Exceptional educators and leaders stand out due to their teaching expertise, vision, resilience, and innovation. These individuals serve as catalysts for substantial change within their schools, inspiring students and colleagues through their resolute commitment to excellence in education.
From the perspective of an education expert, these remarkable leaders leave a lasting impact on their school communities. They embody core values such as integrity, empathy and dedication, developing an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Their leadership extends beyond the classroom, significantly shaping school culture, policies and the broader educational domain.
Dr. Anup Sharma, the Head of Education of Shri Shiva Ganga Group (G D Goenka School, Hyderabad and Aekaksh Schools), Hyderabad, exemplifies these qualities by prioritising student-centred learning and employing diverse instructional strategies tailored to each learner’s unique requirements. His dedication to mentorship extends to students and fellow educators, as he actively facilitates professional development and nurtures talent within the teaching staff.
His engagement with the community helps establish vital partnerships with parents, local organisations and businesses, thereby enhancing educational opportunities and support systems for all students. Through innovative curriculum development, a commitment to cultural competency and data-driven decision-making, Dr. Sharma and leaders like him are well-equipped to adapt education to meet the demands of an advancing society. By doing so, he paved the way for a future where education is inclusive, equitable and responsive to the requirements of every learner.
The Essential Role of Educators in Global Development
Dr. Sharma’s inspiration for a career in education stemmed from a deep-rooted passion to contribute to students’ intellectual and emotional growth. He was particularly concerned about how society often undervalued teachers, perceiving them as underpaid and seemingly powerless professionals.
He observed that many educators did not enter the profession by choice, contributing to the notion that they would remain financially limited. He sought to challenge this misconception and demonstrate that teachers are essential and can thrive professionally and economically.
Dr. Sharma has always believed teachers are the most important professionals, shaping all other professions. He considers himself a high-risk taker and throughout his career, he has proven that educators are key to societal progress and deserve recognition for their vital role.
His journey began 26 years ago and has taken him to Tanzania, Kazakhstan, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Each role has helped him understand the global nuances of education and refine his vision. As a former principal of Sri Vidyaranya International School (SVIS), he remains committed to promoting holistic development and academic excellence while advocating for the respect and growth that teachers deserve. His excellence will also extend to organisations such as Shri Shiva Ganga Group, GD Goenka School, Hyderabad and Aekaksh Schools.
Redefining Education with Punctuality and Personalisation
Dr. Sharma embodies the essence of transformative educational leadership. His commitment to punctuality and personalised learning serves as an exemplar for educators and students.
Dr. Sharma’s approach to education is deeply influenced by his upbringing; he credits his father for instilling the importance of punctuality. Remarkably, he has never been late for a single commitment and has maintained a flawless attendance record—a testament to his discipline and dedication.
Adapting to Diverse Educational Systems
One of the earliest challenges Dr. Sharma faced was navigating the diversity of educational systems and adapting to different cultures. Upon starting his international career, he quickly realised that while students everywhere have similar requirements, the approaches to fulfilling those needs vary dramatically.
Overcoming this challenge required Dr. Sharma to be flexible and open-minded. He invested time in learning the cultural contexts and understanding different curriculum standards, such as CBSE, ICSE, IB and IGCSE and subsequently tailored his leadership style to suit each environment. This adaptability has since become a core strength in his career.
Another significant challenge was building trust with staff and students in new environments. He overcame this by being transparent, developing open communication and always focusing on collective goals rather than individual ambitions.
Encouraging Critical Thinking in Students
Dr. Sharma’s leadership is driven by three core values—integrity, inclusivity and innovation. Integrity ensures that every decision he makes is in the best interest of his students and staff. Inclusivity is essential to him, as he believes education must cater to diverse learners, respecting their unique backgrounds and learning styles.
Innovation is what keeps education relevant. While he honours the traditional values of discipline and respect, he constantly encourages his team to integrate 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity and digital literacy, into their curriculum.
Creating Digital Classrooms with Ethical Values
Balancing innovation with tradition has always been crucial in Dr. Sharma’s approach. While he strongly advocates for the latest technology in education—such as digital classrooms, STEAM programs and design thinking—he equally emphasises the importance of discipline, respect and ethical values.
At GD Goenka School, Hyderabad and Aekaksh Schools, he ensures that technology is integrated without losing sight of cultural roots and ethical teachings. He promotes a blend of activity-based learning and conceptual clarity, ensuring that students remain grounded in timeless principles while preparing for modern challenges.
The Interconnection of Leadership and Personal Growth
Mentorship is central to Dr. Sharma’s leadership philosophy. He believes that every leader is also a mentor who guides their team and students to reach their full potential. Throughout his career, he has mentored teachers and academic leaders, assisting them in their professional growth while also emphasising personal development.
In his view, a leader’s growth is incomplete without continuous learning. Therefore, he invests in his development as well, constantly seeking knowledge through professional development programs and staying connected with global education trends.
