My Journey as a Language Instructor at TDSB: Where Culture Meets Classroom

What’s the secret to staying youthful, energetic, and stress-free in the hustle and bustle of life? Teaching kids every Saturday morning at Cornell Junior Public School!

(Yes, I said Saturday morning—when most people are recovering from Friday night Netflix binges, I’m teaching kids Sanskrit. No big deal.)

For the past two and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a Language Instructor with Toronto District School Board as a part of their International Languages Elementary and African Heritage program.

This program is open to students from Kindergarten to Grade 8—whether they’re TDSB students or not. The focus is on fostering oral communication, reading, and writing skills.

From India to Canada: A Language Lover’s Tale

My journey as a language instructor didn’t start in Toronto. It began over a decade ago in India, where I worked with Samskrita Bharati , a fantastic organization dedicated to reviving Sanskrit as a spoken language.

With Samskrita Bharati, I coordinated workshops, music programs, and even plays—all centered around Sanskrit. It was a solid, unforgettable experience that cemented my love for teaching and language preservation.

Fast forward to 2021: I found myself in Canada, braving the snow and Tim Hortons double-doubles, wondering how to stay connected to my roots.

That’s when I came across TDSB’s language instructor opportunity. I applied, despite the odds stacked against me (TDSB rarely hires anyone on a temporary visa). But, as they say, expertise and passion speak louder than paperwork. To my delight, I was hired.

It felt like a huge achievement—proof that when you truly love what you do, opportunities find their way to you.

Saturdays with Sanskrit: A Weekly Dose of Joy

Every Saturday, for 2.5 hours, I step into the classroom at Cornell Junior Public School at Lawrence and Markham. My students? Bright, curious, and incredibly sincere. Their parents enroll them in my class out of pure love for the Sanskrit language and culture, which is both heartwarming and inspiring.

The kids learn how to greet, introduce themselves, and converse in basic Sanskrit.

We chant traditional shlokas, poems that the kids memorize effortlessly (sometimes better than I do).

And yes, numbers in Sanskrit! Watching their faces light up as they grasp a new concept is priceless.

What’s remarkable is that these kids are growing up in a predominantly English-speaking environment, yet they show such enthusiasm for Sanskrit. It’s not just about learning a language—it’s about keeping a piece of our heritage alive.

What Teaching Means to Me

Teaching Sanskrit isn’t just a job—it’s my weekly recharge.

Being around kids is like being plugged into a fountain of youth. They’re curious, funny, and brimming with fresh perspectives. Plus, staying connected with this newest "alpha generation" keeps me relevant and, dare I say, cool (or at least they humor me).

It’s also deeply fulfilling to know that I’m helping bridge generations through language and culture. Watching my students thrive gives me a sense of purpose that carries over into my professional life. And let’s be honest—after a week of work, who wouldn’t want to spend Saturday mornings with a bunch of bright, eager kids?

Why It Matters

In a world where screens dominate and traditional languages often take a backseat, it’s extraordinary to see parents and kids making time for Sanskrit. It’s a testament to the timelessness of culture and the power of education.

If you’re a parent looking to enrich your child’s learning journey, or if you simply want to know more about TDSB’s amazing programs, check out. Trust me, it’s worth it.

As for me, I’ll continue showing up every Saturday and the joy of teaching, ensuring that this ancient language thrives in the modern world!