From conducting classes under the shade of trees to adopting a multi-sensory approach to teaching, K. Eshwari stays off the beaten path variously.
After six months at KRM Public School in Perambur, one of the best compliments that Eshwari received from her students is they like the way she teaches.
“That is a big motivation for me,” says the biology teacher who takes classes for high school students.
Her love for studies and ambition to be a teacher is what keeps her going in spite of the repeated rejections and challenges she has faced from society.
A first generation graduate from the family, Eshwari lost her father when she was in school but was always determined to study.
Eshwari has an impressive educational qualification. She did her undergraduate course at Pachiyappa’s College, post graduation in M.Sc from Presidency College and teacher training from the Institute of Advanced Study in Education.
She later went on to receive a doctorate in education researching on “Children with Dyslexia”, and has worked in a number of educational institutions including a B.Ed college as principal and University of Madras as guest faculty.
Teaching is not new to her and when asked to take a “demo” at KRM Public School as part of the interview process she was completely at ease.
“The biggest change we want from the institution is to be open about recruiting a transgender. Many did not even call back when I revealed my gender. After I underwent a gender reassignment surgery, I was rejected by many employers,” says Eshwari.
The class teacher of grade VIII says the environment in the school has been welcoming, especially her fellow teachers who respect and treat her equally.
Eshwari had been an active student who was involved in various co-curricular activities since in school days at Royapuram. Today, she is happy she gets to bring out the best in her students.
“It was the silver jubilee annual day of my school and then education minister Thangam Thennarasu presented me with a cash prize for coming first in dance,” says the teacher who is now in her early 30s.
Eshwari has also been a dance trainer during Chennai Sangamam events.
Padmaja Rajkumar, executive secretary to CEO, KRM Group of Schools, says under the leadership of R.J. Thayumanaswamy, CEO, the institution has been practising inclusion for some years now.
In 2014, students of Classes VII and VIII took up a project under “Design for Change” where 11 transgenders were trained in different life skills including computers and making doormats for close to two years. “As part of the project, we also had them visit the campus many a time, so when you create such an environment I think children learn to be allies,” says Padmaja.