Empowering Change: Sumita Sarkar’s Journey of Transforming Education

For over a decade, Sumita Sarkar Dutta has been more than just a teacher. She has been a beacon of hope for students at Metiabruz Girls High School in Kolkata. As an assistant teacher in a government school, Sumita has tirelessly worked to overcome systemic challenges, ensuring that education remains a transformative force for her students.

Her journey began when she joined the school on August 26, 2010. In a high-enrollment, resource-constrained environment, she took on the responsibility of teaching Science and Mathematics, often stretching herself beyond expectations to meet the needs of her students. Growing up in a community where education was often hindered by social and economic barriers, Sumita knew the power of knowledge and was determined to make learning accessible and engaging.

One of the defining moments of her career came when she recognized a major hurdle: the school's limited morning hours (7:00 AM - 11:00 AM) were insufficient to effectively cover the syllabus. Understanding the long-term consequences of this restriction, Sumita took action. With the support of the Head Teacher and a few colleagues, she persistently advocated for an extended school day. Despite initial resistance from other teachers and authorities, their determination led to the school transitioning to a full-day schedule (10:40 AM - 4:30 PM). This shift significantly will improve students’ learning experiences and created a more conducive environment for holistic education.

In February 2024, Sumita’s journey took a new turn with the introduction of Transform Schools (TS)  programmes. Right from the start, her enthusiasm and commitment to improving learning outcomes stood out. She became deeply involved in the Quality Circle (QC) meetings, eager to exchange ideas with fellow educators and implement innovative teaching strategies. According to her, “ The Transform Learning (TL) modules’ structured approach caters to diverse student needs, which I think is extremely required for our students.” She added that the student worksheets of TL empowered students to take ownership of their learning, while the interactive elements reinvigorated her teaching methods. Sumita championed the use of supplementary video content to enhance classroom instruction and actively encouraged her colleagues to integrate TL methodologies into their lessons.

Recognizing her leadership and insight, Sumita became a key voice in evaluating the quality of educational handbooks and ensuring their alignment with student needs. She also played an instrumental role in institutionalizing positive changes within her school, mentoring teachers and guiding them through the adoption of the TL programme. Sumita’s dedication extended beyond traditional classroom teaching. She took a proactive approach in implementing the Accelerated Learning via Technology (ALT) platform, meticulously tracking student participation and addressing barriers to access. Whether through direct follow-ups, phone calls, or messages, she ensured that no student was left behind in their digital learning journey.

Her efforts led to noticeable improvements in academic performance and confidence of students. Students who once hesitated to express themselves began to thrive, inspired by an educator who believed in their potential. Sumita’s influence is evident not only in her students but also among her peers. She has cultivated a culture of collaboration, motivating teachers to embrace new methodologies and prioritise student-centric learning. Her involvement in reviewing the Supported Learning Phase (SLP) booklet for Science and Mathematics further shaped her role as a changemaker in the education landscape. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated educators when equipped with the right resources and support. Sumita has not only shaped young minds but has also redefined what is possible within the constraints of a government school setting. “Every challenge is an opportunity to inspire change,” she says, encapsulating her unwavering belief in the power of education. Looking ahead, Sumita remains committed to fostering a learning environment where every student regardless of their background feels valued, empowered, and capable of reaching greater heights. She shared, “My journey with Transform Schools is just the beginning, and I shall continue to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in education.” 

Her story is a reminder that one teacher’s passion can create ripples of change, transforming lives and breaking barriers, one student at a time.