Bipasha De
I am not an optimist. Neither am I a pessimist. I am a realist.
Born and bred in Kolkata, my love affair with Literature started way back in school, when I first looked into the hard-bound books in my school library. It is said that a teacher affects eternity and my teachers have well and truly set me on this eternal journey of demystifying and exploring the various facets of literary expression.
That exploration continued as I pursued my undergraduate and post graduate studies in English Literature. I am still an explorer and am amazed at how a few words can weave such potent and transformative magic.
I am a study in contradiction……I hate chocolate but am crazy about chocolate cake. I love to read and deconstruct poetry but cannot bring myself to write any. My favourite thing in the world is to daydream, yet I loathe magic realism. I believe that the best teachers are those who show you where to look but do not tell you what to see. As a teacher, it is my endeavour to set my students on their own journey of exploration and celebrate their discoveries as I continue mine.
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Aarti Seth
An alumna of Welham Girls’ School, I went on to complete my Masters in English from India and an online course on Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Passionate about reading books and writing, I am often found buried in one, at times to be called the ‘Uncrowned Queen of Procrastination’! Interacting with students is my forte and this motivated me to leave my brief stint with journalism nearly two decades ago.
An avid trekker and nature enthusiast, technology might not be my best friend, but if you hear a ‘battle of voices’, you are perhaps nearing one of my classrooms!
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Michelle Thomas
Raised in the misty hill station of Coonoor (near Ooty, for those unfamiliar with the place), I absolutely love the hills and the mystic panorama they present. A cup of ‘chai’ and a hot snack complete the picture of bliss. In the absence of anything remotely resembling this image, however, I am usually found pecking away at my keyboard or curled up on the couch, binging on something dark and creepy on Netflix, can of Pepsi in hand.
I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English Language and Literature in Chennai, but had no clue what to do next. I stumbled on teaching completely by accident but fell in love with the vibrancy, creativity and joie de vivre that imbues this profession.
While most adults find me “difficult” to deal with (their words, not mine), I love interacting with my students and am constantly amused and amazed by the outpouring of ideas from the younger generation.
My interests range from reading works of fiction and writing rambling articles, to drawing, baking and answering innumerable questions posed by my three (yes, three!) little brats.
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Sheldon Dias
I was born and raised in Kolkata. The city, with all its chaotic grandeur and unyielding magic, has left an indelible mark on me. I acknowledge its shortcomings, yet celebrate its chaos.
I began my career as a journalist and I continue my passion for publications by leading an editorial team for the school magazine – The Modernite. I also serve as the Extended Essay Coordinator for the IBDP section of the school and as a teacher and Examiner of English Language and Literature in the IBDP.
I am inherently dramatic by nature and can turn even the most mundane experiences into magical realms of endless possibility. It is no surprise then that I began teaching Drama in grades 9 and 10 in 2018, to share my love for theatre with my students – especially the magic involved in translating drama from the page to the stage.
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Sumana Chatterjee
An internationally acclaimed speaking coach and IBDP facilitator, I encourage students to discover their voice by enabling them to become more focused, convincing and empathetic speakers. I believe that the power of voice and leadership are imperative to bring about stable change.
Following my Master’s degree in English Literature, I pursued several international programmes to hone my skills as a coach, mentor and leader, including Master Trainer of Communication from Trinity College, London and Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University.
With a history of work in short films, the media and government service, I have mapped an interesting journey. My recipe for success is: Add 1 tablespoon of ideas to 2 tablespoons of teamwork and mix it well with 3 tablespoons of positivity. Then, toss in a pinch of focus and leadership, and you will get there.
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Christina Lewis
An involved and evolving educator, an honest friend and a compassionate human being, I hail from the ‘City of the Nawabs’ and uphold the strong ideals of Loreto’s banner. I completed my academic and professional degrees in Lucknow. Teaching high schoolers for the past twenty-seven years in India, Qatar and finally the United Arab Emirates, I have found the anti-aging mantra.
Besides reading and writing (my diary), I am an articulate communicator who enjoys debating, extempore speaking, elocution and dramatics, glimpses of which are seen in my classes.
Music, cooking, crosswords and board games are my stress busters and varied interests. Connecting with family and friends is my strength, prayer and gratitude – my lifeline.
My favourite quote by Kipling states, “If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run…” Did you say ‘Run’? – now that is a bit of a challenge but I want my students to soar and fly, seizing every opportunity and giving it their very best.
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Sumaiya Vajawala
An accomplished teacher with over 15 years of experience, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Arts and my teaching qualification from the University of Mumbai. I find great joy in what I do by contributing to innovation and excellence in education. I have a positive attitude, progressive outlook and relentlessly strive to improve and be creative.
I am experienced in curriculum design and classroom management and have coordinated several local and international events. I have facilitated in-school training programmes as well.
