiety take over, and education loses its purpose. "Fear paralyses learning," she says. "But when a child feels safe, they open up, explore, and dream."
Empathy, awareness, and care have the power to reshape classroom experiences fundamentally. By weaving socio-emotional learning into daily teaching, teachers not only help children articulate their feelings but also nurture self-awareness and interpersonal skills, the foundations of both academic success and personal growth.
In Shaheen Mistri's vision, a truly safe classroom is one where every child's experiences are acknowledged and their voice matters. When students feel free to bring their whole selves into the classroom, transformation unfolds naturally. They don't just learn, they thrive.
