Teaching is more than just imparting knowledge from a textbook. It is about inspiring and engaging students to learn, grow, and think outside the box. As educators, it is essential to have originality in teaching methods to create a stimulating learning environment and make a lasting impact on students. By incorporating unique ideas and approaches in their teaching, educators can create a space for students to explore and develop their critical thinking skills. One such educator who recognizes the importance of originality in teaching is Samita Bhattacharya. With her innovative teaching methods, Samita inspires her students to think creatively and approach problems from new perspectives. Samita Bhattacharya, an experienced educator, and head of the faculty in multiple international schools in Singapore is a true master of her craft. With expertise in teaching, Samita’s commitment to her students goes far beyond academics as she mentors them to become confident, resilient individuals who are ready to tackle whatever challenges life throws their way. Below is an excerpt of Samita Bhattacharya’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

Throw some light on the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

As an educator, I believe that every experience can contribute to a better teaching approach. My varied roles in UNICEF report writing, IT market research, and advertising have taught me how to tailor my writing and communication style to different audiences. Now, when teaching my IB students, I use my knowledge of persuasive writing and informational communication to teach them how to compose various text types effectively. I realize that these writing and communication techniques are not commonly included in traditional school curriculums, yet they hold great significance in elevating the overall standard of the text.

What motivated you to establish Frankly Speaking Tuition Services? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of specialization.

Our society has become fixated on the concept of being the absolute best at everything, creating a culture where being average or mediocre is seen as an insult. However, striving to be the best is a narrow-minded and limiting approach to life. Being good at something, rather than unequivocally great, takes dedication and hard work, and can be equally fulfilling. As a teacher, I find more satisfaction in helping a struggling student reach an average level than simply guiding a good student to achieve high grades. Unfortunately, most schools only measure success through test scores, which fails to recognize the true impact of a teacher. This is where Frankly Speaking comes in. Named by my son, this institution reflects my passion for teaching English Literature and Language without the restrictions of school policies and politics. My goal is to create a place where students can be themselves and explore the world through original ideas and learning outcomes. I may be seen as a non-conformist, but I will always have my students' best interests at heart.

"As A Teacher, I Find More Satisfaction In Helping A Struggling Student Reach An Average Level Than Simply Guiding A Good Student To Achieve High Grades"

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as an educator and teacher?

It is alarming to see students unwilling to take responsibility for their learning, and even more concerning to see parents enabling this behavior. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the compartmentalization of education, where parents expect teachers to teach only a specific subject and nothing more. However, this mindset is dangerous and ignores the fact that education should include developing good manners and values. Academic honesty is another area that is often overlooked, with students resorting to shortcuts that undermine their integrity. The education system's focus on creating a soft and sheltered generation of global citizens can also be concerning, as it may hinder students' resilience and preparedness for the harsh realities of the world. To create a better future for our students, we need to trust each other and work towards common goals.

Drawing from your personal experience, what advice/message would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?

Being a successful educator and a woman with various responsibilities can be challenging, but it is important to prioritize and make sacrifices to achieve one's goals. To do this, it is important to have a solid knowledge base and to continue to educate oneself. This can be done by setting aside time to study and staying up-to-date with the specific guidelines of the curricula. While it may be tempting to critique the curriculum, it is important to remember that no curriculum is perfect and it is important to focus on imparting the best knowledge to learners. By being brave, prioritizing, and continuously learning, women can achieve their ideal life and educators can successfully impart knowledge to their learners.

Samita Bhattacharya, Founder & Managing Director, Frankly Speaking Tuition

Samita has completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Masters of Arts (MA) from the University of Calcutta, an institution that is associated with two Nobel laureates. After moving to Singapore, Samita discovered her passion for teaching international curricula. With expertise in teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and International General Certificate of Secondary Education, Samita has gone above and beyond by branching out into other international curricula such as Pearson Edexcel International GCSE, A levels, and local curricula in Singapore.