Ms. Gita Jagannathan is the owner and founder of APL Global School, Chennai. She is a voracious reader and connoisseur of fine art, music, and humorous tales. She has a penchant for exploration and thirst to constantly evolve; attributes that reflect her growing-up years when she had to make sense of the cumulative experiences of travelling through 8 different schools, her father having been in a transferable job. APL Global School is the outcome of her search for an inclusive and nurturing space. Gifted with a thirst for the whys and hows of a person’s evolution she spent years reaching out, tutoring and mentoring students who were struggling to fit in despite being intelligent, talented, and hardworking.

This drove her to learn more about giftedness, learning disabilities, and special education. She used the Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers and a course with Harvard Wide on Differentiated Strategies to deepen her understanding of pedagogy and learning. Gita is a Reiki Grand Master, a hypnotherapist and a student of Yoga. This spiritual sensibility in combination with her skills in psychology and counseling alchemically contributed to the birth of APL school as a space to experience personalized learning for students, faculty members and all stakeholders.

Gita has put in huge efforts and timeless exploration for the establishment and smooth functioning of the Academy for Personalized Learning or APL Global School. Founding the institute was the beginning of her journey of transforming the education system. Her unique endeavours to make a positive difference in the education sector are far better and more practically-driven as against the conventional form of pedagogy that has been globally followed for so long.

She believes that every human being is unique; that it is possible for each of us to realize our true potential and create an environment that is supportive. In a relatively short span of 13 years, under the tutelage of Gita, APL has gained a reputation for providing a caring educational system that develops every facet of a child’s personality. Her aim is to have every student become a happy and healthy individual who confidently explores the limits of their own potential.

“ What I learn, I explore; that I experience. I learn and learn for life. This is the driving force behind my role as an educator. Facilitating my students’ journey along with their teachers’ through wonderment, exploration, inspiration and learning is my goal. I aim to instil confidence in students and make them believe they too can be inventors, discoverers, scientists, a good Earth citizen- A fantastic human being. My day is made when I see the glee and the gleam on my students face when they have had learning which was splendid, awe-inspiring.”

Sarija Santhosh holds a Bio-Medical Engineering (Hons) degree from the Bombay University. She has had a successful career in a string of reputed corporate houses including Hewlett Packard, Network Ltd, Interkadio Pvt. Ltd and Systems Bio-medical Pvt. Ltd in which she has held and successfully performed challenging sales and service responsibilities. She moved into the educational field to share her knowledge, combined with her passion for being with children.

Sarija has completed her Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers with a distinction in module 1 and A-level (Biology) online training with Cambridge University.

In addition to being a faculty in the Department of Biology, she was also the Biology co-coordinator, where she mentored teachers in making lesson plans and assessments to help them give wings to student’s imagination and experience science with all their senses. In the role of an Examination officer, Sarija brought in her years of managerial experience and skill and took the entire team of teachers to conduct the examinations seamlessly and flawlessly. In her stint as Head of Middle and Senior School, her vision to develop a rigorous learning environment, mentoring and leading a team of teachers for the holistic development of the students, saw its fruition at various levels. In her role as Head of Junior School, she continued to deliver the vision that she developed in her earlier role. Her efforts towards an inclusive learning environment and empowering students through restorative justice are close to her heart. She now steps into her new role as the Principal of APL Global School in 2020-21.

Sarija has multifaceted talents and interests that range from being a nature lover to Indian classical dance & music. She also likes reading technical updates on medical advances and has a keen interest in various art forms and mediums. A year into her role as principal, Sarija has steered the school through unheralded challenges of 2020, hand-in-hand with all stakeholders. Her experience and expertise has served as a lynchpin in embracing change while engaging students and teachers alike with the same vigour and energy.

Gomathi Prabhakar heads the Teacher Mentor Center at APL Global School, where she plays a pivotal role in mentoring and teacher training. She believes that the well-being of a teacher plays a crucial part in building a safe and nurturing environment for their learners.

Gomathi has done her masters in History from the Delhi University and holds the Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers. She has also acquired the IB certificate in Holistic Teaching and Training and trained in Mindfulness Fundamentals.

She has been an integral part of APL Global School since its inception in 2008 and has witnessed the translation of the school’s vision and values into meaningful action. Her extensive experience in various roles; as a faculty member, subject coordinator, and head of senior school has helped her contribute to the institution’s mission and its everyday practice. Her ability to listen in a non-judgmental manner allows her to build trust and rapport with teachers, enabling them to explore their challenges and aspirations with confidence.

In her role, Gomathi provides a robust support through the Teacher Mentor Center by offering a range of professional development opportunities or training programs tailored to the diverse needs of the teaching staff that are necessary to constantly enhance their practice.

Fiza Abubacker is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience spanning various industries and roles in the realms of Telecom, banking, advertising and education. With a strong foundation in English literature and specialized training in teaching language proficiency exams like IELTS and PTE, Fiza brings a unique skill set to the classroom.

Her journey at APL reflects a story of continuous growth and development, from her initial role as a faculty member to her current position as the Head of School. As she awaits her final certification as a Cambridge International Trainer, Fiza is poised to further enhance her expertise and contribute to the education sector with renewed vigor and passion.

