Anjana Iyer

Hillsborough, NJ | 7-12, Science, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

What motivates me to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching is my unwavering belief that science is for everyone. My motivation comes from the faces of students who once believed chemistry “wasn’t for them” and watching their self-perception shift when they realize they can do hard things, that their voices matter, and that their ideas belong in the scientific conversation. Chemistry has a reputation for being inaccessible or intimidating, and I see it as my mission to counter that narrative.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

A transformative moment that affirmed my impact in STEM education came from a former student who messaged me: “Hi Mrs. Iyer, I wanted to let you know I am actually using Chemistry! I am getting into hazardous material response and it’s amazing how much I remember from class and how elements bond.” That note reminded me that student-centered science teaching can leave a lasting impact. My goal has always been to make chemistry accessible to all learners. Hearing that what we explored together is now supporting a student in a career that he is pursuing, out-of-classroom context reaffirmed that when students feel seen, respected, and engaged, their learning doesn’t just last—it matters.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As an Awardee, I hope to use my platform to elevate inclusive STEM education by advocating for practices that ensure all students, especially those with disabilities to see themselves as scientists. I will continue sharing effective co-teaching models, and accessible pedagogy through national conferences and teacher preparation programs. By mentoring educators and influencing policy conversations, I aim to build a future STEM workforce that is empowered and prepared to tackle global challenges.

Biography

Anjana Iyer has been an educator for 14 years at Hillsborough High School, where she teaches Chemistry for both general education and special education students. She creates welcoming, student-centered classrooms grounded in inquiry, collaboration, and real-world relevance. Her instructional approach fosters a deep sense of belonging while advancing rigorous science learning for students of all cognitive and cultural backgrounds. She utilizes an instructional model that uses an organized, collaborative approach to learning. She uses an inquiry-based approach to science education. Anjana was named Governor’s Educator of the Year in 2022, Outstanding High School Chemistry Teacher by the American Chemical Society in 2018, and Best Inclusion Teacher by ALL IN for Inclusive Education in 2019. In 2024, she served as a Teacher Policy Advocacy Fellow with JerseyCAN, amplifying teacher voice in education policy. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom. Anjana has presented at NSTA, ChemEd, and the NJ Science Convention and serves as a guest speaker for Princeton University’s TeacherPrep program. She was a member of the AACT governing board and has co-authored three articles for AACT focused on chemistry instruction. Her professional work emphasizes Universal Design for Learning, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, and real-world NGSS-aligned storylines that promote student-driven inquiry and collaboration. Anjana holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Stella Maris College and an M.A.T. in Special and General Education from The College of New Jersey. She is certified in Chemistry and as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. She is deeply committed to helping all students access rigorous science learning and reach their full potential through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.