From Student to Teacher Series by Arnav Bansal
As we traverse the familiar halls of The International School Bangalore (TISB), the echoes of Mr. Rizwan Jaffar's journey resonate through time, weaving a narrative that seamlessly bridges past and present.
Reflecting on his transformation from a student to an educator, Mr. Jaffar recalls his initial educational voyage: "Having studied at TISB from Grade I-IV and later attending various IB schools across the country, becoming a teacher was never the forefront of my mind," he reminisces. However, as he pursued his management degree in India and an MBA in Dublin, Ireland, the desire to teach, especially in the IB program, crystallized: "I was clear in my mind right when I started my bachelor's degree that I wanted to get into teaching and specifically the IB programme."
The impetus for his journey into teaching arose from personal challenges faced during his schooling days, leading to a passionate commitment: "If I had a teacher who had gone through the IB programme and advised me on time management, stress management, managing deadlines, and all the complications that the IB programme has to throw at you, it would have been phenomenal." This desire to make a positive impact on students going through the same IB program is a driving force in his career.
Mr. Jaffar's educational experiences in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Dublin, and Bhopal have been pivotal in shaping him into an individual with a broad perspective: "My education experiences have been the most crucial aspect in making me an open-minded person, team player, adaptive, and established an excellent professional and personal network."
Transitioning from a student to a teacher brought forth profound insights, prompting a paradigm shift in his perspective on education: "The shift from student to teacher revealed a fundamental truth—it's impossible to prepare students for specific professions. Instead, the focus must be on skill development." In a rapidly changing professional landscape influenced by AI, robotics, virtual reality, and data analytics, Mr. Jaffar emphasizes the importance of equipping students with adaptable skills: "My focus as a teacher is always on whether my students are prepared for the challenges and the ever-changing environment that is ahead of them with all the required skills to compete and succeed."
Returning to TISB after 14 years, Mr. Jaffar notes the impressive maintenance of the campus and the evolution of resources available for teachers: "The significant change lies in the plethora of resources available to a teacher both online and offline to look at different ways to improve teaching & learning experiences." The school's commitment to all-round development, coupled with these resources, ensures students perform at their highest potential.
Favorite teaching moments come alive in Mr. Jaffar's anecdotes, from student-led debates to engaging Kahoot quizzes: "Some of my favorite teaching moments have been the debates, quizzes, and an industry visit that had happened recently." These instances showcase his dedication to fostering an environment where learning is not only informative but also enjoyable.
Nostalgic memories from his own school days continue to shape Mr. Jaffar's approach to teaching: "The most cherished memories are the moments that I have enjoyed with my teachers." From field trips to farm excursions and role-playing activities, these memories inspire him to make learning a fun, collaborative, and memorable experience for his students.
In conclusion, Mr. Rizwan Jaffar's journey from student to teacher at TISB is a testament to the enduring impact of quality education. As an alumnus, he brings a unique perspective that enriches the educational landscape for current students. His story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the profound influence teachers can have on shaping the future of their students.