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"Each day, you will be shaping lives, you will be influencing the next generation, how they think. The call is yours."
This powerful statement from Alpana Bavejaa isn't just a philosophy; it’s the lived reality of a true educator. It perfectly captures the essence of her conversation on the latest episode of Inspiring Educators, the podcast dedicated to sharing the raw, honest stories of leaders who are shaping the future of learning.
Hosted by Rishabh Khanna, the founder and CEO of Suraasa, this episode features a deeply insightful discussion with Alpana Bavejaa, the dynamic Director Principal of GD Goenka Signature School. Her journey is anything but ordinary—from an accidental teacher taking a job for pocket money to becoming a principal at the young age of 33.
In this blog, we'll explore the key takeaways from her remarkable story: her "we, not I" leadership philosophy, her belief that grit is the ultimate deal-breaker, and her invaluable advice for every teacher who feels the profound weight and honor of their calling.
It wasn't a lifelong dream or a meticulously planned career path. It was a one-month teaching gig at a neighborhood school, taken by a first-year college student simply to earn some pocket money. Yet, this single, almost accidental, experience became the defining moment of Alpana Bavejaa's life.
Stepping into that classroom, she expected to earn a small stipend. Instead, she earned a profound new respect for her own educators and discovered a passion she had never known she possessed. In the span of a few weeks, a temporary job transformed into a permanent mission. It’s a powerful reminder that the most significant journeys we take are often the ones that begin with a single, unexpected step.
Watch this video to see GD Goenka Signature School Director-Principal Alpana Bavejaa share her journey from accidental teacher to inspiring leader of future changemakers.
What truly separates a good educator from an inspiring one? For Alpana Bavejaa, the answer isn't found in a resume or a list of qualifications. It's found in the heart. When discussing the common traits of great leaders, she points to a force more powerful than innate ability: grit.
Citing Angela Duckworth's famous book, Alpana argues that the relentless drive of passion and the refusal to give up are the true engines of success in education. This belief is the cornerstone of her leadership philosophy and the number one quality she looks for when hiring. For her, teaching is not a role to be performed, but a calling to be felt. It’s this grit that fuels educators through the toughest days and allows them to make a lasting impact, proving that what you have in your heart is far more important than the talent you have on paper.
How do you lead a team of veterans when you're only 33? For Alpana Baveja, the answer was simple yet profound: she decided to become the exact leader she had always wanted for herself. Instead of seeing their seniority as an obstacle, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to build a culture founded on mutual respect.
She didn't need to invent a new leadership style. She simply drew on her own experiences as a teacher. She knew what it felt like to want a mentor who listens, a principal who understands, and a leader who empowers. By walking into that role with a clear vision of empathy and support, she was able to tell her team, "I know what you are going through. I have been in your place." This authentic approach didn't just neutralize skepticism—it built a bridge of genuine respect, proving that the most powerful form of leadership is to be the person you wish you had to guide you.
This simple yet profound rule is the secret to Alpana Bavejaa's success in building thriving, positive school cultures. For her, culture isn't a buzzword; it's the very foundation of a great school, and it must be designed with intention. Her entire approach is built on one transformative word: 'we.'
"In my school, I never use 'I,' it's 'we,'" she states. This wasn't just a change in language; it was a fundamental shift in power. She made it a priority to give her teachers a genuine voice, ensuring they were integral to the school's journey, not just observers. She didn't just ask for their opinions; she made them feel that the final decisions were made jointly. By doing this, she gave them a powerful sense of ownership and purpose. This is how you transform a staff into a team, and a workplace into a community.
A thriving culture is built and sustained by the people within it, which is why Alpana Bavejaa carefully selects educators who will uphold and enrich her school's collaborative 'we' spirit. When she hires, she looks far beyond the CV to find the true heart of an educator. Here are the core qualities she seeks out to build her dream team:
- A Heart Full of Passion: This is the foundational spark that ignites the fire within. She looks for a deep, genuine enthusiasm for the profession — a fire that energizes their teaching and will sustain them through any challenge.
- A Hunger for Learning: The best teachers are also the most dedicated students. She seeks out "keen learners" who are always ready to take feedback, explore new ideas, and continuously grow in their craft.
- A Spirit of Innovation: While experience is valued, a creative spirit is essential. Alpana is inspired by teachers who are passionate about designing innovative and engaging classrooms that captivate students.
- Humility and Collaboration: A great teacher is humble enough to learn alongside their students and collaborative enough to be a powerful contributor to the school's 'we' culture. For Alpana, being a true team player is just as important as individual skill.
Alpana Bavejaa’s honest observation doesn't just highlight a challenge; it illuminates the incredible skill and resilience of the modern educator. The era of the "seven-hour job" is a distant memory, replaced by a far more dynamic and demanding role that requires a mastery of new skills.
Today’s teachers are masters of adaptation. They guide students who have the world's knowledge at their fingertips, they build strong partnerships with "very conscious" parents, and they navigate the constant flow of communication that comes with being a central figure in a child’s life. This evolution is not a burden; it is a testament to the profession's growing importance. It proves that today's teachers are not only passionate but also among the most adaptable and resilient professionals in any field.
What does the future of learning look like? In a world filled with anxiety about artificial intelligence, Alpana Bavejaa offers a refreshingly optimistic and empowering vision. She doesn't see a future where teachers are diminished by technology, but one where they are elevated by it to do their most important work: inspiring curiosity and guiding discovery.
In her classroom of tomorrow, the teacher is no longer the "sage on the stage" but the "guide on the side," sitting among the students. It's a dynamic, collaborative space where students take the lead. A student might exclaim, "Ma'am, look what I've identified," and the teacher's role is to explore that discovery with them, learning alongside them. AI is not a forbidden tool, but a shared resource to spark ideas. This vision is a powerful reminder that as technology advances, the irreplaceable human connection provided by a passionate, guiding teacher will always be the true heart of education.
Alpana Bavejaa's journey is a powerful masterclass in what it means to be an educator in today's world. From her accidental start to her "we, not I" leadership philosophy, her story is a testament to the idea that passion, when combined with grit, is the most powerful force in any school.
But perhaps her most important message was the one she gave directly to every teacher listening. She urged them never to lose their passion and always to remain learners. Her final words of encouragement serve as a perfect conclusion:
