Rajini Sundararaj

Jonesboro, GA | 7-12, Science, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

My passion for STEM teaching is rooted in the belief that every student, regardless of background, deserves access to high-quality, engaging education. Honors like the Presidential Award and K–12 STEM Community Builder reinforce my mission to close opportunity gaps. I design academically rigorous, authentic lessons using 3D learning and real-world applications that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields.

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

Mentoring students beyond academics has been deeply rewarding. I’ve guided many first-generation college students who have won competitions ranging from the district and state levels to international science and engineering fairs, an impact affirmed by recognitions like the ImaginED Georgia Innovative Educator and National Magnet Region III Teacher of the Year. Through my participation in the Georgia Intern Fellowships for Teachers (GIFT) summer program, I foster inquiry and problem-solving while designing authentic curricula grounded in hands-on experiences. Additionally, I partner with nonprofit organizations like The Knowledge House Fellowship to help students gain vital technological skills, empowering them to thrive as global citizens.

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

As a Presidential Awardee and recipient of the GIFT Action Plan Achievement Award, I am committed to advancing STEM education by promoting equity, inclusion, and innovation nationwide. I support educators through research-driven, student-centered approaches that actively engage all learners. By expanding partnerships with universities and STEM industries, I strive to mentor teachers, influence policy, and create pathways that empower diverse communities and strengthen the nation's STEM workforce

Biography

Rajini Sundararaj has been a science educator for 28 years, teaching all science subjects at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts for the past nine years; Therrell High School for four years; Langston Hughes High School for two years; and Westlake High School for one year. Her teaching career began with 12 years of experience in India and Saudi Arabia. This coming year, she will teach science for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in grades 9-12 at South Atlanta High School. Rajini uses differentiated instruction, inquiry-based lab activities, and creates academically rigorous, authentic lessons tailored to individual student needs in the classroom. For over a decade, Rajini has significantly uplifted her students through the Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers (GIFT) program, which offers K-12 teachers STEM field internships to develop relevant classroom curricula. Under her mentorship, students have excelled, winning district, state, and advancing to international science and engineering fairs. She has spearheaded a groundbreaking STEM collaboration between The Knowledge House Fellowship, Inc. and her school, providing technology education to prepare students for 21st-century careers and global citizenship. Rajini earned a B.S. and M.S. in physics from Bharathiar University and an Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. She is certified in physics and science (6-12) with endorsements in reading, ESOL, and gifted. Rajini’s awards include the 2023 K-12 STEM Community Builder, 2021 ImaginED Georgia Innovative Educator and District STAR Teacher of the Year, 2019 District Magnet and National Magnet Schools of America Region III Teacher of the Year, and GIFT Action Plan Teacher Achievement Award (2018-2024).

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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