Kamareddy Teacher Transforms Gandhari Primary School With Innovative Math Lessons

B Bhavani, a primary schoolteacher at Mandal Parishad Primary School (Girls) in Gandhari, Kamareddy district, has helped transform the state-run institution by introducing activity-based learning and interactive teaching methods that make mathematics accessible to young learners.

Her efforts have helped increase the school's student strength from just 40 in 2018 to more than 130 children today. Following her work, Bhavani received the State Best Teacher Award 2025 and has been selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2026. A recent visit by the district collector also led to the sanctioning of additional teaching support for the school.

When Bhavani joined the Gandhari school in 2018, it operated with only two teachers and lacked basic infrastructure and a pre-primary wing, leading many local parents to opt for private schools. To address this, Bhavani worked to introduce a pre-primary section in 2022 and steadily expanded school facilities, which now include additional classrooms, a library, computer resources, toilets, and digital learning tools.

Inside the classroom, Bhavani replaced conventional rote learning with stories, games, low-cost teaching aids, project-based learning, and pictorial methods to teach arithmetic, multiplication tables, mental ability, and logical reasoning. She also created a YouTube channel to share math shortcuts, lessons, educational games, dance, and yoga videos with students.

Beyond academics, Bhavani learnt Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam during the Covid-19 pandemic to offer cultural activities to her pupils. Her routine lessons incorporate sports, reasoning exercises, preparation for competitive examinations, and value education. During holidays, she conducts specialized classes in mental mathematics and logical thinking.

Several of her former students have transitioned into higher education, government administration, the Army, and sports, with some representing the country in volleyball.

Her work has also included personal financial contributions. After winning the State Best Teacher Award and its Rs 10,000 cash prize, Bhavani and her husband contributed an additional Rs 10,000 to purchase a computer for the school to launch computer education classes for the students.