RAMA BALACHANDRAN

mailrama_in@yahoo.com
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An educator with a great passion for teaching physics and 26 years of teaching
experience in providing creative learning experiences for students that help them develop
as lifelong learners and problem solvers. An aspiring teacher leader with strong
commitment to dynamic and democratic leadership and contributing in several leadership
positions in professional development and curriculum writing.

Core Strengths

Instructional Technology Instructional Strategies

Gifted Student Program Leadership Data Analysis
Professional Development Leadership Mentoring for Success
Science Research Participation Curriculum Planning

Educational Qualifications:
Ed.S ( Instructional Technology) ,
Kennesaw State University 2016- Present( completing by July 2018)

M.Ed ( Education),
Annamalai University, India 1999

M.Sc ( Physics ),
University of Madras, India 1988

Certification: T-5, Physics – 6- 12 , TAG certified, Teacher Leader Endorsement

Professional Experience

2003-Present
Physics Teacher, TAG Chair, Riverwood International Charter School
 STAR teacher for the years 2015-16 and 2016- 17.
 Initiated and sponsored the Robotics Club at Riverwood from 2005 till 2016, led
the team to win the FTC World Championship in 2007
 Contributing Member of the Scholarship Committee at the school, serving as a
New Teacher Mentor, PLC leader for Physics, Professional Development Team
Lead.
 Participated and contributed to the writing and unpacking of standards(GPS) in
Physical Science
 Conducted interviews for GHP at the County level for three years and served as
the local GHP Coordinator.
  Completed “ Teach for Excellence “ training as the first cohort of teachers trained
in classroom instructional practices
 Participated as an AP Reader during the summer of 2015
 Trained and experienced in AP/IB curriculum
 Participated in writing SLO tests for the county for Physics and AP Physics 2
 Hosted a STEM event with the help of partnering organization SSEF at our school
 Written and secured several inhouse grants including technology grants to fund
student projects and supplies for the physics labs
 Participated in the 10 day workshop course in Materials Science at GaTech.
 Helped secure student internship at Marcus Autism Center creating exciting
STEM opportunities for students .
 Serving as a Teacher Mentor for the past three years and as a senior Mentor for
this year.
 Organized several enrichment experiences for TAG students outside of the
classroom in the capacity of TAG chair .
 Served as the Science Ambassador during the year 2016-17.
 Reviewed New and revised Fulton County Curriculum units for Physics during
the year 2017-18.
 Set up tutorial help videos for the use of Office 365 tools for teachers.

1988- 2003 ( Urban Schools, India)

 Served in the capacity of Associate Editor of the school magazine for a period of
two years.
 Provided in service training in Instructional Technology under the “Intel Program
“to teachers at school.
 Acted as the project guide for the project titled “Solar Energy Collector” which
was represented at the National Level Intel Science Talent Fair.
 Organized Inter School Science & Math Fair and Annual Science Exhibitions for
students in the capacity of the Science Department Chair.
 Served in the capacity of Chair positions for Science clubs, Student Council
Examinations, and PTA groups.

Conferences/Special Programs

 STEP UP Research Program for Physics teachers at Georgia Institute of

Technology – 2005, 2010
 National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network Research Program at Georgia
Institute of Technology – 2007
 National Science Teachers Association Conference –Presentation- 2007
 Emory’s PRISM Program on Problem Based Learning - 2011- 2012
 PRISM CFNM Teacher fellowship Research at Clark Atlanta University – 2011
 Emory’s ION Research Program for Teachers at Marcus Autism Center - 2016