For Anita Joshi, teaching isn’t just a profession — it’s a journey filled with purpose, partnership and overwhelming joy.

As a fourth-grade teacher at Nottingham Elementary (NHE), Joshi brings contagious energy to every math and science lesson, sparking curiosity at every turn and guiding her students through a learning experience that transcends classroom walls.

A grandfather’s wisdom

Joshi comes from a long line of educators who inspired her path. At a young age, her grandfather — a teacher — made a lasting impression on her and continues to influence her today.

“He taught me the value of deeply understanding your teaching topic,” she said. “To this day, that benchmark — the ability to teach a topic without a teacher edition in my hand — drives my instruction and keeps my passion for learning, educating and growing alive.”

Throughout every lesson, she strives to open the world for her students, implementing a personalized learning approach. When she’s not teaching, she’s constantly seeking new strategies to meet each student where they are — socially, emotionally and academically.

“The joy of teaching is beyond words. It’s dynamic. The return on investment is infinite. Teaching is a shared journey — one where both students and teachers grow side by side,” she said.

Her enthusiasm for learning is palpable, as demonstrated by her students, who have requested more time for science and even suggested coming in on Saturdays.

“These moments are precious to me — and so is each of my students,” she said.

If she could speak to her first-year teaching self, her advice would be simple yet powerful:

“Live in the moment. Know your students. Know your content in-depth. Let your passion bring the lesson to life.”

It’s guidance she often shares with both new and veteran teachers seeking inspiration.

If she had to sum up the teaching profession in three words, they would be empowering, inspiring and collaborative.

Sparking lightbulb moments

Rather than a single defining event, Joshi says her passion for teaching is reaffirmed every day through small, meaningful interactions — whether it’s a student solving a tough problem or a classroom conversation that sparks an “aha” moment. It’s clear she finds joy in helping kids see themselves as capable learners.

To keep her spark alive, she constantly asks herself three key questions:

1. Will this experience leave an impression on my learners?

2. Will the lesson challenge every student in my classroom?

3. Can they apply it outside of school, in their homes and communities?

She also seeks regular feedback from her students, whom she calls her “most honest critics.”

“My students are like little sponges, soaking up everything around them, so I’m interested in receiving their feedback to adjust my teaching methods,” she said.

Effecting positive change

Joshi’s lessons go beyond the textbook. She teaches students the importance of making a difference.

She recalls one student who, inspired by a lesson on conserving natural resources, designed a neighborhood carpool plan to reduce emissions. At the end of the year, the student gave Joshi a handmade thank-you poster — crafted from recycled paper, of course.

“Her gesture always reminded me how impactful effective learning can be outside the classroom,” she said.

During the summer, Joshi shows her students that one person can make a difference. After school lets out, she travels to India to work with children who have autism, providing families with six months’ worth of hands-on curriculum and support.

“For these children, going to school is completely new. I want to be a part of opening that door,” she said.

Creating a firm foundation

Joshi firmly believes that education starts at home and takes every opportunity to thank parents for instilling strong values in their children.

“Those values are a key element that makes my job more manageable. They are crucial to a child’s education, positioning them for success inside and outside the classroom,” she said. “I always make it a point to express my gratitude to parents and commend them for doing a great job raising their kids.”

She also believes trust is essential to building a firm foundation for learning. She meets students where they are — academically and personally.

“I want to make sure they know we’re on this journey together,” she said.

Finding joy in family and classroom connections

If you can’t find Joshi reading blogs, books or research about best teaching practices, there’s a good chance she’s dancing to Indian music with her daughter, son and husband.

“I can’t dance to save my life, but I enjoy having fun with my family,” she said. “They bring out the silly side of me.”

In the classroom, Joshi finds joy in watching her students connect ideas across subjects and evolve into true problem-solvers.

“That’s when I know they’re not just learning — they’re thinking,” she said. “And it brings me so much joy.”

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