An exclusive interview with Dr. N. Madhuri Parti, Strategic Head of Cyboard School, Gurgaon
By D.Raghavendra for ET Tech X, May 3, 2024
Welcome to an exclusive interview with Dr. N. Madhuri Parti, the esteemed Strategic Head of Cyboard School located in Gurgaon. With a profound commitment to educational excellence and innovation, Dr. Parti has spearheaded transformative initiatives aimed at empowering both teachers and students.
Under her visionary leadership, Cyboard School has become a beacon of educational excellence, known for its dynamic approach to fostering leadership among teachers, creating safe and inclusive learning environments, and ensuring every student receives a quality education tailored to their needs. Join us as we delve into Dr. Parti's insights on educational leadership, student engagement, and the future of education.
How do you empower teachers to be leaders?
Empowering teachers to be leaders involves granting them autonomy in decision-making and regularly presenting fresh challenges. Role modeling also plays a pivotal role; exemplified by over 50 teachers from our school assuming principal roles in leading institutions across the country. By fostering an environment where teachers are encouraged to innovate and lead, we cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
What are some characteristics of highly effective teachers, and how do these traits influence your approach to hiring them?
Highly effective teachers exhibit a passion for their work, coupled with adaptability, strong subject knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These traits guide our hiring process, ensuring we select educators who embody excellence. By prioritizing these qualities, we aim to build a team of dedicated professionals who inspire and empower students to reach their full potential.
What steps would you take to support a safe learning environment at the campus?
Supporting a safe learning environment on campus involves fostering mutual respect among all members of the community. We prioritize creating a culture of respect, where everyone feels valued and supported. By promoting open communication, empathy, and understanding, we create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where students can thrive academically and socially.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing education today?
The biggest challenge facing education today is the outdated and irrelevant nature of much of its content. Relevance is key to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the modern world. By embracing innovation and adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of today's learners, we can ensure that education remains dynamic and impactful.
What do you think is the most important role of a principal?
The most important role of a principal is to create new benchmarks of excellence, driving continuous improvement and innovation within the school community. By setting high standards, providing support and resources, and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, principals can inspire positive change and lead their schools to new heights of achievement.
Describe a successful strategy for increasing student engagement.
A successful strategy for increasing student engagement involves employing techniques such as the jigsaw puzzle method and leveraging asynchronous learning tools. These methods cater to diverse learning styles and foster active participation, ensuring students remain deeply engaged in their learning journey. By incorporating interactive and collaborative activities, we create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
How do you ensure that all students receive a quality education?
Ensuring all students receive a quality education entails offering flexibility, accessibility, personalized learning experiences, interactive tools, diverse course offerings, cost-effectiveness, a global perspective, enhanced communication channels, and continuous learning opportunities. These elements collectively cater to individual needs and empower students to succeed academically. By embracing innovation and leveraging technology, we can provide a high-quality education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.