Developing independent learners and global citizens – Dialogues around the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) education framework traversing the NEP arena

Rashima Vaid Varma
Secondary Principal
Prometheus School

Rashima is a passionate educator, trainer, and principal examiner, with valuable experience of nearly 20 years in teaching as well as leading in varied roles in the field of international education. She holds Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in International Relations from Jawaharlal Lal Nehru University. She is known for her enthusiasm to create fine educational benchmarks through the use of technology, and her previous experiences. Her repertoire of engagements includes French Mentor & an IB examiner for MYP & IBDP, spearheading the MYP authorization as the IB MYP Curriculum Coordinator & leading the school as the Head. As an IB Principal Examiner & leader, she has a proven track record of inspiring, and engaging students of all abilities and providing her own team with the guidance and support required for high-quality teaching and learning. She is proficient at mentoring & coaching the students by using interactive discussions and “hands-on” approaches to help them learn and get a better understanding of 21st-century education.

Asha Latha Ravishanker
PYP and MYP Coordinator
Sunshine Worldwide School

Asha Latha Ravishanker holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering in Polymer Science from the University of Mysore, a Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Cambridge, UK. She completed her Post Graduation Diploma in Education - International Baccalaureate from University College Fairview, Malaysia. She is currently serving as Dean of IB Programme /PYP Coordinator/Head of professional development and Curriculum at Sunshine worldwide School in Goa, India. She has been working on assignments pertaining to the IBEN roles of Programme Leader and MYP BQC Reviewer.

Chandrei Chowdhury
PYP Coordinator
Amity Global School

Chandrei began her educational journey in 1989 and has worked in schools and organisations across India. She is the Head of IB Primary Years Programme and PYP Coordinator at a school in north India. She has worked in IB Primary Years Programme(PYP), since 2005, as homeroom tutor, grade coordinator, assistant PYP coordinator and IB PYP Coordinator. She has been the Chair and Deputy Chair of the North India and Nepal network of PYP schools from the period 2016 to 2020. She believes in empowering students to take responsibility for their learning and inspiring them to grow and develop.Through all her experiences she has learned how each school is a living ecosystem in which people have the agency to change, transform, adapt and grow through a dynamic and symbiotic relationship between the school and the IB.

Mahesh Balakrishnan
Development and Recognition Manager
India and Nepal, International Baccalaureate

Mahesh Balakrishnan is based in Chennai and holds an MSC in Technopreneurship and Innovation from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and an MBA in Marketing from India. He has an extensive sales & marketing background and over 2 decades of global business development experience across multiple industries. His experience includes working with regulators, policymakers and industry leaders.

Mahesh has a decade of experience as a passionate teacher and mentor. He has worked across higher and primary education, online learning and technology in education in the fields of simulation and gamified learning.