Tailored Learning
Dr. Sharma’s innovative spirit led him to develop the CLP (Customised Learning Program) fondly called the “Sugarcane Juice Model of Education” during his tenure at a previous institution. This customised learning program focuses on tailoring educational experiences to each student’s aspirations, be it in sports, the arts, or vocational pursuits. The model develops an environment where every child thrives by aligning academic instruction with individual strengths and passions.
Implementing Changes in School Pedagogy
Dr. Sharma stays updated by actively participating in global education forums, attending conferences and engaging in continuous learning through leadership programs. He follows leading research in education in traditional publications and on digital platforms.
Believing in the importance of being a lifelong learner, he recently pursued an Executive Certificate in Leadership from IIM Visakhapatnam. Such endeavours keep him informed about shifts in pedagogy, technology and policy, enabling him to implement relevant changes in his school.
Streamlining School Communication Systems
Dr. Sharma strongly believes that digital communication systems are incredibly useful in schools. It not only streamlines administrative tasks but also enhances the overall educational experience for students and educators. The system has transformed the way the school interacts with all stakeholders—students, teachers and parents—ensuring efficient, streamlined communication that goes beyond the typical use of platforms like WhatsApp. By adopting a professional and organised digital infrastructure, he has enhanced collaboration, data management and transparency across all levels of the school.
Dr. Sharma’s focus is on amplifying students’ voices and choices in decision-making processes. He emphasised that while embracing modern digital tools, the school remains rooted in its cultural, ethical and moral value systems.
As a result, students are now empowered to take the lead in organising school programs and events, placing them at the centre stage of the school’s activities. This shift has significantly impacted their confidence, leadership skills and sense of responsibility, making them active participants in their educational journey.
The Power of Open Communication in Education
Developing collaboration begins with Dr. Sharma’s commitment to building a culture of trust and open communication. He encourages regular collaborative meetings among teachers, providing a platform for them to share insights and strategies.
Similarly, he creates opportunities for students to work in teams through group projects, clubs and events such as Model United Nations (MUN). He also prioritises approachability, ensuring that both students and teachers feel comfortable bringing their ideas forward.
Dr. Sharma organizes school-wide activities that promote a sense of belonging, such as annual cultural events and sports competitions. Beyond the regular academic calendar, the school holds community functions like Ganesh Chavithi, where staff, students and parents come together to celebrate after school hours.
These events develop a robust sense of unity and belonging within the school community, strengthening the relationships between educators, students and parents.
A Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Sharma integrates his principles of punctuality and innovation into every facet of school life. From adopting the latest digital tools to developing ethical and cultural values, he ensures that students are academically prepared while being grounded in life skills and emotional intelligence. His leadership has transformed the schools into a hub of comprehensive education, empowering learners to excel in an advancing world.
The Vision for a Balanced Education System
Dr. Sharma’s long-term aspiration is to create an education system that balances academic rigour with emotional intelligence and life skills. Within his institution, he is working towards making the schools a model of excellence in education.
On a broader scale, he aims to contribute to policy reforms that make education more inclusive and adaptable to the needs of diverse learners. He believes in the necessity of a system where creativity, critical thinking and emotional well-being are valued as much as academic achievements.
Innovating School Models for Future-Ready Learners
Dr. Sharma believes that the future of education lies in personalisation and flexibility. He envisions a system where each student’s learning path is customised based on their strengths, weaknesses and interests. While technology will play a significant role in achieving this, he also emphasises the importance of educators’ ability to adapt and innovate.
In the future, he sees himself as a thought leader and mentor, continuing to contribute to education through policy recommendations, professional development programs and innovative school models. His goal is to influence national and international educational sectors by promoting reforms that create well-rounded, future-ready learners.
Cultivating Passion and Adaptability in Educators
For aspiring educators, Dr. Sharma’s advice is simple: never stop learning and always remain adaptable. He highlights that the field of education is constantly reshaping and only those who are willing to grow with it will succeed.
While it is essential to stay passionate about one’s subject, he encourages educators to be open to new teaching methods, technological tools and the diverse needs of students. Above all, he reminds them that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about inspiring students to explore their potential.
Awards and Recognitions
- Educational Reformer of 2024: Awarded by National School Awards (Telangana).
- Best Principal Award (2024): Honored by the Indian Business Education Awards (IBEA).
-
IPN Foundation Most Impactful School Leaders Award 2024 held at the prestigious Hotel Le Meridien, Hyderabad.
Books Authored
- Innovative Teaching by Creative Tools and Teacher’s Role (2016)
- Motivation 2.0: The Ultimate Student Survival Guide
- Chemical Musings: Poetry on the Wonders of Chemistry
- Chemistry and TOK: A Philosophical Inquiry
Global Teaching and Leadership Achievements
Dr. Sharma has been recognized by the Asia Book of Records for achieving the Maximum Domestic and Overseas Teaching Experience. This honour reflects his 25-year career, spanning from July 1999 to March 2024.
During this time, Dr. Sharma held leadership and teaching roles in Chemistry across India and four other countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kazakhstan. His ability to adapt and lead in diverse educational environments has set him apart, as he has successfully implemented effective teaching methodologies under multiple curricula including CBSE, IB and IGCSE.
