Teacher | 13 Years at Salma
"In 13 years of teaching here, I have never felt like an outsider. This school is a family."
Monica was born and raised in Rataul. After completing her schooling at Sant Mary Inter College locally, she went on to earn a B.A. from M.M. Degree College Khekra and an M.A. from Laxmichand Patwari College Khekra, followed by a B.Ed. from Panchvati College Meerut. Her parents and elder brother were constant pillars of support through her education.
Monica joined Salma in 2012 and was given Class 6 on her first day - though she has since taught all the way down to Class 1, where she finds her greatest joy. "Small children make every mood better," she says, smiling at the memory of children who stay close even after being scolded for incomplete work, simply because they want to be near their teacher.
She speaks warmly of Zahoor Sir - his attentiveness to everyone's wellbeing, his introduction of refreshments at school, his habit of taking staff and children on outings. His absence is deeply felt. Monica also notes the transformative role of Clearwater Analytics: educational tours to the Taj Mahal, Delhi Zoo and Rail Museum; Science Day models built by children that rival Class 12 level; digital boards in classrooms; and a library full of stories. "I hope our school and its children keep growing, day and night," she writes.