Dream a Dream spoke to Mr. Chandan Jha, Mentor Teacher, Delhi Government School, with over 17 years of experience in education on the occasion of National Youth Day 2025 (12th January). Through his work with the Department of Education, GNCT Delhi, he has supported more than 30 schools, over 3000 teachers, and thousands of students from diverse academic backgrounds to navigate challenges and discover their strengths.
Here are a few insights shared by him:
Teaching is about Empowering
Reflecting on his role, Mr. Jha shares, “My focus has always been to create safe spaces where teachers and students feel supported and valued. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about empowering.” His commitment to empowering others stems from a pivotal moment in his student life. “I had submitted an assignment, and my teacher returned it, saying, ‘I know you can do better. You have 48 hours to refine this.’ Instead of accepting mediocrity, she guided me with resources and encouragement. That experience taught me the power of belief and constructive feedback, which I strive to incorporate in my work today.” His teacher and mentor, Farah Farooqi’s influence continues to shape his philosophy as an educator. Her work in education, including her book Ek School Manager Ki Diary, reflects her deep commitment to mentoring and transforming teaching practices.
Recognising unique strengths of students
One of Mr. Jha’s most transformative experiences as a Mentor Teacher involved working with a class labeled “difficult.” Instead of diving into academics, he spent two weeks simply conversing with the students—learning about their challenges, dreams and aspirations. This approach built a foundation of trust and led to remarkable outcomes. Motivated by him, the students created a gas detection model that gained national recognition through Business Blasters, a Government of Delhi initiative to inculcate business and entrepreneurial mindset among students. “When students feel trusted and supported, they can achieve extraordinary things. My role is to guide them through this journey,” reflects Mr. Jha.
According to him, one of the most inspiring qualities of today’s youth is their clarity of purpose and the ability to express themselves freely. “They know what they want and are exploring opportunities that didn’t exist in the past. They speak freely when given the chance and are incredibly resourceful, especially with technology.”
Reimagining the role of Educators
Mr. Jha highlights the need for educators to help students connect the dots. “Our role is to guide them—linking their goals to their current position, identifying the steps they need to take, and helping them navigate challenges along the way.”
Small but meaningful actions can make a big difference in a student’s journey. He advises educators to:
- Meet students where they are: Use tools and platforms they engage with, like social media, to share relevant and inspiring content.
- Create engaging experiences: Acknowledge their efforts and offer constructive feedback to build confidence.
- Build trust: Encourage open communication to make learning a collaborative process.
Eliminating the fear of Failure
Mr. Jha encourages students to take risks. He elaborates, “The worst that can happen is failure, but every failure brings lessons that will take you forward. Take responsibility for your aspirations and be accountable for the person you want to become. Devote your time thoughtfully to the things that matter, taking action today to move closer to a life you want for yourself.”
Mr. Jha’s journey as an educator underscores the profound impact of mentorship, trust, and guidance in unlocking the potential of young minds. His approach reminds us that education is not just about academics but about empowering students to take charge of their futures.
Let us draw inspiration from educators like him, who dedicate themselves to nurturing and empowering the changemakers of tomorrow. Watch the full interview on here.
——————————————————————————————————————————-
Acknowledgment:
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Chandan Jha for sharing his inspiring journey and valuable insights with us. His dedication to empowering both students and educators reminds us of the transformative power of education and the potential every young person holds when given the right support and guidance. Starting as an educator with a strong foundation in Sociology and Education, he is serving as a Mentor Teacher, Directorate of Education since 2018, supporting six mentee schools through on-site mentorship, student engagement and collaborating with DIET and SCERT to curate in-service teacher training programmes.
About the Authors:
The interview was conducted by Lalgin Chongloi, Program Associate, Dream a Dream with support from Manorma, Associate Lead, Dream a Dream. Interview was transcribed by Humira, Intern at Dream a Dream.