I am Devayani Kulkarni, a dedicated educator with over 15 years of strong experience as a senior school teacher and college lecturer in Science, Biology, and Chemistry streams. My academic
journey has been shaped by a combination of passion for teaching, a love for science, and a consistent desire to keep learning myself.
Devayani Kulkarni Biology and Chemistry Tutor
I hold a B.Ed. with specialization in Guidance & Counselling, an M.Sc. in Biotechnology, and an M.Phil. in Biochemistry. To strengthen my teaching practices in the international curriculum, I also completed the IBDP Biology Category 1 Workshop from the International Baccalaureate Organization. These qualifications have given me both depth and breadth of knowledge, allowing me to work effectively with students from different academic backgrounds.
I am skilled at presenting complex theoretical and practical concepts in classroom situations. I believe that the true art of teaching is not only about “delivering content” but about making difficult ideas simple, engaging, and even enjoyable for students. Whether it is molecular biology or a chemistry equation, I take pride in ensuring that learners walk away with clarity and confidence.
Over the years, I have also been actively involved in organizing and conducting conferences, workshops, and extra-curricular activities, because I believe that a student’s growth goes beyond the textbook. Alongside this, I am expanding my own horizons—currently learning German (after completing level A2) as I prepare to move forward to the next level.
Work Experience
This was where I started my formal teaching career. Standing in front of undergraduate students for the first time was intimidating, but it also confirmed my belief that teaching was the right path for me. My early years here gave me the patience and discipline that I continue to carry into every class. My teaching career has taken me through schools and colleges, each experience shaping me in different ways:
Higher Secondary Teacher (Biology/Chemistry/Science) – Podar International School, Navi-Mumbai, India (6 years)
At Podar International, I worked closely with senior secondary students, preparing them for both board examinations and competitive exams. Six years here allowed me to see entire batches through from start to finish, and I built long-term mentoring relationships. I still remember one class where students were particularly anxious about genetics; I created interactive “genetic family trees” where students mapped out traits within their own families. The project not only clarified concepts but also made them laugh and bond with each other.
PGT & HOD, Dept. of Biology – Jaipuriar School, Navi-Mumbai, India (1 year)
As Head of Department, I was responsible not only for teaching but also for guiding colleagues and aligning lesson plans. I organized interschool biology competitions that encouraged students to present research posters. This experience showed me how leadership in education means balancing classroom time with broader departmental responsibilities.
PGT Biology – Podar International School, Navi-Mumbai, India (2 years)
These two years helped me strengthen my classroom management and assessment methods. At Podar, I experimented with inquiry-based learning and authentic assessments—rather than rote learning, students had to design and present small experiments. It was rewarding to see them become independent thinkers.
Lecturer (Biotechnology) – ICLE’S Motilal Jhunjunwala College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Navi-Mumbai, India (4 years)
At the college level, I was deeply involved in lab practicals. My students came from diverse backgrounds—some confident, some hesitant—and I had to make sure everyone felt included. I often paired stronger students with those who struggled, creating peer learning groups that proved highly effective.
Lecturer (Biotechnology) – C.K.T. College, Raigad, Maharashtra, Dept. of Biotechnology (2 years)
Academic & Professional Qualifications
- B.Ed. (Science & Maths) – Specialization in Guidance & Counselling, CSSM, Chembur, Mumbai (May 2013)
- M.Phil. (Biochemistry) – Annamalai University, India (May 2009)
- M.Sc. (Biotechnology) – North Maharashtra University, India (May 2002)
- B.Sc. (Microbiology) – North Maharashtra University, India (May 2000)
Every step of my academic journey added something unique to my teaching. My B.Ed. Specialization in Guidance & Counselling equipped me with tools to understand student psychology better. The M.Phil. in Biochemistry honed my research skills and gave me the patience to work with precision. My M.Sc. and B.Sc. built the scientific foundation that I pass on to my students today.
Miscellaneous Assessments
- Qualified Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) – July 2013
- Scored Band 8 in IELTS IDP English proficiency test – Jan 2021
These achievements have strengthened my credibility as a teacher and communicator. Preparing for IELTS also reminded me what it feels like to be on the other side of the classroom—sitting for tests, balancing work and study. That empathy makes me more understanding toward my own students.
Key Expertise
- Classroom Management
- Technology Integration & iPad Skills
- Creative Worksheets & Mind Mapping
- Differentiated Learning Grouping
- Innovative Lesson Planning
- Assessment Tools & Performance Evaluations
In my classrooms, I often use mind mapping and creative worksheets to simplify complex topics. For example, while teaching the Krebs cycle, I once asked students to build a “cycle board game” where each step moved them closer to ATP points. This activity turned a dry biochemical pathway into a fun and memorable exercise.
Technology is also an important part of my teaching. I’ve integrated iPads, digital projectors, and educational apps to make my classes interactive. Even during online education, I ensured students stayed engaged with tools like quizzes and breakout discussions.
Role & Responsibilities (Biology/Chemistry/Science Teacher)
- Designed & presented lesson plans ensuring conceptual clarity & retention.
- Developed unit-based projects centered on real-world applications.
- Integrated technology (digital projectors, software, online resources) into classroom learning.
- Taught through inquiry-based learning, authentic assessments, and differentiated classrooms.
- Implemented engaging lessons, administered quizzes & tests for progress tracking.
- Served as examiner – prepared timetables, invigilation, handled question papers & answer scripts.
- Conducted lab practicals in batches as per the curriculum.
- Set question papers & answer scripts for theory and practical exams (University/Board patterns).
- Provided remedial teaching to help students meet required competencies.
- Prepared online report cards using digital tools.
- Guided students for interschool competitions.
These responsibilities reflect not just what I have done, but how I continue to grow. For instance, remedial teaching has always been close to my heart—I often stayed after school to help struggling students catch up, and many of them later expressed how those extra sessions changed their confidence.
Awards & Accolades
- Teacher’s Appreciation Award (2003–04).
- Selected participant in conferences, academic programs, and as an external invigilator.
The Teacher’s Appreciation Award came early in my career and gave me the encouragement to keep pushing forward. Later, my participation in conferences and academic programs kept me updated and connected with the larger teaching community.
Other Information
- Computer Literacy: MS Windows, iPad Teaching Apps, Online/Offline Quiz & Educational Apps.
- Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi (read/write/speak), currently learning German.
Being multilingual adds to my ability to connect with students. My ongoing German studies also remind me to remain a learner myself, which is the best way to stay a good teacher.