DPS Director Principal Aditi Mishra on Advancing Education and Teachers

At Masters’ Union, where learning by doing shapes every experience, Professor Ankur Vohra, Head of Institutional Partnerships, spoke with Dr. Aditi Mishra, Principal Director of DPS Sector 45, Gurugram, about how educational leadership can transform schools into thriving communities. 

Director Mishra demonstrates that institutions can foster both academic excellence and personal growth for students and teachers. Through strategic combination and empathic planning, she shows that education is as much about nurturing people as it is about delivering the curriculum.

Reideating on Teacher’s Eligibility in Education Industry

Dr. Mishra has redefined teacher eligibility in India, prioritising communication and practical experience over formal qualifications. She emphasises the importance of continuous in-service training to keep educators aligned with evolving student needs. Real-world experience, she believes, is essential to engaging classrooms and creating meaningful learning experiences. Teachers who can translate theory into practice make learning more relevant, helping students connect concepts to everyday life.

What Effective Teaching Requires:

1. Teaching effectiveness relies on communication skills and hands-on experience rather than formal degrees

2. Continuous in-service training ensures teachers adapt to changing educational needs

3. Practical insights from real-world experiences enhance student engagement

How Dr. Aditi Mishra Shaped Her Path to Leadership?

Dr. Mishra’s career began in DPS Vasant Kunj, where hierarchy limited early leadership opportunities. She soon realised that growth required both initiative and patience. Moving to a smaller DPS project school provided space to innovate and take ownership. These early challenges taught her resilience and the value of mentorship. She credits her early mentors for guiding her and providing opportunities that helped her move into larger leadership roles.

Career Lessons:

1. Early career challenges build resilience and adaptability

2. Mentorship can be pivotal in career growth

3. Conviction and willingness to embrace uncertainty enable leadership opportunities

Dr. Mishra’s on Building DPS Sector 45

When DPS Sector 45 opened in 2001, the infrastructure was incomplete. Despite this, early enrolments grew rapidly, and by 2002 the school had 1,200 students. Today, the institution hosts over 5,500 students, highlighting the impact of a strong educational vision. Mishra prioritises happiness for both teachers and students, understanding that a positive environment drives academic success and parental satisfaction. She has cultivated a culture where teachers feel valued and students feel motivated, demonstrating that institutional growth depends as much on human factors as on physical infrastructure.

Principles for Growing a School:

1. DPS Sector 45 expanded rapidly from its initial enrolment to over 5,500 students

2. Teacher and student well-being is central to fostering academic excellence

3. Long-term teacher retention strengthens school culture and consistency

Creating Access: Shiksha Kendra

Beyond elite education, Dr. Mishra founded Shiksha Kendra in 2002, a school for underprivileged children that grew from 50 students to 2,200. The initiative fosters empathy, social awareness, and opportunity, providing children from disadvantaged backgrounds with life-changing access to education.

The programme demonstrates that when schools extend opportunities to underserved communities, the ripple effects can be profound. Students gain confidence, a sense of responsibility, and an understanding of social privilege. Many alumni have progressed to prestigious universities and successful careers, proving the transformative power of access-focused education.

Impact of Inclusive Education:

1. Inclusive education develops empathy, responsibility, and social consciousness

2. Shiksha Kendra enables underprivileged children to access quality education

3. Alumni achievements illustrate the transformative impact of the initiative

Leadership and Sustained Energy

Dr. Mishra maintains her energy and passion for education through the progress and happiness of her students. Even during challenging periods, such as the pandemic, her focus remained on student welfare, underscoring the role of empathy and commitment in sustained educational leadership. 

She demonstrates that effective leadership is not limited to administrative skills but is driven by a genuine commitment to the people who are part of the institution. This approach ensures longevity, consistency, and an enduring positive influence on both students and staff.

Sustaining Leadership:

1. Passion and empathy drive long-term leadership effectiveness

2. Student progress and well-being sustain motivation and energy

3. Leadership involves a consistent focus on the holistic development of children

Learn by Doing Philosophy

Dr. Mishra’s philosophy aligns closely with Masters’ Union’s Learn by Doing approach, which integrates practical skills and industry exposure into education. She supports bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving. 

In her schools, project-based learning and experiential methods have shown that students retain more, understand deeper, and develop skills essential for future challenges. This approach demonstrates that education is most effective when students are active participants rather than passive recipients of information.

Practical Learning in Action:

1. Practical experience is essential alongside foundational learning

2. Industry engagement bridges the gap between theory and real-world application

3. Hands-on projects nurture problem-solving, critical thinking, and curiosity

Education Beyond Academics: A Lasting Impact

Dr. Aditi Mishra’s journey illustrates that transformative education extends beyond academics. It relies on conviction, teacher empowerment, and care for student welfare. Her work at DPS Sector 45 and Shiksha Kendra demonstrates that schools can be incubators of leadership, empathy, and opportunity. 

True success is measured not only in academic achievement but in student growth, teacher satisfaction, and societal impact. Her example shows that when leaders prioritise both human and educational development, institutions can thrive sustainably.

Foundations of Transformative Education:

1. Effective education balances academic rigor with empathy and care

2. Leadership requires resilience, vision, and long-term commitment

3. Real impact is evident in student success, teacher engagement, and societal contribution