Anu Monga

Anu Monga is an inspirational educator, school leader and entrepreneur with more than thirty years of experience in the international education sector. As chair of The Association of International Schools of India (TAISI), she believes that running a successful school means not only finding the right people but ensuring that everyone is intrinsically motivated to grow together. This requires heart-led leadership skills, the ability to listen, and providing the necessary training and infrastructural support.

Anu, you have been transforming schools and organizations and changing the lives of students for more than three decades. How do you remember your start as an educator?

I started off as a teacher in Early Years and later gained some valuable experiences as a Vice-Chair of the Board at the British School New Delhi. From there, I moved on to work for India’s first IB school, the Kodaikanal International School, where I became Middle School Principal and eventually Director of Development and Advancement. In the early stages of being a teacher, I was always an odd one out. I did not believe in semester exams and the grading system. When some of the teachers came for advice, I used to explain that though you stick to the fundamentals, let the child seek knowledge on its own, whether it’s academics or sports. The freedom to learn and play should be a priority. When I became the Head of Bangalore International School, the first thing I noticed was that there was a learning needs child, who was asked to stand outside the class. The thought that came to my mind was that schools need to understand equity, diversity and inclusiveness. I decided to tell the Board that I would work only for the school if they allow me to bring inclusivity, diversity and equity into the school. Today, I am very proud of the learning needs centre set-up at Bangalore International School, which has become a model to schools around the world.

To improve the quality of education you’ve set up TAISI in 2005. What do you see as your main achievements?

With currently 250 member schools, we have managed to build the first professional development community and network for international schools across India. I am proud that TAISI is catering to a lot of schools and helping to create an environment of innovative, experiential learning. We help with the curriculum design, policies, teaching and learning innovations and technology. We have been bringing in a lot of experts and presenters from India and around the world, who have been speaking to our educator’s community. We have moved away from a theatre-style environment and the presenters work hands-on with the TAISI community on the content and the delivery of the conferences. We are proud to have established a Teacher's Conference, Heads Retreat, Leadership Conferences and most importantly the Student Sports Fest.

How does the pandemic affect progress in India?

When the pandemic started all the schools closed. Some of the schools didn't know how to teach online and this phase was a real learning curve for teachers as they figured out how to impart teaching in the pandemic. In India, both independent and state-run schools were shut. Despite the current situation, I do see schools moving forward. Technology will play a big role as students will start learning on their own, and also interact with peers and teachers. At the moment, blended learning is the future because students do need to socialize, meet their peers; as with these lockdowns they have seen a lot of abuse at home. And in this country, some of the state schools are very impoverished and not all the students from these state schools have financial viability for online learning.

Where do you see future developments and trends in India?

I believe in the Third Teacher as infrastructure is so important for learning. And of course, now we have technology which is helping our students to become independent learners. There will be more learning opportunities through technology, and in that process, teachers will be more like facilitators. At the moment, I would say there are about 30% of schools in India that are very innovative in their approaches to teaching and learning. With the Indian government introducing the National Education Policy (NEP), within a few years, I am sure, it will take India to another level of education.

Thank you, Anu.

Learn more about TAISI and Anu’s work: www.taisi-india.org www.anumonga.com