Jyoshna Rani Behera: An Inspiring Educator Bridging Tradition, Innovation, and Creativity Jyoshna Rani Behera, a dedicated educator and lifelong learner, serves as a Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) for Physical Science and Mathematics at G.C.D. (Zilla) High School, Rayagada, Odisha. What distinguishes her journey is her return to her alma mater—not merely as a teacher but as a mentor who continues to shape the institution that once nurtured her. Her emotional connection to the school is best captured in her words, “Mo school sikhaile aa, mote dakuchhi aa”—a heartfelt expression of gratitude and purpose. Since joining the school in 2004 after completing her B.Sc. B.Ed., she has played a transformative role in both academic and co-curricular domains over the past two decades. In her role as a science and mathematics teacher, she has not only delivered core subject knowledge but has also kindled curiosity and innovation among her students. Her approach integrates theoretical rigor with real-world Beyond the classroom, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing the creative and emotional development of her students. Encouraging them to write stories and poems in Odia, English, and Hindi, she has been instrumental in cultivating a culture of literary expression. To further this vision, she introduced a wall magazine that provides a dynamic platform for students to showcase their writing, poetry, and artistic creations. Having once been a quiet and introspective student herself, she understands the transformative power of the arts. She has directed numerous school dramas, many of which have been staged at district, zonal, and state-level competitions. Her mentorship in literary events and competitions has enabled several students to gain recognition and accolades across multiple forums. Her outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was conferred the District-Level Mukhyamantri Sikhya Puraskar for Mathematics in 2023 and the Teacher Educator Award for Community Engagement by Quest Alliance in 2022. Most recently, she received the Best Teacher Award from the Lion’s Club, Rayagada, in 2024—affirming her dedication to both academic excellence and holistic development. She is also a published author. Her book, “My Life Through Education,” released on October 28, 2024, through Dreambook Publications, is available on major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Her creativity extends to music, painting, and drama. She actively shares her work—ranging from songs and sketches to student performances—on YouTube and StarMaker, offering a glimpse into the multidimensional world she creates for her students and herself. Embracing the digital shift in education, she has integrated coding and Scratch programming into her teaching methodologies, following professional training. As a District-Level Mathematics Master Trainer, she has been pivotal in capacity-building initiatives, training both students and fellow educators under the “SANKALP” model through the District Resource Group. Demonstrating a relentless pursuit of knowledge, she is currently enrolled in two postgraduate programs—M.Sc. Mathematics at Chandigarh University and M.A. Education at IGNOU. In addition, she has completed several professional development courses, including Transformational Leadership Skills, International Career Coaching (Level 1), and Vedic Mathematics. Her unwavering dedication to education will be formally recognized on November 23, 2024, when she is scheduled to receive an Honorary Doctorate Award from Kennedy University—a testament to her decades of impactful work in the field. She represents the ideal of the 21st-century educator—someone who blends tradition with innovation, and intellect with empathy. Her tireless commitment to her students, continuous learning, and creative outreach make her a beacon of inspiration in the Indian educational landscape.
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