Empowering Minds, Enriching Futures: Dr. Sarita Gomes, Head Principal of M.V.High School & Marwari Vidyalaya High School

 

Could you introduce yourself to your audience?

 

Dr. Sarita Gomes is a renowned educator and the Head Principal of M.V.High School (unaided) and Marwari Vidyalaya High School (Aided) in South Mumbai. With over 30 years of experience in the field of education, her exceptional leadership skills, collaborative approach, and commitment to student success have made her an exceptional principal.

 

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Dr.Sarita  Gomes holds a Masters in English and a Bachelor's degree in Education. She also has a Diploma in Montessori and a Diploma in School Management. Her academic achievements culminated in her being awarded a PhD for her specialization in Academics.

 

 

Could you tell us about your current role and responsibilities?

 

As the head principal for M.V. High School and Marwari Vidyalaya High School, my responsibilities include overseeing the overall academic and administrative operations of both institutions. This involves developing and implementing educational policies, ensuring adherence to curriculum standards, managing faculty and staff, fostering a positive learning environment, engaging with students and parents, and handling any issues or challenges that may arise within the school community. Additionally, I work to promote student achievement, professional development among staff, and maintain effective communication channels with stakeholders.

 

 

What is your contribution to curating a good teacher?

 

As the head principal, my contribution to curating a good teacher involves several key aspects:

 

1. Recruitment and Selection: I participate in the recruitment process by identifying qualified candidates, reviewing applications, and conducting interviews to assess their qualifications, experience, and alignment with the school's values and educational philosophy.
2. Professional Development : I facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills, stay updated on best practices, and adapt to evolving educational trends. This may include workshops, seminars, conferences, and peer collaboration sessions.
3. Mentorship and Support : I provide mentorship and support to new and experienced teachers alike, offering guidance, constructive feedback, and resources to help them excel in their roles. This may involve observing classroom instruction, providing coaching sessions, and addressing any concerns or challenges they may encounter.
4. Promoting Collaboration fosters a culture of collaboration among teachers, encouraging them to share ideas, collaborate on lesson plans, and leverage each other's expertise to enhance student learning outcomes. This may involve organizing professional learning communities, team meetings, and collaborative projects.
5. Recognition and Appreciation: I recognize and appreciate the contributions of teachers through various means such as awards, acknowledgments, and celebrations. By valuing their efforts and dedication, I motivate them to continue striving for excellence in their teaching practice.

 

Overall, my goal is to create a supportive and conducive environment where teachers feel empowered, motivated, and equipped to deliver high-quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of our students.

 

 

Could you tell us about your achievements?

 

As Head Principal, Dr. Sarita Gomes has fostered a positive school culture and strived for academic excellence. She firmly believes in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. She has played a significant role in cater to the students of minority for their bright future, making her a passionate ambassador of the Tare Zameen Par foundation in Mumbai.

 

Dr.Sarita Gomes has been honored with numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to education. She has been recognized as the Best Teacher for Montessori and for her innovative teaching methodologies. Under her leadership, her school has consistently achieved championships in sports for nine years and secured the first place in the zonal competitions for eight consecutive years.

 

Her students have also excelled in various fields. In sports, a student was selected for the National Kabaddi tournament, and the school's Kabaddi team secured the first place in the DSO Kabaddi-under 14 competition. Other notable achievements include gold and silver medals in teakwondo, a gold medal in wrestling, and standing first in the district-level chess competition.

 

Dr.Sarita Gomes has also been recognized for her leadership and contributions to school education. She has received awards such as the India K-12 Award for Effective Value Education Program, the Education Innovation Award for Outstanding Contribution to School Education, and the Times Excellence in Education & Techno World Award. She has also been honored as the Principal of the Year at the Edu Leader Summit and received the prestigious Uma's Shiksha Gaurav Puraskar and the Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam-Shikshan Sarvoch Samman and many more.

 

* M.V. High School has been recognized as the Best State Board School of the City for the 23rd ranking (Top institute of the year 2022-23) at the Grand Gala G20 Education Summit according to the CED Bharat Institution Ranking 2022-23. This achievement reflects the school's commitment to transforming education and nurturing young minds through a remarkable spectrum of initiatives and efforts.

 

 

What are the additional courses you have opted for to excel as an educator?

 

As an educator, I continually seek opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge through additional courses and professional development activities.

