Every experience I’ve had as a teacher has taught me something special, and I treasure every memory. I am grateful to Mrs. Rosy John, a teacher in Pune, who set me on this path when she said,” You have a way with children, Charmaine; do your B.Ed.” My professional journey since then has been wonderful and exciting.

By the time I joined KIS, I had taught all three levels: Kindergarten, Middle School and High School. Most of this experience came from schools run by the Presentation Order of nuns: St Joseph’s and Sacred Heart, Church Park.  I salute my mentors in these institutions who fashioned me as a teacher.

In July 2002, I moved to KIS; it was a huge change from the structure I was used to earlier. I will never forget my first teaching assignment in KIS: Grade Four teacher with nine students in my class. The following year, I moved to the Middle School as the English teacher for Grades 7 and 8.  Two years later, as the AOI Leader for Community and Service, I was a member of the MYP Steering Committee. In 2007, I was appointed as the Middle School Coordinator in charge of the day- to-day running of this section (Grades 7-10); over those two years, I also taught the Grade 10 English Course.  The school has been through a series of changes over my period of service, and with the latest move of Grades 7 and 8 to the Ganga Campus, I moved into the High School as the High School Coordinator overseeing Grades 9-12; in addition to my administrative responsibilities, I also teach an IB English course.

As the High School Coordinator, my job is particularly challenging. Besides attending meetings and answering calls and letters from anxious parents regarding their children’s GPA and credits, I also have to deal with sagging pants, absences, tardies, detentions, and Activity Restriction lists.   However, just when I feel like a sergeant dishing out consequences, the day is redeemed with a ‘smile through tears’, a handshake, a hi-five or a heartfelt apology, and everything seems worthwhile.  Every time I come face to face with a challenge, I say this very special prayer: Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

KIS is ‘home away from home’ for all of us; my colleagues and I do our best to help our students feel that way. 

Charmaine Jesudoss