Helene de Taeye
- Aug 1
- 5 min read

A Chemistry Teacher’s Story: Namitha on Embracing STEM with Creativity and Confidence

Namitha, it's wonderful to have you here. Let's dive into your journey. We studied together in the UK, but what happened afterward?

After studying forensic science in London, I struggled to find a job in analytical chemistry in India. During a late-night LinkedIn search, I found a role as a content creator at Evolvingminds, an after-school science learning center.

I always intended to teach children in the future, but this experience helped me realize that this was not a faraway goal, and led me to a full-time teaching career. I eventually joined an IB school, where I completed a teacher training program. I recently closed the teaching chapter and I'm excited to figure out my next steps with newfound confidence!

Did you notice any gender barriers for girls in STEM at your school? Was there a perception that STEM is more for boys?

We didn’t have many girls at our school recently, so it's hard to say for sure. But our ninth-grade girls were recognized by the New York Academy of Sciences for their independent projects, so they didn't seem to think STEM was just for boys.

However, I’ve noticed that while girls often outperform boys in board exams, they tend to drop off at higher education levels in STEM. Many girls excel in school but don't pursue STEM subjects like engineering in college. For instance, in prestigious institutions like IITs, girls are still a minority, especially in fields like mechanical engineering, which is often seen as a boys' domain.

This suggests that while girls are capable and interested, societal perceptions (and maybe even expectations), and perhaps a lack of encouragement at critical stages are causing many to opt-out of STEM careers later on.

You mentioned earlier about a local success story with a girl whose family ironed clothes. Could you share more about that?

Absolutely! This family ironed clothes right outside our house. The couple was illiterate, but they had a daughter about six years younger than me. Initially, she was enrolled in a local language school, but her parents decided to switch her to an English medium school. She became fluent in English, completed her schooling, and eventually earned a degree in engineering. Now, she has a great job and can support her parents, who no longer need to work. It's inspiring to see such transformation within one generation.

My grandparents also played a big role in her success, supporting her financially during her school years and my grandmother speaking to her in English to help improve her fluency. I hope that when the time comes, she’ll find an equal partner who supports her dreams, considering the cultural pressure to marry young.

Have you faced any personal challenges while dating as a teacher?

I remember trying to flirt with this guy, and looking back, our conversations often centered around me being a teacher. It made me uncomfortable because I felt like he was more attracted to the idea of me as "Ms. Namitha" rather than just Namitha. It was frustrating, especially since I knew I wanted to explore beyond the classroom and not be judged solely on my teaching job. It's like, flirt with me, not my job title!

This whole experience highlighted how some people can't separate a teacher's professional identity from their personal one, and it makes dating challenging. People have these preconceived notions or fantasies about teachers, and I'm just not here for that.

Can you expand more on how teaching is perceived, especially in terms of gender stereotypes?

Teaching is one of the few professions dominated by women. However, this leads to certain stereotypes, especially in India. For example, the POCSO Act, which protects children against sexual offenses, has led to primary schools avoiding hiring male teachers. This unfairly stereotypes men as potential offenders. It's odd because you hire someone expecting them to be safe. Despite these challenges, it's empowering to see so many women leading and inspiring in this field.

It's funny, one of my students who now feels more confident about pursuing STEM once said, "You're so smart! What are you doing here?" when she learned about my master's from KCL (King’s College London). It cracked me up because our kids have always been taught by smart teachers! Most of our faculty, including the women, are either PhD holders or pursuing their PhDs. Our principal is a postdoc who has worked in labs run by students of Nobel Prize winners. Seeing accomplished women in these roles helps break stereotypes about teaching careers and gender. I hope this inspires the next generation to see that fields like STEM are for everyone.

What do you think could be done to make it better?

Changing perceptions is crucial. People often assume that unmarried teachers have fewer responsibilities, which isn't true. Everyone has their own set of challenges. Empathy and understanding among colleagues can make a big difference. Creating a supportive and non-competitive environment can help everyone navigate their roles better. This might be ambitious, but it's essential for a healthier workplace.

How do you feel about the recognition teachers get compared to other professions?

So, here's something that's been on my mind. In the teaching world, we don’t really have the same kind of milestones or peer recognition that other professions enjoy. My friends and I were chatting about this over lunch – one friend went to law school and mentioned how lawyers have these fabulous award shows and lots of peer recognition. In teaching, it’s different. Sure, we have “Teacher of the Year” awards, but they’re usually given by outside organizations, not by our peers, which makes it feel less personal.

For example, at my IB school, we went through an authorization process, and I played a key role because of my previous experience. I brought in guest speakers and tried new ideas, but there wasn’t an official way to recognize those efforts. The biggest reward for me was seeing my students grow, like one of my mentees who decided to pursue chemistry despite struggling with grades. It’s these personal connections that matter most, but it’d be great to have a more formal way to celebrate our achievements too.

What advice would you give to young girls aspiring to enter STEM fields?

Go for it. If you have the opportunity, grab it and pursue a career in STEM. Some of my other students have mentioned wanting to pursue chemistry at a higher level, and I always say, "That's awesome!" But I'm also clear that if they decide to drop chemistry later, that's totally fine. My main goal is for them to make good, wise choices and to carry forward any skills I've taught them. As long as they do that, I consider it a success.

And to the parents of the next generation of boys?

Teach them to respect and live with strong women. The attitude of "boys will be boys" needs to be left behind so that boys can be worthy of the girls we're raising now.