From Passion to Profession: The Story of Noor Misba

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" is a quote by Nelson Mandela, and this quote encourages Noor Misba Tasneem, to pursue a career as a teacher, and she becomes a teacher who is inspiring and encouraging other people. Her core values include a commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and continuous improvement. She believes in the importance of creating a supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and understood. Moreover, she strongly believes in being a constant learner in life, whether it's pursuing a professional degree or engaging in casual training to develop new skills. She added, "Embracing lifelong learning not only helps me stay current with educational advancements but also inspires my students to cultivate a love for learning.” This article tells about her life journey and the challenges she faced during her initial year of teaching.

Introduction:

Noor Misba Tasneem is a primary school teacher, with 6 years of experience. She started her career with Dawn Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Dharmapuri, teaching primary English classes. After a year, she became the Assistant Coordinator of the primary block. In her third year, she was promoted to the secondary wing as a science teacher for 9th and 10th grades. In the fifth year of her career, she joined the Army Public School in Wellington, Nilgiris, as a middle school science teacher. Currently, she is teaching primary classes again. 

Noor is a mother of three kids, so when she was teaching her elder child at home, she developed a passion for teaching, and from there, she started her career as a teacher. She said, “What initially drew me to teaching was a parental duty to help my elder child with her studies at home. This responsibility soon turned into a passion for teaching and finding innovative ways to make learning engaging and effective.”

Challenges and Achievements:

Noor faced challenges in her teaching method, she had to adapt her teaching methods to suit different age groups and subjects and ensure that all students remained engaged and motivated despite their varying learning styles and backgrounds. She also faces some difficulties in adjusting to the requirements and standards of different schools which is a significant challenge.

Noor Misba developed and implemented innovative teaching methods using AI by creating playway assessment methods and engaging activities that have significantly increased student engagement and performance has been incredibly rewarding. Moreover, her progression through various roles within schools and successfully transitioning between different teaching levels further underscores her commitment to education.

She also published a poetry book, “Firefly—Thoughts Ignited,” which reflects her passion for writing and creativity.

Noor has been recognized for her innovative teaching practices and dedication to student success. She has received many recognitions and awards from her peers and administration. She stood 7th in the International Digital Teachers Olympiad and was in the top 30 percentile in the International Teachers Olympiad. Additionally, she was honored with the AI Achievement Champion Certificate by “Embibe” for demonstrating exemplary command over AI-powered teaching to deliver achievement for every student.

Personal Insights:

Talking about how she maintains both her personal and professional life, she said “Maintaining a balance between my career and personal life has been a journey. Initially, it was a bit challenging, but I've managed to find ways to do it.” Noor sets clear boundaries between work and personal time, stays organized, and prioritizes self-care. She engages in hobbies, spends some quality time with her family, and seeks support from colleagues and loved ones are essential in helping her recharge and maintain the balance.

Impact and Vision:

Noor envisions herself to continue contributing to the education field and continuing to develop and implement innovative teaching methods, advocating for inclusive education policies, and mentoring new teachers. She added, “By sharing my experiences and collaborating with others, I aim to contribute positively to the education system.”

Talking about future trends in the education field in India, she said “I foresee a greater integration of technology in classrooms, personalized learning experiences, and a stronger emphasis on inclusive education. These trends will enhance the quality of education and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

Noor believes that to be successful in the field of teaching one should have to connect with students. According to Noor “Essential skills and qualities for success in education include strong communication skills, creativity, adaptability, patience, empathy, and a passion for continuous learning. The ability to connect with students and inspire them is also crucial”, these are special qualities one should have to achieve success in the education field.

Conclusion:

Noor advises young women aspiring to pursue a career in education “To stay passionate, be persistent, and seek out mentors who inspire and support you. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and always remember the profound impact you can have on your students' lives. Additionally, it is crucial to learn continuously and keep yourself updated with the latest educational advancements and methodologies. Lifelong learning will not only enhance your teaching skills but also set a great example for your students to follow”.