A school’s success hinges on the strength of its Principal’s leadership. To cultivate thriving educational environments, schools must appoint Principals who bring extensive experience in fostering learning and enhancing both student and teacher abilities. In the fast-paced educational landscape of today, reforms cannot succeed without adequate training, an area where many K12 teachers fall short in skills, knowledge, and attitude. This makes a capable Principal essential for guiding the school toward its strategic vision.
May Ruth D’Souza, Founder-Principal of Insight Academy, embodies this role perfectly. From the academy’s inception, she has championed progressive teaching methods and a forward-thinking approach. Her steadfast dedication to education and resilience in overcoming challenges has earned her recognition as the Inspiring K12 Educator of the Year 2024.
From the Scratch
Born and raised in Mangalore, May Ruth D’Souza was greatly influenced by the city’s strong emphasis on education and personal growth. Her childhood was shaped by her mother’s belief in the transformative power of education, especially for girls. This upbringing instilled in her a sense of resilience, intellectual curiosity, and the conviction that education is not merely about academic achievement but about building character and emotional strength.
Her teaching career began in a deeply meaningful way after completing her MA and B.Ed, as she returned to the very school in Mangalore where she had once been a student. This full-circle experience proved to be profoundly fulfilling for her. A pivotal chapter in her career came during her tenure at the Indian Embassy School in Dammam, where she faced diverse educational challenges and engaged with different cultures. These experiences enriched her perspective and shaped her approach toward inclusive, adaptive teaching methodologies, which have since become central to her educational philosophy.
After years of teaching and gaining diverse experiences abroad, May Ruth D’Souza returned to India with a vision to create an educational environment that could adapt to the individual needs of each student. The founding of Insight Academy marked a natural progression in her career, driven by her passion for implementing a pedagogy that goes beyond conventional education.
Leading with Vision
As Principal of Insight Academy, May Ruth D’Souza’s key responsibility is to ensure that each student receives an education tailored to their unique strengths and challenges. She oversees the development of a flexible and comprehensive curriculum, trains teachers to adopt innovative teaching methods, and fosters a school environment that supports both academic excellence and personal growth.
When asked about the future she envisions for Insight Academy, May Ruth D’Souza highlighted her long-term goals. She emphasized a focus on transformative education, with plans to expand the academy’s reach, integrate advanced educational technology, and enhance inclusive education programs. She also pointed out that achieving this vision will require continuous improvement in teaching practices and strong collaboration between educators and parents.
Balancing Leadership and Lifelong Learning
May Ruth D’Souza is driven by both professional and personal aspirations. Professionally, she aims to influence educational policy by advocating for inclusive and adaptive learning environments, while personally committing herself to lifelong learning. She consistently explores new educational technologies and methodologies that enhance teaching practices.
Mrs. May Ruth D’Souza finds balancing her role as Principal with her personal life as both challenging and fulfilling. Her day typically begins with strategic planning and meetings, followed by interactions with students and teachers. Despite her busy schedule, she dedicates her evenings to family and personal well-being, practicing yoga and cooking as ways to rejuvenate and maintain her leadership effectiveness.
Age has never been a barrier to learning for May Ruth D’Souza; she even learned to navigate the internet with the help of her grandchildren, using online resources like documentaries and research articles to inspire innovative educational solutions. She is an embodiment of patience, compassion and empathy – qualities which equip her best to play the role of a leader at Insight Academy.