Godwin Heights — For Dipti Singh, teaching is about motivating students and making connections.
Singh has been at Godwin Heights Public Schools for four years, the last three as the Learning Center’s math and science teacher. She works in the mornings and afternoons with high-school students who need to make up credits.
“I really enjoy being at the Learning Center because of the opportunity to work more one-on-one with the students, working on assignments together and building relationships.”
Singh said she enjoys sharing her Indian culture with her students and learning about their cultures as well. Personal connections help motivate students, she says.
“When a student says to me ‘I can’t do it; it’s just too much,’ I work with them, setting up weekly goals, and when they see that, they don’t feel so overwhelmed and (that) it is something they can accomplish,” she said.
Senior Aaron Broyles said Singh “pushes you every day,” and that he’s grateful because it means he is on track to graduate.
What is the thing that gets you up in the morning and excited about teaching? “Every day is a new day. I am always excited to go to school and know how my students are doing and what their needs are. I like to talk to them and know more about them.”
What are some of the biggest challenges and how do you strive to meet them? She said it’s the post-pandemic gaps in students’ knowledge, especially math. “I have to constantly find new ways of teaching and scaffolding. … The attention span (also) has dropped.”
What’s the most amazing thing about the students you work with? “That they can talk on so many topics and have fun discussions.”
What would you say to someone considering teaching as a profession? “It is fun, and I am always learning new things while teaching.” Singh said she would encourage people to go into the profession with the attitude that they will make a difference in students’ lives.
What do you like about teaching math and science? “When learning is related to their real-life experiences it is more fun and engaging, making them lifelong learners.”
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