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Rahul Kapoor

From M.A. English Student to Head of English Department

Last updated: Mar 6, 2025

Teacher / Educator in Education · Delhi, India

From classroom teacher to head of department. Career story honest about the salaries, the burnout, the moments a student's eyes light up. For every reader whose family says teaching is not a serious career — this is what a real teacher career path looks like.

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Career Timeline

  1. Education2013-2017

    M.A. English Student

    AIIMS Delhi

    Loved literature. Was steered toward UPSC by relatives. Wrote it twice, didn't clear, found teaching instead.

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    ContextLoved literature. Was steered toward UPSC by relatives. Wrote it twice, didn't clear, found teaching instead.
    ChallengesRepeated UPSC attempts can hollow you out if you are not careful. Pivoting felt like giving up at the time.
    LearningsFailure has only as much weight as you give it. The career change I feared became the career I love.
    Skills acquired
    Literary criticismacademic writingdebatetutoring younger students
  2. Higher Studies2017-2019

    B.Ed. Trainee Teacher

    AIIMS Delhi

    B.Ed. internships at two schools. Realised that managing 40 thirteen-year-olds is harder than any thesis.

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    ContextB.Ed. internships at two schools. Realised that managing 40 thirteen-year-olds is harder than any thesis.
    ChallengesStipend was negligible. Family doubted the timing of yet another degree.
    LearningsTeaching is performance, planning, and patience in shifts of 40 minutes.
    Skills acquired
    Lesson planningclassroom managementchild psychologymicro-teaching
  3. First Job2019-2024

    English Teacher (Secondary)

    DAV Public School

    Five years teaching grades 8 to 12. Took on debate, school magazine, and the dramatic society.

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    ContextFive years teaching grades 8 to 12. Took on debate, school magazine, and the dramatic society.
    ChallengesSalary stagnated in year three. Watching peers buy cars while I budgeted for books.
    LearningsTeachers who survive are the ones who keep one small project that is not paid — that is what protects the love.
    Skills acquired
    Curriculum designexamination panelsparent communicationmentoring students
  4. Promotion2024-Present

    Head of English Department

    Doon Public School

    Switched schools for a department-head role. Now leading 11 teachers and rewriting the curriculum for grades 6 to 10.

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    ContextSwitched schools for a department-head role. Now leading 11 teachers and rewriting the curriculum for grades 6 to 10.
    ChallengesLess time in classrooms, more in meetings. Learning to fight for budgets without losing the room.
    LearningsLeadership in education is mostly protecting your teachers so they can stay good at the actual job.
    Skills acquired
    Team leadershipcurriculum reformmentoring new teachersparent councilexaminations board
    AdviceIf you can, teach for at least seven years before becoming an administrator. Otherwise you forget how it feels.

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