Education for Tomorrow: Dr. Suma Menon’s Vision and Leadership

“It is a blessing to be an educator, create an impact when you can” a quote by Dr. Suma Menon, principal of Deccan Springs Global School with an experience of more than 30 years. It’s her passion for education and compassion for kids that drew her to this field. This article tells about her teaching experience, her teaching style, and the recognition she earned during her career.

Introduction:

Dr.Suma Menon is a principal of Deccan Springs Global School, Hyderabad (Nacharam), she is a results-oriented principal and school administrator with over 30 years of experience in educational leadership, school operations, and organizational management. She is skilled in implementing policies, managing resources, and driving school improvement initiatives. Proven ability to enhance student performance, maintain faculty engagement, and build a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

In her 30 years of teaching career, Dr. Suma has taken up many responsibilities as a teacher. In these years she is determined to make a powerful impact on her students, some of her roles include:

• Presently Working as the Founder Principal for Deccan Springs Global School, Hyderabad from 2021 to till date.
• She worked as a Vice Principal at Wisdom High International School (ICSE) from 2015 to 2020. Taught Economics to students of classes IX and X.
• She worked as a Head Mistress at Ashoka Universal School from 2012 to 2015.
• Dr. Suma worked as the Head-Cambridge International Education (CIE) at Wisdom High International School, Nasik till March 2012.
• She worked as an Academic Coordinator for the Cambridge International Primary Program at Wisdom High International School from 2008 to Mar 2012 in Nasik. Taught English for classes VI to VIII in CIPP at the same school. Taught Economics for class X.
• She worked as a Class Teacher VI and Class I for 2 years at Glendale International Academy in Hyderabad. She was also a class Teacher at Ankur School, Pune for 2 Years. In Pune at St.Paul School, she was the class teacher for 2nd Std. for 2 years. 
• She worked as a Class Teacher of Class V at Madonna Public School, Secunderabad for 2 years. She worked as a Class Teacher of Nursery and Class-1 for 2 years at Vishwa Bharti Vidya Bhawan High School, Secunderabad.
• She worked as a Guest Relations Executive at Hotel Green Park, Hyd.
• She worked as a Coordinator, at KC International School Jammu for 3 years (June 2003 - Sep 2006).
• Worked as a Teacher at City International Prep School, Pune for 2 Years.

Challenges and Achievements:

Like any other teacher, Dr. Suma also faces some challenges post-pandemic. The main challenge includes coping with the academic challenges in students post-pandemic. The disruption caused by the pandemic showed the importance of the need for adaptation and rethinking academic needs and the general well-being and engagement of students. The significant challenge came in ensuring that students remain motivated and on track.

For her work in the education field, Dr. Suma won many awards and recognition. But her most important achievement is that under her leadership 2018-2019 Batch ICSE got All India 3rd Ranking in Grade 10. Similarly, for her contribution to the education field, she won:

• Times Education
• Best Principal by Edu Leader Summit 2024
• Dynamic school 2024 by Education news network
• Excellence in Life Skills and Activity based Learning by ELDROK -India Times Education 
• Excellence Award 2023: Best School for Futuristic Education in India (DSGS).
• GTF Business Summit Icons of India 2023 Received award for Outstanding Contribution in Education.
• Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature Award from Theophany University.
• Women Entrepreneurship Summit 2023 received in the Category Women in Leadership, July 2023.
• Gyan Bhushan Puraskar is the best Principal in Telangana.
• Asian Education Leadership Symposium award for Youngest Principal in Asia.
• Grand Queen's Award for Futuristic and Life Skill Development Education Leadership, March 2023.
• Special Jury Award for Dynamic School in Imparting Quality Education, December 2022.
• Awarded By Rotary Club Nashik for ongoing contribution and dedicated service in the field of education in 2018-19.
• Awarded by Rotary Club Nashik Road for Nation Builder in the education field in 2014-2015.
• Best Mentor award at Wisdom High International for Mentoring students for Debate, Elocution, and Quiz.
• Best Co-Ordinator award at KC International School for conducting spring and summer camps.
• Best teacher award at Ankur School, Pune.
• Master of Ceremony of Army Band at Southern Command, Pune.
• Master of Ceremony at Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), Pune Master of Ceremony at AWWA Jammu.
• Master of Ceremony for Miss Devlali/Nasik for 2 Years.
• Master of Ceremony for Various Army Ladies Meet.
• Education today for Dynamic principal 
• She participated in the Education Leader Summit on 24 August and received the award for Best Principal.

Personal Insights:

As a teacher and a leader, Dr. Suma has to make a clear boundary between her personal and professional life. She said, “With clarity in thought career and personal life can be balanced”. She sets clear boundaries and manages her time effectively. She ensures that both her professional responsibilities and personal commitments receive attention. She focuses on staying organized, setting boundaries between work and home life, and being mindful of her well-being. This allows her to be fully present in both her professional role and her personal life, while also ensuring that she has time for self-care, family, and personal growth.

Impact and Vision:

Dr. Suma vision herself in teaching and fostering the young generation. She aims to guide and support the coming generations to achieve their goals. She added, “I envision myself hand-holding the Gen Alpha in their progressive growth and development.” 

Talking about the future trends or developments in the field of education in India, she sees digital transformation playing a significant role in the future of education in India. The integration of technology will continue to reshape how we teach and learn. She added, “Digital Transformation along with skill development and employability would be the future trends.”

In the education field, Suma believes that two key qualities are essential for success: being hardworking and receptive. A strong work ethic is necessary to continually improve, adapt, and deliver quality education. At the same time, being receptive, and open to new ideas, feedback, and innovative practices, ensures that educators can evolve with changing needs and effectively connect with students.

Conclusion:

Lastly, Dr. Suma Menon advises young women who want to pursue their career as a teacher to “Aspire to be an educator who can transform lives of children.”