Panthers of ISKL 318#: Dr Maheshwaran Balaraman - The Caring Panther
I feel fortunate to teach science at ISKL. For me, Science is a habit of mind: look clearly, reason with evidence, ask hard questions, and revise your views when certainty cracks. It is a way of thinking that students can use in everyday decisions.
Meet Dr Maheshwaran Balaraman, who has been a part of the ISKL community both as a parent and as a teacher since 2022. He encourages his students to learn about science with an emphasis on inquiry and real-world lessons. This philosophical approach to teaching shows him as a caring educator who helps students use critical thinking in everyday life.
Here is Dr Maheshwaran’s story
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I was born in a small village about 100 km west of Chennai in South India. I trained as a wildlife biologist and moved into teaching 22 years ago, beginning at The School, KFI in Chennai, which was founded by philosopher-educator Jiddu Krishnamurti. Since then, my journey has taken me to classrooms in Casablanca, Morocco, and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. That mix of field science and international schools still shapes my teaching to include inquiry-driven, experiential, and grounded in the real world.
When and why did you join ISKL?
I joined ISKL in 2022. I’d had my eye on the school since 2012 because of its strong sense of community and the way it balances care with challenge. Professionally, ISKL’s emphasis on inquiry and real-world learning matched my approach to science education. Personally, I wanted my daughter in a place that felt like family yet pushed her to grow. ISKL offered both.
Can you tell us more about your Faculty position as a Science Teacher? What are your daily activities?
I feel fortunate to teach science at ISKL. For me, Science is a habit of mind: look clearly, reason with evidence, ask hard questions, and revise your views when certainty cracks. It is a way of thinking that students can use in everyday decisions. As our Science Curriculum Area Leader, I work with colleagues to set clear learning goals, align assessments to NGSS and IB expectations, and strengthen labs, safety, and feedback practices. In the classroom, I teach IB Environmental Systems & Societies and Grade 9 Praxis, where students examine complex environmental systems, sustainability principles, and bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving. Day to day, you’ll find me planning and running labs, conferring with students, reviewing data to guide instruction, collaborating with our lab technicians, and mentoring the Young Investors Society to build financial literacy.
What is your overall vision for the upcoming term in your subject area?
Make science useful. This term, students will study real issues on campus and nearby, analyze data, design small yet real fixes, and share results with our community—turning concepts into actions you can see.
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
Watching students light up when evidence changes their mind, whether in a Praxis debate or an ESS case study that ends in genuine empathy. I also love the craft, whether that be designing units with colleagues, tightening assessments, and watching quieter students find their voice.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
When I’m not building lessons, you will usually find me on court, playing pickleball or coaching badminton. Movement resets my mind. I’m also protective of my “quiet miles”: slow Tai Chi walks that help me decompress, breathe, and come back to school with better focus. Those routines keep me balanced and remind me that steady practice, on a court or in a classroom, beats quick fixes
Who or what inspires you?
My inspiration comes from the people around me. ISKL’s talent pool keeps me humble and learning. The recent Mamma Mia! said it all, where students and colleagues were shining on stage, and a live band powering the show. Joy + discipline + teamwork. That abounding spirit sets the bar for my teaching.
What is your most memorable moment so far at ISKL?
The IASAS Basketball Finals we hosted last year is my standout ISKL memory. I was part of an energized, electric crowd watching an underdog team do the least expected by winning it all. The noise, the belief building with every possession, the final buzzer felt magical. It will take something truly special to top that evening.
Which Panther are you? Share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I chose The Most Onz Panther (Onz means nothing is impossible)
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
This is the school my daughter graduated from.
I Suka (Like) ISKL because ….
I Suka ISKL because ISKL welcomes people as they are, so I can be myself. That gives me a real sense of belonging and helps me stay focused on serving my students and our community.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
- Know yourself: stay curious and humble
- Care for all: design for access and listen well.
- Create a better world: apply science to real problems, start small and local, measure impact, iterate, and keep going.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.