Dr. M. Sujatha is the Principal of St. Alphonsa’s College of Education. She has a B.Sc., an M.A., and an M.Ed. from Osmania University-Hyderabad and has also completed her PhD in 2012 from the Department of Education, Andhra University. Moreover, she qualified for the TSSET in 2017 and was awarded an Advanced Certificate for Computer Education by SchoolNet- Hitech City.

Dr. Sujatha has 24 years of experience in the teaching field and has written more than 15 books in various subjects like ICT, Sociology, Philosophy, Elementary Education, Pedagogy, and NIOS. Furthermore, she has published in two journals, presented many scholarly articles, and conducted workshops on various educational aspects. Dr. Sujatha was also the recipient of the Women in Excellence Educational Field Award by the SHE Team in 2013 on International Women’s Day.

St Alphonsa's College of Education

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector? 

I wanted to get connected with students, especially as we are aware that students are the nation's builders. With that passion, I got into this profession, and I have a B.Ed. and an M.Ed. I was picked up by the college management soon after my education, and I have been here since then. This loyalty keeps me attached to this field. My career got built up with the students here. It's not only the work, I work with but it's also my attitude. It's my dedication my seriousness the priority that I give to the students as well as the management that has made me stay here for so many years. Moreover, I am very passionate about teaching students. Not only the curriculum, but I enjoy teaching morals, etiquette, and values and how students have to be responsible social elements.Our Correspondent and Secretary Sri Sion Raaj is a back bone and an inspiration to all the staff members to carry out the work properly. He is readily available to us to clear up any issues regarding the academics. His meticulous planning and strategies helped me and the staff members to get equipped well and stand abreast in the academics

What career options are available for students after pursuing courses from your college? 

Our college just offers a Bachelor of Education degree. Most graduates go through the entrance examination, Edcet, after completing their degrees. There is a greater demand for our students at a number of international and normal schools. Many of them end up going for higher education in countries like the USA and the UK. The other option is to seek out work. Given the competition, students must earn a master's degree in education first to find suitable employment. However, there is no dearth of suitable jobs in the private and public sectors. From primary to higher education, our students can work in at any level and succeed.

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students? 

We have many orientation classes for the students and faculty. These can be used to pick up extra skills or brush up on existing ones. FDPs are also essential for our teachers to keep themselves updated on the latest knowledge and teaching methods. We encourage our students to network, take part in research and attend any workshop or seminar they are interested in.

What factors make the programs of your college a best choice for students? 

Many people come to our college to take admission. However, we don’t make any efforts to market ourselves. Our alumni and past graduates spread the good word and recommend our college. Through their feedback, we have been able to take in several students in recent years. We do not focus just on the curriculum subjects but also on teaching good moral values to our students. We have only 12 seats reserved for college management, and the rest are for incoming students. We have modern and well-filled labs, auditoriums, and many other essential facilities. All of these and more are reasons to study at our college.

Could you provide an overview of the facilities available to the students?

We have a three-story building with modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure. We also have an auditorium and an SUPW room. The first floor has an office, a discussion room, a library, a reading room, the principal’s room, and the director's room. We also have the classrooms, the staffroom, and the waiting room on the same floor. The second floor has laboratories with equipment that is shared by all the departments. On the final floor, we have the auditorium and two guest rooms.

How does the college encourage students to participate in extra curricular activities and leadership opportunities? 

We have several departments here. In addition to the anti-ragging department and the sports department, we also have other departments focused on other areas. These clubs are responsible for holding activities and competitions. We encourage our students to organize and take part in traditional and modern activities as well. The college regularly holds functions in the form of art and drama, cultural events, farewell and induction programs. We also hold an annual cultural festival.

How does the college stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and educational research? 

We have a number of orientation classes for the faculty members. The affiliating university will also use the principals to build up the course curriculum and other content. I also make it a point to get feedback from my teachers to know what changes have to be made in the curriculum. In 2015, the curriculum changed drastically. So at our college, all the staff members, including me, went through the changes and trained themselves to teach it better.

Apart from this, we also attend seminars and workshops, and we edit the symposium. Our teachers have received computer training in the recent past. There was also an intern project and a phonetic language lab where students and teachers both worked. To upgrade ourselves to contemporary society and the current knowledge prevailing, we have these sessions regularly.

Are there career counseling and guidance services available to students tohelp them make informed career choices?

Our society itself provides counseling services. Dr. Sushrut Pradhan, a medical practitioner, also works as a counselor. Students are eligible to have an elaborate session with him. After that session, students can also connect with us personally for one-on-one discussions with the counselor. We have all the facilities in place for students to talk heart-to-heart with our counselor. We also have career guidance services for students. Students need to be better equipped in terms of skills and mindset before they start working. This is what our aim is with our career guidance services.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

We provide payment of college fees in installments. They can pay the installments anytime within the two years course. Our course fee is also nominal and affordable. We also have scholarships for economically weaker people and for reserved candidates.

What valuable advice would you like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students to have a prosperous career ahead?

Before they join a college, you must have one thing in your mind, the end goal. A certificate is just a certificate, what matters is their interest and their passion. I try with my students to build them up and draw them towards building up the nation. You can do great miracles in society, you can create people to do good in society as well. Prior to this one should have certain aspirations. Teaching needs a good set of morals, values, and attitudes.