Meet Rashmi Gera: Teaching with Purpose | LANGUAGECERT

In this interview, Rashmi Gera shares how having clarity of purpose, being responsive to learners, and building strong classroom rapport help create engaging and effective learning experiences.

Thinking back on your teaching journey, what was a defining moment for your teacher identity?

Looking back, I believe the biggest influence on my teacher identity was my mother. Like many women in Asian families, she dedicated the early years of her life to caring for our home and family before beginning her career as a science teacher when I was in the fifth grade. I admired her deeply and witnessed firsthand the impact she had on her students, particularly those from underprivileged and marginalised backgrounds. She often conducted remedial classes after school and never charged a single penny.

For her, teaching was not merely a profession but a way of giving back to the community. Watching her inspired me to make a similar difference in the lives of learners one day. Also, when I completed my Bachelor of Education, I discovered an entirely new dimension of teaching through the study of psychology. It challenged many of my assumptions and opened my eyes to the complexity of learning and human development. I realised that teaching is a continuous journey of unlearning and relearning, and that sense of curiosity has kept me relevant till date.

Is there a routine or technique that you use to hone a feeling of power or efficacy?

To be honest, I don't really have a fixed ritual before every lesson. Having taught for many years, I've come to enjoy a certain level of spontaneity in my teaching. That said, one thing I never compromise on is clarity of purpose. Before any session, I make sure the learning objectives are clear and, more importantly, measurable. My preparation often happens in the background. I read extensively about different teaching methodologies and classroom practices, which continuously shape my approach. Before a session, I usually take a quick look at my notes to refresh key points and ensure I'm on track. If I'm meeting a new group of students or introducing a new topic, I also spend some time understanding their backgrounds, needs, and expectations. That helps me decide the pace, examples, and overall flow of the lesson. Over the years, I've realised that while planning is important, being responsive to the learners in front of you is equally valuable.

Do you recall a moment when you felt disempowered as a teacher?

I started teaching at a very young age, and one memory from those early years remains vivid. An older student in my class would often challenge me by asking the meanings of difficult words, hoping to catch me off guard. At the time, I found it intimidating and frustrating. However, that experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my teaching journey: a good teacher does not need to know every answer. The confidence to say, “I’m not sure right now, but I’ll find out and explain it to you shortly,” is a strength worth cultivating.

How do you ‘energise your classroom’ in your teacher trainings for LANGUAGECERT Academic?

In my LANGUAGECERT sessions, I focus on building a strong connection and rapport with students from the outset. When learners feel comfortable, they are more willing to ask questions, share their doubts, and actively participate. To sustain engagement, I incorporate interactive activities and games that draw on their existing knowledge of English. One of my favourites are Name, Place, Animal, Thing’, which I adapt into different formats to practise vocabulary, fluency, and quick thinking. Open communication, collaboration, and purposeful activities help keep the energy levels high throughout the session.