Long before she ever stood in front of a classroom, Sampada was on a different path.
Her early career was grounded in science — structured, logical and precise. But life, as it often does, had other plans. When she first moved to Singapore from India and became a mother, her world shifted. It wasn’t just her son’s first experience with preschool that opened her eyes; it was the way his teachers welcomed him, celebrated him and nurtured his small but mighty spirit.
“I was touched by how nurturing and dedicated they were,” Sampada reflects. “Their genuine care for the children, especially seeing how they supported my child, made a lasting impression on me and sparked my curiosity about the early years.”
With encouragement from her son’s then-principal, Sampada stepped into the world of early childhood education; a decision she’s never looked back on.
A Quiet Confidence
Sampada joined Star Learners in 2022, drawn by the way her principal, Ms Ira, listened during their very first conversation. “She made me feel seen,” Sampada says simply. “That was all I needed to feel that this was the right place for me.”
Since then, her presence at Star Learners @ Choa Chu Kang Sports Centre, where she’s affectionately known as ‘Teacher Sam’, has been steady and nurturing. She finds joy in the everyday moments: the way children light up when they learn something new, the way their hugs say more than words ever could. “Their curiosity reminds me to keep learning too,” she says. “While I teach them, I also learn so much from their innocence, curiosity and unique perspectives.”
One of her most unforgettable moments came during her first teaching job, nearly 11 years ago. A young girl with selective mutism hadn’t spoken in school for two years. “She would go completely quiet the moment she stepped into school,” Sampada remembers.
With patience, consistency and compassion, Sampada built a bond. Over time, the child began to respond, first with gestures, then with words. “After six months, she started communicating with everyone. Watching that unfold reminded me why I love this job – it’s not just about teaching. We’re changing lives.”
Dancer. Teacher. Community Builder.
Outside of Star Learners, Sampada moves to another rhythm, one shaped by tradition, artistry and cultural pride. She’s a dancer, choreographer and grassroots leader, known in her community for teaching Bollywood fusion dance to children and adults alike. For years, she’s performed in Chingay and the National Day Parade, proudly representing her heritage on some of Singapore’s biggest stages.
“Dance is my happy place,” she shares. “It helps me express who I am and connects me to my roots and the community.”
This year marks her fifth time dancing in the National Day Parade. Though the rehearsals are demanding — often stretching late into the evenings — Sam wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. “There’s something magical about looking out into the crowd and seeing so many happy faces. It’s always an exciting and proud moment for me.”
Where Passions Meet
Dance isn’t just something Sampada does after hours. It seeps into her classroom too, not in grand performances, but in small, joyful ways. Action songs. Movement games. Rhythmic clapping. She uses motion as a teaching tool, helping children express themselves, release energy and grow in confidence.
“I find that movement helps children learn better,” she says. “And when I dance, it recharges me. I come back to class with new ideas and a fresh spirit.”
The discipline of rehearsing, the patience of choreographing, the teamwork of performing — all these spill naturally into her teaching and relationships with colleagues. “Whether I’m planning a lesson or a dance, the principles are the same: prepare well, stay grounded, and work as one.”
A Place That Celebrates the Whole Self
What Sampada appreciates most at Star Learners is the support. When she needs to start work early to attend 7pm rehearsals at the Padang, her team willingly steps in. Her principal also consistently appreciates and cheers her on. “They respect my passions, and they help me make time for them. It’s so different from my past experiences.”
She’s also found a community that uplifts one another, especially during crunch periods. “Everyone is supportive, and we genuinely celebrate each other’s talents and successes. When someone feels stressed about submissions or upcoming deadlines, we step in to help, offering suggestions, sharing ideas and encouraging each other to persevere.”
And through it all, Sam feels free to bring her full self to work — not just the educator, but the dancer, the mother, the community volunteer. “That makes all the difference,” she says.
Action songs. Movement games. Rhythmic clapping. She uses motion as a teaching tool, helping children express themselves, release energy and grow in confidence. “I find that movement helps children learn better. And when I dance, it recharges me. I come back to class with new ideas and a fresh spirit.”
Moving Forward, With Grace
As for what’s next, she’s taking it one step at a time: more dancing, more learning, more connecting with the children she teaches. “I may not be perfect at time management,” she laughs, “but I’m getting better at prioritising what matters most.”
And that’s what grounds her; the joy of the classroom, the energy of the stage and the belief that by nurturing your own happiness, you show up every day, more inspired, more motivated and more present, creating space for others to do the same.
