-Udaya Poojari, Barkur
In a significant recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, Mrs. Jyothi Krishna Poojary, Assistant Teacher (Kannada language) at the Somabangera Memorial Government High School in Kodikanyanna, has been awarded the prestigious "Best Teacher Award" for Udupi District for the academic year 2024-2025. This accolade comes from the Brahmavar Educational Block, highlighting her exceptional dedication and innovative approach to teaching.
A Career Marked by Excellence and Innovation
Mrs. Poojary's journey in education began in 1998, and she is currently celebrating her silver jubilee in the profession, marking 25 years of dedicated service. Originally hailing from Barkur, she now resides in Haradi village of Brahmavar Taluk. Her educational background spans across Karnataka, having studied in Bijapur and Jamkhandi in Bagalkot district.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Poojary has served in rural areas across Karnataka, including Madawal in Gokak Taluk of Belagavi district, Sonna in Bijapur district, and various schools in Udupi district. Her current position at the Kodikanyanna school, which recently celebrated its silver jubilee, is a testament to her commitment to rural education.
Innovative Teaching Methods and Student Success
Mrs. Poojary's teaching methodology is characterized by its innovative and student-centric approach. She has consistently achieved excellent results in SSLC examinations, with many of her students scoring perfect marks (125/125) in Kannada. Her use of technology in teaching, including effective online classes during the pandemic, has set her apart.
She has initiated several student-friendly programs, including:
- Encouraging student participation in literary and cultural activities
- Providing support for economically disadvantaged students
- Distributing free learning materials with the help of donors
- Introducing Yakshagana (traditional theater form) classes in school
Contributions to Educational Resources
As a district resource person for high schools in Udupi, Mrs. Poojary has developed various educational materials:
- Bridge course worksheets for 8th, 9th, and 10th grades
- "Pariksha Jyothi" - a question and answer handbook for 8th, 9th, and 10th-grade students
- "Vyakarana Jyothi" - a grammar guide for 10th-grade students
- E-content materials under the guidance of Udupi District DIET officials
Community Engagement and Cultural Preservation
Beyond her classroom duties, Mrs. Poojary is actively involved in community and cultural activities:
- Secretary of the Brahmavar Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat
- Secretary of the prestigious Ajapura Yakshagana Sangha in Brahmavar
- Vice President of Salikeri Sri Veerbhadra Yakshagana Kala Sangha
- Founding President of Navakiran Navatare Seva and Cultural Organization in Brahmavar
- Member of Rotary Club Saibrakatte
Her efforts in promoting Yakshagana in schools have been particularly noteworthy. With the support of MP Shri Kota Srinivas Poojary and MLA Shri Kirankumar Kodgi, she has helped expand Yakshagana training programs to 24 schools in Kundapura and several schools in Byndoor Taluk.
Educational Innovations During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. Poojary demonstrated her adaptability and commitment to education by creating bridge course worksheets and other resources for 8th, 9th, and 10th-grade students. These materials have proven invaluable for both students and teachers during challenging times.
A Multi-Faceted Personality
Mrs. Poojary is not just an exceptional teacher but also a talented event host and a member of a teachers' "Talamaddale" (a variant of Yakshagana) team. She has performed several curriculum-based Talamaddale presentations, showcasing her versatility and commitment to preserving local cultural art forms.
This award is a well-deserved recognition of Mrs. Jyothi Krishna Poojary's tireless efforts in enhancing the quality of education and her multifaceted contributions to the community. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to educators across the region, embodying the true spirit of teaching that goes beyond the classroom to nurture well-rounded individuals.