On November 21, 2024, the second day of the National Seminar at the SCERT Uttarakhand Auditorium proved to be a significant platform for sharing and celebrating innovative practices, leadership models, and transformative approaches in school education. The event brought together educators, policymakers, and academic leaders from across the country, showcasing a diverse range of ideas and solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of education. he seminar was jointly organized by SIEMAT Uttarakhand and NIEPA (National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration), proudly sponsoring the program to foster educational innovation and leadership.
Morning Session: School Leadership Club and Educational Innovations
The day began with an impactful session chaired by Ajay Kumar Naudiyal, Additional director SIEMAT and moderated by Dr. A.R. Gupta, where presentations shed light on key advancements in leadership and pedagogy. Topics included:
- Using Local Dialects and Cultural Contexts to enhance learning outcomes in primary schools.
- Transforming Classroom Dynamics through leadership initiatives, as presented by educators from Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli.
The presentations emphasized holistic development, teacher training, and innovative pedagogies that could be adapted in diverse settings. Bandana Garbyal, Director of Academic Research and Training, remained present throughout the session and applauded the efforts of Haryana Government Schools for their student-centric leadership models and holistic educational strategies.
Mid day Session: Best Practices and Inter-State Collaboration
Chaired by Rakesh Singh Rawat, the second session focused on exemplary practices from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and other regions. Notable highlights included:
- A detailed presentation by Indu Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, who shared innovative practices for classroom teaching and creative assessment techniques.
- Case studies from Haldwani, Chamoli, and Dehradun explored the integration of cultural values and local dialects into the curriculum to foster a sense of identity and inclusiveness among students.
- Discussions on Inclusive Education and addressing adolescent challenges, particularly in rural schools, which resonated with participants.
The session was graced by the presence of the Asha Rani Painuily Additional Director of SCERT, who, alongside a Head representative Amrish Bisht from the Azim Premji Foundation, provided insights on policy-level initiatives to support schools in remote areas.
Afternoon Session: Leadership and Vision in Education
The final session featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on Leadership in School Education. Moderated by Dr. Kuldeep Gairola, Additional Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, the panel included:
- Pradeep Rawat, Joint Director of SCERT Uttarakhand
- Bhagwati Maindoli, a distinguished educationist
- Educators and administrators from various schools
The discussion revolved around the challenges of leadership, conflicts in program implementation, and practical approaches to child-centric education. Dr. Gairola commended school heads for their leadership and resilience in overcoming challenges, while Pradeep Rawat highlighted the need for systemic reforms and suggested actionable solutions for fostering a nurturing environment for children.
Keynote by Bandana Garbyal: A Vision for Educational Leadership
In her closing remarks, Director of the ART, Bandana Garbyal delivered a powerful keynote that resonated with the audience. She emphasized the importance of fostering collaborative and innovative leadership among school heads and officers. Her praise for Hariyal Government School, led by Principal Yadav, was a moment of inspiration. She lauded their remarkable efforts and courage in setting an example of excellence, turning challenges into opportunities.
Garbyal also highlighted the importance of learning from best practices across states, particularly the models presented by Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, which showcased exceptional leadership, teacher motivation, and student engagement strategies.
Topics Covered During the Day
The presentations and discussions covered a wide array of topics, including:
- School Leadership and its Role in Transforming Schools
- Integrating Local Culture and Dialects into the curriculum
- Innovative Teaching Methods and Assessment Practices
- Addressing Adolescent Challenges such as mental health, early marriage, and gender equity in education
- Inclusive Education and Teacher Training Programs
- Leadership Models from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, emphasizing policy reforms and ground-level implementation.
A Day of Learning and Recognition
The seminar concluded with a sense of shared commitment to improving education. Director Academic Research and Training , Bandana Garbyal commended all participants for their dedication and vision, particularly highlighting the efforts of school heads and educators who are shaping the future of education in India.
The National Seminar, through its focus on leadership and collaboration, underscored the potential of educators and policymakers to drive meaningful change and make quality education accessible to all.