 

Some of the courses I have opted for to excel in my role include:

 

1. Leadership and Administration : Courses focusing on educational leadership, school administration, and management help me develop the necessary skills to effectively lead and manage educational institutions.
2. Curriculum Development: Courses related to curriculum design, assessment strategies, and instructional techniques enable me to create engaging and effective learning experiences for students.
3. Pedagogy and Teaching Methods: Courses exploring various pedagogical approaches, teaching methodologies, and classroom management strategies help me refine my teaching practices and cater to diverse learning styles.
4. Technology Integration : Courses on educational technology and digital tools equip me with the knowledge and skills to integrate technology effectively into the teaching and learning process, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
5. Special Education and Inclusion: Courses focusing on special education, inclusive practices, and supporting diverse learners help me create inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.
6. Professional Learning Communities: Participating in professional learning communities and collaborative learning experiences with peers allows me to share best practices, learn from others, and stay informed about current trends and research in education.

By investing in continuous learning and professional development, I strive to stay informed, adaptable, and effective in my role as an educator, ultimately benefiting the students and the school community.

 

 

Could you tell us about the talk shows and conferences you attended as an educationist?

 

As an educationist, I have had the opportunity to attend various talk shows and conferences aimed at advancing educational practices and discussing key issues in the field of education. Some of the talk shows and conferences I have attended include:

 

1. National Education Association (NEA) Conference: This conference brings together educators, administrators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss topics such as educational equity, teacher professional development, and curriculum innovation.
2. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference: ISTE conferences focus on integrating technology into education, exploring best practices, and leveraging digital tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
3. TED Talks on Education: TED Talks featuring prominent educators and thought leaders offer valuable insights and perspectives on various aspects of education, including creativity, innovation, and student engagement.
4. Education Week Forums: Education Week forums provide a platform for educators to engage in discussions and debates on pressing issues facing the education system, such as standardized testing, school funding, and teacher retention.
5. Education Conferences: I have attended regional and national education conferences organized by educational associations, universities, and professional organizations. These conferences cover a wide range of topics, including curriculum development, assessment strategies, and inclusive education practices.
6. Panel Discussions and Webinars: I have participated in panel discussions and webinars on topics such as educational leadership, teacher professional development, and technology integration in education. These interactive sessions allow for sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and learning from fellow educators and experts.

 

By actively participating in talk shows, conferences, and professional development opportunities, I stay informed about current trends, research findings, and best practices in education, allowing me to continuously improve as an educationist and better serve the needs of students and the broader educational community.

 

 

How do you balance your personal and professional lives?

 

Balancing personal and professional lives is essential for overall well-being and effectiveness in both areas.

 

Here are some strategies I employ to achieve this balance:

 

1. Establishing Boundaries: I set clear boundaries between my personal and professional life by delineating specific times for work and leisure activities. This helps prevent work from encroaching into personal time and vice versa.
2. Prioritizing Tasks: I prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, allowing me to focus on high-priority activities during work hours and reserve personal time for relaxation, family, and hobbies.
3. Effective Time Management: I utilize time management techniques such as prioritization, scheduling, and delegation to make the most of my time both at work and at home. This ensures that I allocate sufficient time for work responsibilities while also making time for personal interests and relationships.
4. Setting Realistic Expectations: I set realistic expectations for myself and others, recognizing that it's not always possible to excel in every aspect of life simultaneously. By setting achievable goals and expectations, I reduce stress and maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional commitments.
5. Regular Self-Care: I prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones. Taking care of my physical, emotional, and mental well-being enables me to recharge and stay resilient in the face of professional challenges.
6. Flexibility and Adaptability: I remain flexible and adaptable in managing competing demands and unexpected changes. Flexibility allows me to adjust my schedule and priorities as needed to accommodate both personal and professional responsibilities.
7. Effective Communication: I communicate openly with colleagues, supervisors, and family members about my availability, commitments, and boundaries. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and allows for mutual support in balancing personal and professional obligations.

By implementing these strategies, I strive to achieve a harmonious balance between my personal and professional lives, fostering well-being, fulfillment, and success in both domains.

 

I have a strong support system in place, including the support of your family and your faith in the Almighty. Indeed, having a supportive network can significantly contribute to maintaining balance between personal and professional life. Remembering to prioritize our well-being and nurturing your relationships alongside our work commitments is crucial for overall happiness and fulfillment. Keep relying on these strategies and supports to sustain a healthy balance life.