What does it truly take to become a teacher? Not just someone who delivers lessons, but someone who understands children, communities, and the environments in which learning happens. For a group of trainee teachers from Smt Sakarbai K Somaiya Junior College of Education, an internship in Dahanu recently offered exactly that experience, turning everyday school life into a meaningful journey of learning and discovery.
As part of their D.El.Ed first-year training, the aspiring educators spent time at Leelaben M Kotak Primary School in Dahanu, stepping directly into the rhythm of a working school. Instead of observing education from a distance, they became part of it—planning lessons, interacting with students, and understanding how classrooms function beyond textbooks and theory.
The experience quickly moved beyond routine teaching practice. Trainee teachers conducted lessons across different classes, experimenting with different teaching methods and activities to make learning engaging for young students. Standing in front of a classroom brought both excitement and responsibility, helping them develop confidence while understanding the realities of classroom management and student engagement.
One of the most joyful moments of the internship came through a craft workshop organised for hostel students. The session introduced children to activities such as bouquet card making, quilling earrings, rangoli designs and other decorative crafts. The classroom transformed into a creative space where students enthusiastically participated and proudly displayed their handmade creations.
The internship also highlighted how culture and creativity play an important role in education. A vibrant cultural programme brought trainee teachers and students together on one stage through dances, dramatic acts, songs and poetry recitations. The performances filled the hall with energy while encouraging teamwork, confidence and self-expression among the participants.
Learning extended far beyond the classroom walls. During a nature trail at the Dahanu–Nareshwadi learning centre, trainee teachers explored the region’s natural and agricultural landscape. They observed fruit-bearing trees such as chikoo, banana, mango, papaya and coconut, along with wells, plantations and cattle sheds that demonstrated sustainable rural practices and environmental awareness.
Visits to the Mahalaxmi Temple and Dahanu Beach further allowed the trainees to experience the local culture and natural surroundings, strengthening their sense of connection with the community.
By the end of the internship, the trainee teachers returned with far more than teaching practice. They carried with them a deeper understanding of responsibility, empathy and the many roles a teacher plays in shaping young minds.
Because sometimes the most important lesson for a teacher is not taught in a lecture hall—it is learned while standing in front of a classroom, guiding a child’s curiosity for the very first time.
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