What I Wish I Knew When I Started Working in Education
By Mdm Agalya Balaguru, Campus Principal of Knewton Global Schools Ipoh

 

When I first stepped into education, I thought I understood the job. I imagined lesson plans, clear routines, motivated learners and a sense of steady progress. What I did not yet realise was that education is not simply a profession—it is a living, shifting ecosystem of people, emotions and moments that rarely behave according to plan.

If I could speak to my younger self on that first day, I would offer a few quiet truths that only experience can teach.

First, I would say: not every day will feel successful—and that is normal. Early in my career, I measured success in obvious ways: perfect lessons, engaged students, smooth transitions and visible progress. I now understand that some of the most meaningful work is invisible. A student who returns to class after a difficult weekend. A quiet word that prevents a situation from escalating. A lesson that does not go as planned but still leaves something behind in a learner’s mind. These are not always measurable, but they matter deeply.

Second, I would remind myself that relationships are the real curriculum. I used to believe that content was the centre of education. Over time, I realised that trust is the foundation upon which all learning is built. Students learn more readily from people they feel seen by, respected by and safe with. The same applies to colleagues. Schools function best not when everyone is perfect, but when people are connected enough to support one another through imperfection.

Third, I would say: flexibility is not a weakness; it is a skill. No matter how carefully a lesson or timetable is designed, reality has a way of rewriting the script. A student has a meltdown. A fire drill interrupts the flow. A brilliant discussion takes an unexpected turn. At first, I saw these as disruptions. Now I see them as part of the craft. Teaching is not about rigid control; it is about responsive thinking.

I would also warn my younger self not to underestimate emotional fatigue. Education is joyful, but it is also emotionally demanding. You carry the hopes, struggles and needs of many young people at once. Without reflection and balance, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. I wish I had known earlier that rest is not indulgence—it is sustainability.

Perhaps most importantly, I would say: you will not have all the answers—and you are not meant to. In the beginning, I felt pressure to be certain, decisive and consistently right. With time, I learnt that humility is far more powerful than certainty. Asking questions, seeking advice and admitting uncertainty do not weaken leadership; they strengthen it.

Looking back, I see that education has never been a straight path. It is layered, unpredictable and deeply human. And while I once thought I was entering a profession, I now understand that I was entering a community of continuous learning.

If I had known all this at the start, perhaps I would have worried less. But perhaps that is also part of the journey—learning not only how to educate others, but how to grow alongside them.

Key Vocabulary

Ecosystem — a connected system of people or things that affect one another

Progress — forward movement or improvement over time

Meaningful — important and valuable in a significant way

Foundation — the basic support or underlying principle of something

Curriculum — the subjects and learning experiences taught in education

Flexibility — the ability to adapt and respond to change

Disruptions — interruptions that affect normal flow or routine

Emotional fatigue — mental and emotional exhaustion caused by ongoing stress or responsibility

Humility — the quality of being modest and willing to learn from others

Sustainability — the ability to continue something in a healthy and balanced way over time

At ILTI, we believe that education is more than just studying. It is about learning, growing and becoming more confident every day.

We provide a supportive environment where students are guided with care, encouragement and dedication. Every student matters and every step of progress is celebrated.

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