Hyderabad: Thaduri Sampath Kumar, a physics teacher at Zilla Parishad High School in Dammannapet, Sircilla district, has inspired his students to become young innovators. His efforts have led to him being selected for the National Teacher Award 2024.
Similarly, Prabhakar Reddy Pesara, a biology teacher at Zilla Parishad Secondary School in Thirumalayapalem, Khammam district, has also been shortlisted for the national award. He has been using experimental and innovative teaching methods to engage his students.
These two teachers, Thaduri Sampath Kumar and Prabhakar Reddy Pesara, are the only educators from Telangana among the 50 teachers recognized for their unique contributions to school education. They will be honored by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi during the Teachers’ Day celebrations.
Thaduri Sampath Kumar has a mission called “Mission 100,” where his goal is to shape 100 government school students into young innovators. So far, he has successfully guided 53 students, with eight of them winning gold medals in international science exhibitions and more than 30 receiving state-level awards.
To encourage innovation, Sampath Kumar set up an “innovation idea box” at his school. Students were encouraged to drop their ideas for solving local problems. This initiative led to the creation of various innovative solutions, such as welder-friendly helmets. With support from the Telangana State Innovation Cell and T-Hub, his students have developed several innovations.
During the pandemic, Sampath Kumar also contributed as a state resource person through T-Sat and authored a Science textbook for the State Board (Telangana) for Classes VI, VII, and VIII. Although he once aspired to become a scientist and missed admission to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc), he now aims to inspire his students to become young innovators who can contribute to the nation.
Prabhakar Reddy Pesara, who has been teaching for the past 28 years, believes in the importance of hands-on learning in science education. He has implemented a “step-method” approach that involves teaching through experiments and projects. He also integrates Information Communication Technology into his lessons to make concepts easier for students to understand.
Throughout his career, Prabhakar Reddy has taught in various remote areas of the state and has enrolled 1,513 students in government schools. He views the National Teacher Award as a recognition of his dedication to making science education more engaging and accessible for his students.
