Shabeela Aziz, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at GGHSS Khrew, has built an educational career defined by perseverance, continuous learning, scientific engagement and service. Since beginning her teaching journey in 2002 after completing postgraduate studies in Analytical Chemistry, she has served in roles encompassing teaching, mentoring, science communication and educational outreach, viewing education as a means of learning, empowerment and social transformation.
Her formative professional years reflected a strong commitment to academic growth. While fulfilling her teaching responsibilities, she travelled nearly 55.5 kilometres from her hometown to the University of Kashmir to pursue research. She subsequently completed her B.Ed. through IGNOU and an M.Phil. in Chemistry from the University of Kashmir in 2005, strengthening her academic foundation.
One of the defining experiences of her career occurred during her posting at Government Boys High School, Mirgund. She observed students drinking untreated water from a nearby stream and initiated efforts to address the issue despite limited financial resources. With student participation, construction material and support from colleagues and community members, a drinking-water point was developed. Although the structure initially collapsed before it could properly cure, she and the students rebuilt it. It remains a practical example of resilience, teamwork and collective problem-solving.
Her teaching philosophy has consistently emphasised scientific temper, curiosity and experiential learning over rote memorisation. Since 2010, she has encouraged project-based and activity-oriented learning through practical experiments, environmental investigations, food-adulteration studies, reading initiatives and technology-supported activities. Smart classrooms, simulations and interactive resources have enabled students to observe, question, investigate and develop evidence-based thinking. She regards projects as tools for nurturing creativity, cognitive development, problem-solving, collaboration and confidence.
Her contribution extends beyond classroom responsibilities. She has served as a DIET Srinagar resource person, coordinator of the Innovative Science Communicators Association (ISCA), ATL mentor, leadership resource person and facilitator for science outreach programmes. She has also participated in programmes associated with the Royal Society of Chemistry, interacted with scientists and educators, and contributed to initiatives such as NAEST.The COVID-19 pandemic tested her resolve, but it could not dampen her spirit. Even while testing positive for three distinct phases of COVID-19, her conviction as a facilitator and mentor never wavered. Turning adversity into opportunity, she leveraged digital platforms to enrich her own knowledge through webinars with the national portal of India and Vigyan Prasar. Simultaneously, she hosted virtual educational guidance and counselling sessions to keep students, educators, and professionals connected and inspired during isolation. Her creative eye was also recognized during this dark period, as she was declared the winner for best photography in a virtual contest held during the lockdown.
Student welfare has remained another dimension of her work. During a posting in Zone 3, she supported an economically disadvantaged student facing an administrative challenge involving an EWS certificate. Through timely coordination with the concerned authorities, the student secured admission to the BVSc programme at SKUAST-K. The student’s words, “Fate had transferred me here for you,” became a memorable affirmation of her impact as an educator.
Her journey has also involved balancing responsibilities, higher education and personal challenges without compromising her commitment to students. In recognition of her contribution to science education, she received the Science Teacher of the Year Award in 2025, presented by the Director General of the School Education Department, Mr. G. N. Itoo.
For her, education remains a profession, responsibility and enduring form of service. Her continuing journey is guided by a commitment to learn, inspire and contribute, with many more students to guide, questions to explore and possibilities to discover.
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