Working in a team of 6 means we communicate ceaselessly, we work with a sense of urgency and we’re always learning.  This year we embarked on a new journey - the result of 12 months of grueling research, asking and answering difficult questions and staying true to our purpose. Teach A Class has renewed its focus on becoming a marketplace that connects teachers to solutions, innovations, and professional development opportunities that meet their needs.

Step back in time, to November 2018:

While we worked with Zaya, our sister organization, to implement innovations in the classroom, the team gleaned many insights. We learnt about the reality of Indian classrooms, the teachers and the system they operate in. We learnt that without adequate awareness-building, support and guidance, we aren’t doing justice to largest population of value creators in our economy - our teachers. 

Crowdfunding Experiment

We started research and development with the idea to empower teachers by connecting them to resources (and funding opportunities) they could use to enhance their effectiveness and thus improve learning in the classroom.

Here’s what we learnt.

1. There is a widespread misunderstanding that Indian teachers lack motivation. Arti’s example demonstrates a different perspective. At Teach A Class we are committed to listen intently to what teachers say and share their stories of impact.

2. Content and solutions for the new tech-based user population in India need to be user-focused , multi-lingual and easy-to-use. We work with stakeholders, to deliver these solutions to teachers. We must trust that teachers are able to make an informed choice. 

3. We were asked to pick one problem and solve it well. We’ve informed our approach through crucial conversations with our Board, mentors, advisors, teachers and supporters. We’re focusing on what we know best. We know what our teachers need and we know what works on the ground. 

In May 2019, we successfully connected 135 teachers to 5 curated solutions in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Lucknow. Starting June 2019, we had the opportunity to learn and observe what happens when teachers began using their solutions.

This year, with your support, we’ve been able to 

• Onboard 10 curated solutions for 2020

• Drive and receive 374 applications for teacher scholarships in October 

• Engage with 70 teachers 913 times, collect 127 hours of observational data and support teachers through 610 coaching calls. 

• Reach 70+ teachers and 2,800 students in Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad.

In 2020 we plan to connect 500 teachers across 10 curated solutions to reach 20,000 children in 3 cities. 

Next up

• We’re experimenting with teachers from high-income and mid-income schools

• We’re widening our menu of solutions to include non-tech tools.

If you’re interested in supporting our work or sharing your feedback, please feel free to write to me at sonia@teachaclass.org

Sonia D’Souza

Executive Director

Teach A Class