“Maya Alfred Fernandes: Nurturing Minds, Inspiring Futures”
Maya Alfred Fernandes: A Journey of Passion and Evolution in Education
“Success is a journey and not a destination.” Maya Alfred Fernandes embodies these words as she reflects on her unexpected yet rewarding journey in the teaching profession. Initially embracing teaching as a young army wife, Maya found herself immersed in the world of education, surrounded by curious minds and unforeseen opportunities.
Upon entering the classroom, she experienced a blend of nerves and excitement, unsure of what to expect. However, armed with an MBA degree, she dove headfirst into teaching Economics and communicative English to Class 11 students. To her surprise, Maya discovered a natural affinity for teaching and quickly adapted to her new role. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she was appointed as the cultural committee in-charge of the school, organizing events and competitions, including the school’s annual day celebration, under the guidance of her principal, Mrs. Kapoor.
Married to an army officer, her nomadic lifestyle provided her with a unique advantage – exposure to various educational environments across the country and abroad. This experience proved invaluable, allowing her to develop strong communicative, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills over time. Maya approached each new opportunity with passion and renewed energy, continually learning, unlearning, and re-learning along the way.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and professional growth, she pursued relevant qualifications, including D.El. Ed, B.Ed., TEFL, MA-English, Diploma in Special Education and Learning Disabilities, Certificate in School Management and Administration, and M.Ed. These qualifications, coupled with her dedication, propelled her ascent through the ranks of the education sector, from coordinator to Head of Department, Academic Head, and eventually, Founder Principal of the downtown School in Guwahati, Assam.
Throughout her career, her primary goal as a teacher has been to motivate students to reach their full potential and extend their personal limits. Her teaching method involves devising innovative ways to expand on previous knowledge and encourage students to explore new possibilities. As a leader, she believes in empowering her team to create a stimulating environment where students can realize their full potential.
Her multicultural awareness and democratic leadership style have enabled her to foster strong working relationships and build highly motivated teams of teachers. Her effectiveness as a leader is evidenced by the frequent calls and accolades she receives from her ex-colleagues, affirming her reputation as a team player and visionary leader.
Her contributions to the education sector have been recognized through various awards and commendations, including her involvement in the content creation of CBSE academic books for English and her participation as a keynote speaker in international conferences. However, her greatest joy comes from seeing her former students succeed as leaders, entrepreneurs, and compassionate individuals.
When asked why she enjoys being a teacher, her face lights up with a smile. For her, teaching is not just a profession – it’s her passion, her Ikigai. A teacher never grows old, Maya says, as they are constantly evolving, learning, and inspiring others along the way. In her eyes, being a teacher means embracing a lifelong journey of growth, exploration, and impact.
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