Jyoshna Rani Behera, a dedicated and passionate educator, has been serving as a TGT PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) teacher at G.C.D. (Zilla) High School, Rayagada, for over two decades. A former student of the same school, her journey from a silent student to a respected teacher is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and community development. After completing her B.Sc. and B.Ed., she joined her alma mater in 2004. This marked the beginning of her heartfelt mission to give back to the institution that shaped her.

Her pride and gratitude are beautifully encapsulated in the Odia phrase “Mo School Sikhaila A, Mote Dakuchhi Aa” (My school taught me, now it calls me back). Inspired by her father, Jyoshna has embraced her role with passion and dedication. Over the years, she has inspired her students to explore their creative potential through story writing, poetry, and sketching in Odia, English, and Hindi. She curated a wall magazine to showcase students’ talents and organized literary competitions at school, district, and zonal levels, guiding her pupils to achieve remarkable success. Her direction of school dramas, performed at state and district levels, highlights her ability to encourage artistic expression among her students.

Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the District Level Mukhyamantri Sikhya Puraskar for Mathematics (2023), the Teacher Educator Award for Community Engagement from QUEST Alliance (2022), and the Best Teacher Award from Lion’s Club Rayagada (2024). Her book, “My Life Through Education,” was published on October 28, 2024, by Dreambook Publication and is available on Amazon and Flipkart. Apart from teaching, she is an accomplished singer, painter, and writer. She shares her songs on platforms like Starmaker and YouTube, where she also uploads her poems, paintings, sketches, and student performances.

Her creativity extends to teaching innovative topics like coding and Scratch programming, skills she learned and integrated into her classroom. As a District Level Mathematics Master Trainer, she has trained teachers across Rayagada, playing a crucial role in capacity-building programs through the SANKALP model. She is also a member of the District Resource Group (DRG), imparting training to newly recruited teachers. Committed to continuous learning, she has completed courses such as Transformational Leadership Skills by Yukti Kapoor, International Career Coach Level-1 by Mindler, and Vedic Mathematics by Dhaval Bathia. Currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Mathematics at Chandigarh University and an MA in Education from IGNOU, she aspires to expand her knowledge and leadership skills. On November 23, 2024, she will be honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Kennedy University, recognizing her contributions to education and society. Her journey is an inspiring blend of dedication, innovation, and creativity, making her a beacon of hope for her students and a role model for educators everywhere.

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