I value honesty, integrity, commitment and friends. When I am not teaching, I enjoy volunteering, gardening, cooking, trekking and more. I am a dreamer, nature-lover and education rock star.
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Muniza Khan Bose
Being born and brought up in Calcutta with its old world charm and its plethora of social clubs, I grew up with an exposure to a wide gamut of activities be it tennis, swimming, golf, table-tennis, badminton or even darts. Having represented my school and college at events such as swimming meets, badminton and cricket tournaments, and simultaneously taking my college a step further in helping the needy as the NSS secretary, have all shaped me into what I am today.
I have completed my B.Ed and have a double Masters in English and Psychology. Teaching has always been my first love but my other passions include mothering my two sons, writing stories, relishing the Dubai brunches by the sea, baking and songwriting. I am truly blessed to have not only an amazing family, but also an equally amazing set of friends, especially from the English department at my school, who add that dash of much-needed colour and spice when it’s required the most!
I take great pride in working at Modern, which has been my home away from home for the past 14 years and as each batch passes the portals of our school into the big ‘not so bad’ (my opinion entirely) world, I smile secretly in the knowledge that in my own minuscule way, I may have shaped our young ones into the change-makers they have become.
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Carolyn Reynolds
I am dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic teaching as a means of creating and nurturing a lifelong love of knowledge in children. Being a well-rounded educator, I have had the opportunity to teach a diverse group of middle and high school students, thus enhancing my teaching techniques and instructional methods.
I hold a Master’s Degree in English Literature and a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Science. I have also completed a course by Mr. Alyque Padamsee on Effective Communication Skills, from the London Institute.
I am a traveller, educator and adventure-seeker. For me, education is not just about learning things to make a living but also making the world a better place to live in.
Hailing from Mumbai, which is a melting pot of cultures, has taught me that understanding diverse cultures plays a vital role in education. At the end of the day, a city is just a city, and it’s really the friendships one makes and the experiences one has that make it fun and worth living in.
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Rumana Azeez
I am a teacher of English Language and Literature for IBDP, ISC and ICSE. I also teach Theory of Knowledge at the IBDP level and am a Coordinator for the Moral Education Programme for Middle and Senior school.
I have been a teacher for twenty years and have taught a range of curricula over the years. I also work as a debate coach and communication trainer at Modern. I have been an adjudicator for regional and global rounds of the World Scholars Cup.
Besides teaching, I am involved in professional development activities like conducting workshops on curriculum development, sssessment and mentorship for schools in India. I have also won the Best Research Paper award at the 9th International English Language Teachers Association of India Conference (ELTAI) in Jaipur, India
On the go, I love writing poetry in my native language (Urdu) and at leisure, I enjoy watching Amazing Machines and Ingenious tools or New inventions by Quantum Tech. Trevor Noah and Hasan Minhaj are my favorite standup comedians.
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Divya Rajgarhia
A teacher of English in senior school, I am passionate about Maya Angelou and Ken Follet’s works. I like to spend time with my daughter. A firm believer in teaching and learning being a two-way process, I strive to make a difference in the lives of the students I interact with each day.
Born and brought up in the city of joy, Kolkata, I love travelling and exploring new places. I also love to organize video conferences between students from all over the world, where they get an opportunity to interact with their peers on global issues such as climate change or human rights and ask questions to CEOs of renowned companies. I believe that life is a journey of realizations and meaningful experiences.
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Divisha Mehrotra
‘To this my school, I proudly belong…’ Vibrant and vivid memories of my schooling years in Jamnabai Narsee School, make me not want to miss a single annual reunion.
Branching out into advertising, I graduated from Sophia Polytechnic in Applied Art which opened doors for me to work in the glitzy galaxy of Mumbai television for a few years. Nonetheless, I found my true calling in the world of teaching and learning so I completed my B.Ed from Mumbai University, and apparently had a natural flair for it, topping my college that year. And here I am, with that natural flair for control.. oops, teaching.
As a true Mumbaikar, I am an ardent fan of Bollywood movies and songs and especially love listening to someone singing live without music! A strong believer in the Zen philosophy, I am filled with pride when during class discussions, my students delve into realms beyond logic, expressing their thoughts without inhibition only to reveal their true inner selves. As a passionate communication and debating coach, watching students communicate and debate with ease fills me with gratification.
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Shimona Paul
My penchant for English as a subject started at a very young age as I seemed to have a flair for the subject (possibly the only subject that came naturally). Hence, I ended up doing a Masters in Literature and a double major at the Undergraduate level. I am definitely proud of the three gold medals that I have to my credit from the university. I am a proud ex-student of Avila Convent.
Apart from that, I also deem it an achievement to have a UAE driver’s license which I got on the 6th attempt (I did not have butterflies the size of elephants even when I appeared for my board exams, but I did for every single driving test).
