Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.

– Scott Hayden

GIIS has, in place, various internal support systems and strategies to enhance the skill sets of the teachers to equip them to cater to the 21st Century learners. This includes the continuous professional development and capacity building or training programmes that are conducted by GIIS throughout the year.  

In view of this, an intensive week-long Virtual Orientation cum Training Programme was organized by GIIS Ahmedabad for the teachers from 7th to 12th June 2021 before the school re-opened post the summer vacation.

The Orientation Programme began with prayer songs, followed by a meditation session and an inspiring welcome message by Principal Mr. Caesar D’silva. A warm welcome was extended to the new joiners who were each assigned with the mentor.

Mr. Rajiv Bansal, Country Director, GIIS India addressed the teachers on an inaugural day. In his motivating speech, he reiterated the vision, mission, and core values of GIIS and encouraged the teachers to make meaningful contributions to education and a conscious effort to stay ahead of the learning curve as GIIS teachers.

On the same day, an Induction cum onboarding programme was organized for the new teachers by Ms. Sunita Jaisingh, National Head- Academics, and Ms. Vaishali Borde- National Head- GMP and Co-Scholastics. Ms. Vaishali also conducted a stimulating session on the topic ‘Teach to Inspire’ for all the teachers, the next day.

To start with, the Segment and Subject Group Meetings held during the week,  gave clear direction to the teachers regarding the daily/ weekly and monthly proformas to be maintained, preparing appropriate Worksheets and Question Papers, effective use of Google Classrooms, Subject Enrichment Activities, making regular and proxy classes engaging and so on.

Among the other topics that were covered during the week included preparation of good lesson plans, the teacher observation format, the secondary duties, the school almanac, the quality circle projects of the school, the 9 GEMS Report Card, upcoming assessments, the new time-table and so on.

Special sessions were conducted for familiarizing the teachers with the new updates in the 7S Result Analysis module which is one of the USPs of GIIS, and myGIIS- the school ERP system. An interactive session was also organized on the zoom webinar features and improving presentation skills. A session on ‘Use of Gamification and Digital Tools and Apps in Education’ was also held for the teachers.

The School Counsellor guided the teachers on ‘Counselling and the Role of a Teacher as a Counsellor’. The special educator of the school conducted an informative session on the ‘Role of a Special Educator’.

The teachers had a great time participating in various enlivening activities during the ‘Theatre in Education Workshop’ by renowned theatre personality Mr. Walter Peter. Dr. Karamveer Singh, HOD, Department of School Leadership and Management was invited for a session on ‘Mindfulness as Tool for Teachers’. Mr. Blesson Varghese, Managing Director, Asia for Astec Inc. inspired the teachers to undertake the journey from becoming ‘good teachers’ to ‘great teachers’ through his session ‘Teaching in the Post COVID World’.

Two sessions on ‘Soft Skills’ given by principal Mr. Caesar D’silva were a great value addition in enhancing the personality of the teachers. He also conducted a session on ‘Parent Communication’ which is the most essential element to ensure positive collaboration with all stakeholders.

GIIS Ahmedabad, Principal, Mr. Caesar D’silva says, “It is pivotal that schools recognize the importance of well-structured teacher development programmes which are in tandem with the teaching and learning requirements of the schools. Such programmes should be given due importance in the curriculum, as they have a great role to play in improving the students’ performance. I have no doubt that the teachers of GIIS Ahmedabad are fully revitalized to give their best in the Academic Year 2021-22 after attending this Programme.”

The programme focused on bringing everyone on a common platform from where they can together ideate, think out-of-the-box, bring in their creativity and experience and share the best practices.