Her impact extends beyond her credentials and professional progression. She believes that ‘A Teacher’s impact lasts a Lifetime’. Her friendly and helpful personality has left a lasting impression on her students, inspiring them to excel. Fiza doesn’t just teach English; she inspires students to be better communicators and lifelong learners. Her friendly demeanor and genuine interest in her students make learning a joyous experience.

Fiza Abubacker’s journey at APL is not only marked by professional growth but also by the positive impact she has had on her students’ lives. Her commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment underscores her dedication to education and student success. As she continues her pursuit of excellence, Fiza’s influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the minds and hearts of future students.

She strongly believes in Inclusion and is of the opinion that every child is unique. It is our responsibility as educators to bring out the best in them.

Sangeetha Rajamani, a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience, brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to fostering inclusion and lifelong learning. Her distinguished career encompasses Special Education, Psychology, Mathematics, and Education Management, with roles in special schools, mainstream schools, and inclusive schools in both India and the USA.

At APL, she has embraced various pivotal roles, including Special Educator, Head of School, and Teacher Mentor. Her leadership approach is characterised by empathy, efficiency, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. She embodies a person-centric attitude that seamlessly resonates with the cherished values of our school, symbolising her profound dedication to the realm of education.

Sangeetha believes that ‘every student holds a unique gift, waiting to be revealed in their own time’. She is committed to creating inclusive learning environments that transcend barriers, and unlock the full potential of every student. Her focus is on tailoring personalised learning experiences to suit individual student’s abilities, ensuring that no student is left behind. She is deeply invested in the holistic development of students, nurturing not only their academic growth but also their social, emotional, and personal well-being.

A staunch advocate of the philosophy that ‘learning is a lifelong journey’, she inspires educators to pursue continuous personal and professional development. Her conviction that ‘empowered educators empower students’ drives her efforts to create meaningful learning pathways for educators. She equips them with the tools, mindset, and heartset needed to cater to diverse student needs effectively.

Recognising the invaluable role of parental involvement, she fosters collaborative partnerships among parents, educators, and the school community. As Head of NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) at APL, her focus is threefold: empowering educators, nurturing a supportive environment for students, and actively engaging parents.

Sangeetha Rajamani is dedicated to cultivating a culture of empathy, respect, and celebration of diversity, where every voice is heard, every talent is nurtured, and every individual is empowered to thrive. Through her steadfast commitment to inclusion, she aims to inspire a positive ripple effect that transforms lives, communities, and ultimately, the world.

‘The more I read and understand, the more certain I am that I know very little. I am still learning and better so with my students. My job here is not to help prepare my students for something but to support students prepare themselves for any challenge ahead. APL is a special place for me as the classrooms are great learning spaces for both the teacher and the student; the staff — collaborative, and the whole environment — inclusive’

A life-long learner, Mahalakshmi Sankaran has over seven years of experience in the profession of teaching. She joined APL Global School in 2014 as a teacher for Math, Science, and Computer Science for Primary. Taking on the role of Math Coordinator for Primary and later for Lower-Secondary School were the stepping stones to her current role as the Head of Lower-Secondary School.

Before joining APL Global, Mahalakshmi worked in the IT industry with companies like IBM, Tata Consultancy Services in India and Australia, and Philips in Singapore. As Alvin Toffler said, ‘The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn’. An Electrical and electronics engineer by profession, Mahalakshmi is now working on her Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching and Learning.

Having spent the last few years in the education sector, she is particularly interested in new-age teaching practices and pedagogies that will help teachers recognize students’ varied learning styles and practice differentiation in the classrooms. Differentiation, she believes, will be the way forward to create compassionate, humane contributors who are critical thinkers and skilled communicators. Having essayed the role of a student-mentor for several years now, Mahalakshmi firmly believes that a teacher with a passion for teaching, a hunger to learn, and the determination to nurture the young minds is the best facilitator a student can have in their school life. Working alongside the Training department, to equip teachers with these essential skills for this challenging and relevant curriculum, has been her passion.

The most valuable resources we have at school are our people – parents, teachers, students, staff – and we all have each other. She will strive to collaborate with all of them for their mutual growth. For a school as diverse as APL, she believes in creating inclusive environments where every student will have strengths to build upon, interests to share, and experiences to honour.

Teaching children to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best— This is Jolly’s mantra. A Gold medalist in post-graduate Engineering with 10-years of teaching experience, Jolly Francis’ career started as a lecturer in an Engineering college. After a stint of 3 years of developing and nurturing technical minds, she was drawn into the world of tiny tots

An enthusiastic, dedicated and creative individual, Jolly found her true calling in the world of young children. At APL, she began as a math teacher for Primary grades. Her classroom success stories and pleasing personality propelled her towards a leadership role, thus taking over as the coordinator for Math at the Primary level.

As a coordinator, Jolly guided her colleagues to improve teaching strategies in Math. As a team player and go-getter, she established professional relationships with parents, the administration, and other staff members ensuring the seamless functioning of the Primary Mathematics Department.

Agile and active, Jolly shows a keen interest in sports and dance. As a swift sprinter, she has won several championships and participated in state-level events. Apart from these activities, she channelizes her creativity by engaging in design art.

Jolly has also been a part of national and international conferences. Her paper titled ‘Kernel Weighted FCM base MR Image segmentation’ was presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Association (IEEE) conference and was published in the IEEE digital library.

As the Head of Primary school, Jolly aspires to create an environment to nourish and nurture young minds and empower them with the ability to realize their potential,  guided by the principles and philosophy of APL. She vows to continue to uphold the professional atmosphere amongst teachers, building on collaboration and investing in new practices.

John Steinbeck “Teaching is the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit”

Cimpu Susana Thomas leads with kindness and has a passion for young learners. She stands at the helm guiding little learners on the discovery and growth. She is a firm believer of inclusion, empathy, and play in early childhood education. She believes in creating a safe and nurturing environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. With a focus on fostering curiosity, creativity, and resilience, she strives to empower each child to reach their full potential.

Cimpu Susana has a wealth of experience and expertise with over 20 years of dedication to nurturing young minds; which she now brings to her current role as Head of Kindergarten. She found her passion for children’s education when she enrolled as a teacher in 2000 in a preschool. Over the years, she progressed to teach in various institutions as a teacher and shadow mentor, until 2014, the year she joined APL Global as a homeroom mentor for Grade 1. She has served as a curriculum coordinator for Grades 1 and 2 for 6 years.

She strongly believes in a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among staff, encouraging each educator to bring their unique talents and perspectives to the table. Through mentorship, support, and professional development opportunities, she inspires her team to continuously innovate and grow.

She recognizes that parents are a child’s first and most influential teacher. She is committed to build strong partnerships with families, inviting them to actively participate in their child’s learning journey. Through open communication, trust, collaboration and creating a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom walls, Susana believes it opens up opportunities for a child to thrive and realise its potential.

Cimpu Susana also firmly believes that mindfulness as a method can bring clarity, calmness and focus to each individual. “Passion with compassion” is her go-to motto in her professional and personal space. She is an avid reader, who also enjoys conducting workshops, training & guiding teachers to bring out their best skills. Besides teaching and mentoring, she enjoys spending time caring for her plants, drawing, dabbling in singing and watching movies.

Kripa firmly believes that “Understanding students’ strengths, their areas of interests and providing adequate learning opportunities in familiar environments is the key to unfold their potential”.

Kripa Ganesh is primarily a management graduate. She later changed tracks and embarked on a journey with special education. She has since then completed her PG Diploma, B.Ed and M.Ed in Special Education, from Mumbai. She has also completed an online certificate course on Differentiated Instruction from Harvard University.

Prior to joining APL, she has worked in special schools, in Mumbai & Chennai, in the capacities of a Special Educator, Course Coordinator and Research Coordinator. She has been a visiting faculty at special schools, colleges and vocational training centres. As part of a research project, she was instrumental in setting up a resource room for providing therapy and special education services in a slum area in Mumbai. She has also participated in creating awareness on disabilities through street plays, radio shows and write-ups.

She joined APL in 2013 as a Special Education Coordinator, progressed as Deputy Head of the Special Education Department and is currently the Head of the Kamalam Programme, a unit for students working on functional curriculum, launched in June 2021.

In her role as Special Education coordinator, she conducted observations and assessments for students, to make placement decisions. She worked with teachers and parents to empower them with strategies for developing and honing specific skills. She actively supported them by sourcing appropriate resources and hands-on activities that would help
students in their learning.

She has always shown keen interest in planning and conducting the training programs in APL. As the Deputy Head of the Special Education Department, she mentored and supported special education coordinators in developing student specific plans and guiding them in their work with teachers.

In her current role as Head of the Kamalam Programme, she guides the teachers in creating theme-based plans for students focussing on their functional literacy, communications, math, daily living and community living skills. She works closely with therapists and teachers to plan the co-curricular programmes for the students. She focuses on encouraging students to interact with their peers and family, enabling them to participate in community activities and empowering them find their voice; which will improve their self-esteem and make them feel as contributing members in the community.

She is very passionate towards her work and possesses over 12 years of experience in working with children having diverse learning needs.

Radha Krishnamoorthy is a strong advocate for cross-industry knowledge transfer and application. She transitioned from the manufacturing sector to education in 2016 after a decade of experience in Human Resources and Procurement. She had earlier been a volunteer with the Spastic Society of Tamilnadu.

In 2020, Radha joined APL as a Special Education Teacher, focusing on tailoring and scaffolding the Cambridge and Samacheer English curriculum for Lower Secondary students. Her background in leadership and administrative roles, combined with her teaching experience and a Master’s in Developmental Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University, paved the way for her recent appointment as Head of School at Kamalam in November 2023.

Passionate about inclusion and a proponent of strength-based approaches, Radha aims to blend evidence-based practices with core human values such as kindness, compassion, and gratitude to enhance the learning experience for students and provide exceptional support for them and their families at Kamalam.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Radha is a Reiki Seichem healer and an avid reader, enjoying a wide range of genres. Some of her favorite books include Principles of Philosophy by René Descartes, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.