There is nothing that excites me more than music. I begin and end my day with good music. I grew up listening to and singing all kinds of music. I regret stopping my Trinity Vocals after the 5th grade. Like many of you, I started learning the guitar (perfected 3 chords and did not go beyond). I also learnt the piano for 7 years, but did not become Elton John either (I have not practiced for years and only remember 3 basic chords there as well). What I did accomplish was being a very proud teacher of English.
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Avinash Surve
My educational journey started under a huge banyan tree. Soon I graduated to a village temple and a government school. Since then, what a ride it has been! The road to Shivaji University, Kolhapur; English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad; and the British Council, Mumbai, wasn’t easy.
From a kid in some remote village, I managed to earn my Master’s degree in English Literature, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching of English (PGDTE) and Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). I am a certified IELTS trainer too. Well, I’ve always been accused of being an all-rounder.
I can paint, sing, cook, trek, ride motorbikes or drive cars and do all sorts of adventurous activities like scuba diving and parasailing. One day, I hope to jump out of a plane, with a parachute, and ride or drive across continents.
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Deeksha Handa
I am a creative and gregarious person. For me, the word ‘No’ doesn’t exist. I feel we should give things a shot before giving up. I love children and consider myself lucky to have made my passion my profession, that is teaching. I enjoy reading and listening to music. Technology is something that gives me an adrenaline boost. I like to try new things using the latest technology.
Unlike some women, you will see me enjoying browsing in an electronics shop rather than a jewelry shop! The child in me is alive and I love listening to what children think. Times are changing and so is their thinking. I am a friend to my pupils and when need be, I pull the reins too. My children are my oxygen and I pray that we adults can do something to give our next generation a healthy Earth.
Some things that really trouble me are child abuse, women being ill-treated, insensitivity and rude behavior. I feel we all are unique and have come into this world for a purpose.
I have graduated with English Honors and have also completed my B.Ed. (both from Loreto College.) I have also completed a CELTA course from Cambridge.
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Uurmi Ghosh
I am passionate about investing life into life. Having over 20 years of experience, both in the education and the corporate sector, I believe in traversing the path less travelled, in order to make a difference in the lives of others. If you need to stand apart from the crowd, you need to lead by example.
Stepping out from the cajoled cocoon of La-Martiniere For Girls, Calcutta, the school fraternity was the stepping stone to the outside world. I majored in English from Calcutta University, and got my Post Graduate degree from Subharti Swami Vivekanada University(DDE). Presently, I am pursuing 400 hours of an International PG Diploma in TESOL/TEFL. I am a keen sports enthusiast, and that trait is but natural for a national level gold medalist in swimming.
A butterfly fluttering, the smell of the wet earth after a spell of rain, the chirping of the birds at dawn, the picturesque hue of the first light of the rising sun – I find happiness in the simplest things in life. I believe in karma and living life king-size on my terms, keeping in mind never to be the reason for anyone’s tears. I am what you see, without any pretence.
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Brandon Dias
Born and bred in the city of joy, Kolkata, I joined Modern, virtually, in the month of April, 2020. Having chanced upon a Masters degree in English from Calcutta University, I began teaching young adults at my alma mater. There, I helped organize the first ever inter school cultural fest hosted by the school and also coached students for their inter class English elocution competitions.
At Modern, I have been a part of an editorial team and am currently overseeing a student-led educational podcast.
Besides singing occasionally, when no one is listening, I enjoy watching football and spending time with my loved ones. I am known to share an excellent rapport with my students and ardently believe that I have much to learn from them.
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Ryan Wright
I have worked at Modern since 2006 and embody the principle that effort and hard work are the key to success. I believe that my classroom sessions promote knowledge and skills and invite questioning by students.
I have mentored students and teachers alike in the art of public speaking. Being a man of the outdoors, I have led students on a number of camps, treks and expeditions.
I have a creative, imaginative and innovative outlook and enjoy training students for various inter school events and competitions, such as debates, declamation, dramatics and elocution. My ability to motivate students and share a love of learning fosters an interactive and successful classroom environment.
As coordinator of the Activities for Curriculum Enrichment (ACE) programme, I believe that exhibiting tenacity, resilience and creativity in decision making is the key to designing and remodeling the programme so that it continues to address the changing needs of the students and the school.
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Craig Temple
Born in the Sultanate of Oman, I have studied in various prestigious educational institutions across India as well. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pune and a B.Ed Degree from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand. I am currently completing my Master’s in English from Uttarakhand University.
I started my career at a young age as a flight attendant but took to teaching as it is my ultimate passion. I have 10 years of teaching experience in institutions around India, in places like Dehradun, Mussoorie and Pune.
My hobbies are photography and angling and I am an avid traveller who loves adventure. I am also a keen sportsman who loves and plays various sports. Apart from this, I am a passionate environmentalist.
I believe that moral guidance and the proper imparting of a holistic education is what students need to have. I firmly believe that the knowledge and skills students receive should prepare them and give them a good foundation to face the outside world.
