Team Members

Climbing Feet, Finding Grounds & Finding Self - Middle & Senior School (Classes V - XII)

Anita Nair - Head - Senior School

Anita Nair is Head of Middle & Senior School. Anita Nair’s first passion is teaching, having had the fortune of been mentored by teachers who went much beyond their immediate responsibility of teaching. They prepared her for life by building her self-esteem, enhancing her confidence, and arming her with a strong and sound character. Once she was done with her studies, her mother told her that teaching was one of the noblest professions one can pursue…a profession that directly engages one with children and their lives. It is with this conviction that she took up this profession and there is no looking back.

After years of experience as a teacher in Army Public school, the move to Shikshantar was a huge shift. In her first interaction with Minoti didi and Sunil bhaiya, she was awed to know that there is a school where children love to come everyday…where Biology classes happens right amidst flora and fauna…where children ask questions without any inhibitions…

In Shikshantar she was entrusted with assignments that the school pursues for bringing forth the best in students and in addressing the issues that hinder their wholesome development.

While teaching students about the great mysteries that the human spirit of enquiry has unravelled, a teacher must hail the human beings who worked for it and highlight the travails they went through and the mettle that they displayed. As a teacher, she tried to connect to her students-their strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and fears-so that she could help them overcome their limitations and excel in what they are good at.

Apart from curiosity, she had immense respect for knowledge and knowledgeable persons. Her learning repository always has room for more. Learning perhaps, happens spontaneously if the curiosity to learn is fostered. As a teacher, she always tried to endow her students with this attribute, so that the quest for knowledge becomes part of their lives.

Shweta Saxena - Curriculum Coordinator - Classes IX - XII

Shweta Saxena started her journey in Shikshantar in 2013 as a Chemistry facilitator and has facilitated the subject across Classes IX to XII. She has done her Masters in Chemistry and Bachelors of Education. As a passionate Chemistry teacher her enthusiasm for the subject and dedication to instil love for Chemistry were her key areas of commitment. Her journey continued when she became the Group facilitator. As a Group facilitator she enjoyed each moment with the children understanding their perspective and building a strong relationship with them. This helped her understand each student's strengths and challenges, allowing her to tailor her teaching approach to meet their individual needs.

A strong connect with the children, dedication to education and passion for Chemistry took her from being a Group facilitator to a Curriculum Coordinator for Classes IX to XII. Valuing the input from teachers, administrators, and recognizing the importance of a team effort in shaping an effective and cohesive curriculum are her key approaches. Collaboration is the heart of her work as a Curriculum Coordinator.

As a Curriculum facilitator and coordinator, she believes “ Education is not the filing of a pail, but the lightening of a fire.”

Gunjan Choudhary - Curriculum Coordinator - Classes VII & VIII

Gunjan’s journey with Shikshantar began in 2006 as a parent, moved by the joy, curiosity, and confidence she saw growing in her children. Drawn to the school’s progressive and inclusive philosophy, she joined as a facilitator in 2011, bringing with her a strong background in science and a deep interest in how children learn.

She holds M.Sc. in Microbiology and began her career as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. As a Level 1 certified SEE Learning educator, she is committed to nurturing emotional well-being, ethical awareness, and compassionate engagement in the classroom.

Over the years, she has taught Biology and Chemistry across primary to senior levels. Guided by The Mother’s words “The mind should be consulted in its own growth”. She believes learning happens when children feel secure, valued, and inspired to explore.

For Gunjan, teaching is a journey shared with children-one filled with questions, wonder, and the joy of learning together.

Taruna Chauhan - Curriculum Coordinator - Classes V - VI

Taruna Chauhan is the curriculum facilitator and coordinator for classes V and VI. Her journey began with Montessori training way back in 2009 which helped her to understand the little minds. She began to show inclination towards progressive approach of learning by reading books on Progressive education.

A postgraduate in English Literature, having qualified for NET, Montesori trained educator; on her way to a new beginning towards integrated and expressional learning she joined Shikshantar in 2010 and thus got into the journey of progressive education. Her association with Shikshantar has strengthened over the period as it helped her to closely observe a child’s perspective. She believes that every day is a new learning in Shikshantar. She has in her own unique way created a one of a kind bond and trust with children.

Having spent the initial 5 years at Primary school, helped her to understand the social emotional needs of the child and be more empathetic towards inclusion. Her association with Middle school has further enhanced her understanding and delve deep into the Progressive learning. She believes that ‘’Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.’’