Global Exposure, Local Transformation: Four Indian Educators Reflect on Their Training at UCSC Through Centre for Teacher Accreditation CENTA

When four Indian teachers Prathika Shetty Shaifali Bhatia Priyanka Suri and Ruchi Ratra traveled to the University of California Santa Cruz UCSC through a Centre for Teacher Accreditation CENTAled international training program they each carried with them years of classroom experience and a deep commitment to their professional growth What they brought back was more than new strategies They returned with renewed purpose informed by global practices and grounded in a clear vision of what teaching and learning can look like in India1 What was the most eyeopening aspect of your training experience in California and how has it influenced your perspective on teachingAll of them agreed on one thing classrooms come alive when curiosity leads the way For Prathika seeing Chemistry taught through phenomenondriven and evaluative methods opened new doors The inclusion of analytical and evaluative elements made learning more engaging and meaningful she said This shift helped her move away from a contentheavy approach and toward one rooted in empathy and learner curiosityShaifali was struck by the passion students showed for research It showed me that if guided well students can contribute meaningfully to the process of research and gain valuable reallife experience For all four educators the exposure to diverse academic settings and inquirydriven environments reminded them why learning should always feel exciting and full of discovery2 Can you share a classroom strategy or approach from the training that yoursquore excited to implement with your students in IndiaInspired by their mentors and studentled projects the teachers are keen to integrate researchbased and inquiryled learning into their classroom routines Ruchi observed a project where tools like ChatGPT and RStudio were seamlessly used in cognitive science research Students were encouraged to think freely critique literature and ask meaningful questions she said Her takeaway echoed CENTArsquos belief that good teaching gives structure without taking away a childrsquos freedom to explorePriyanka was inspired by the collaborative nature of research at UCSC PhD undergraduate and school students worked together on projects Irsquod love to recreate that ecosystem in India where learners at different levels can share perspectives and skills she said Her vision reflects what CENTA has always stood for bringing learners and teachers together across all levels to learn from one another3 In what ways did the training help you grow not just as a teacher but as a mentor or leader within your school communityBecoming students again gave them a new sense of empathy and a reminded of what it feels like to be on the other side of the classroom For Prathika the exposure to international classrooms was transformative This international experience has greatly enriched my academic repertoire and deepened my professional insight she said It helped her become more inclusive and understanding of studentsrsquo challengesShaifali shared how engaging with diverse perspectives and new technologies prompted her to think more deeply about mentoring students from an early stage The experience encouraged all four to focus more on inclusion open conversations and the idea that teachers should keep learning too4 Having engaged with CENTArsquos certifications and training before did you notice any alignment between what CENTA emphasizes and what you saw in global classroomsThe resonance between CENTArsquos programs and international classroom practices was evident throughout their time at UCSC Right from the thoughtfully framed Olympiad questions to the enriching training sessions during SIP at the University of California several aspects of CENTA matched what they saw in global classrooms said Prathika She highlighted how CENTArsquos session topics felt closely connected to what teachers everywhere are exploring todayPriyanka pointed out that both CENTA and UCSC emphasize diversity equity and inclusion Both encourage collaborations across cultures and create access to global learning opportunities she said These reflections show that CENTArsquos approach isnrsquot just relevant in India it stands up anywhere in the world5 How do you see this international exposure contributing to your longterm career development as an educator in IndiaThe experience left a deep mark on each of them For Priyanka it opened up new ways of thinking about teaching and research Itrsquos helped me bring new ideas and research practices into my classroom while building valuable international connections Shaifali shared that the training made her reflect more seriously on her career path and leadership potentialPrathika summed it up well Beyond enhancing my academic skills the program helped me break away from complacency and monotony rekindling my enthusiasm for continuous learning and innovative teaching For each of them this international experience was a stepping stone to the next stage of their journey as teachers6 What advice would you give to other teachers in India who aspire to pursue similar global learning opportunitiesThe teachers had a common message stay curious stay open and never stop learning ldquoAn educatorrsquos greatest strength lies in being a lifelong learner Rekindling our curiosity keeps the classroom vibrant and meaningfulrdquo said Prathika who credited CENTArsquos Olympiads for helping her look at innovation and global relevance in new waysPriyanka spoke about the importance of accessible professional development ldquoThrough CENTArsquos International TPO and Learning App Irsquove been able to strengthen my teaching research and digital skillsrdquo she said Ruchi added that real growth often begins when teachers step beyond their comfort zones and learn from diverse perspectivesAcross India education experts increasingly note that teachers who gain global exposure bring back more than new techniques They return with confidence cultural understanding and a renewed sense of purpose that can influence entire school communities These four educators remind us that when teachers continue to grow their students grow with them

Global Exposure, Local Transformation: Four Indian Educators Reflect on Their Training at UCSC Through Centre for Teacher Accreditation CENTA

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Global Exposure, Local Transformation: Four Indian Educators Reflect on Their Training at UCSC Through Centre for Teacher Accreditation CENTA

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast