From Passion to Principalship
Educational leaders are instrumental in shaping the ethos, morale, and prestige of their institutions. They serve as the foundational pillars upon which thriving learning communities are built and sustained. Effective school leadership transforms educational spaces into dynamic environments where students are not only taught but inspired, nurtured, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. When Kothari International School, Noida, embarked on its journey in 2006 with a vision to offer a comprehensive curriculum, whether CBSE or IGCSE, the critical element needed to translate vision into reality was visionary leadership. This need was met with the appointment of Dr. Sangeeta Arora as Principal.
Dr. Arora’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing innovation and nurturing global citizens who remain deeply connected to their cultural roots. Her relentless dedication and transformative vision have elevated the school’s stature and educational excellence. Recognizing her exceptional contributions to Kothari International School and the broader educational landscape, we proudly honor Dr. Sangeeta Arora as one of India’s 20 Most Prominent K12 School Principals of 2025.
The Making of a Mentor
Dr. Sangeeta Arora fondly recalls a joyful and inquisitive upbringing, enriched by the freedom her parents granted her to explore diverse interests. Immersed in literature, she frequented notable libraries, where she developed a lifelong passion for history and reading, influenced by translated works on global conflicts. Alongside academics, she excelled in sports, notably reaching state-level proficiency in swimming.
Raised in the verdant campus of Maulana Azad Medical College, her early years were marked by family bonds and exploration, alongside her younger brother, now a brigadier. Initially excelling in both biology and mathematics, Dr. Arora’s aspirations to enter medical college were hindered by challenging admission outcomes, prompting her to pick a path toward mathematics. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Delhi University, where she also began nurturing her teaching skills by aiding peers.
Her formal entry into education commenced with a teaching position at an Army School, despite lacking a formal teaching degree then. This experience proved foundational in honing her abilities with students. She attained her M.Ed. from Annamalai University, and Ph.D. from Jamia Millia University, Delhi.
Journey towards Kothari International School
During Dr. Sangeeta Arora’s M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies, she collaborated with NCERT as a subject expert to review and develop textbooks aligned with the National Education Policy of 2005. Her work extended to IGNOU and SCERT Delhi, where she engaged in innovative teacher training through video conferencing and developed audio learning materials. Over a span of 24 years at Apeejay Public School, she advanced from Head of the Mathematics Department to academic coordinator, vice principal, and ultimately served as officiating principal. She subsequently led Indus World School in Gurugram as principal, before transitioning to KR Mangalam World School, where she held the principalship for three and a half years. For the past five years, Dr. Arora has been at the helm of Kothari International School, steering its growth and fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation.
As the Principal
Dr. Sangeeta Arora took charge of Kothari International School at a time when the institution faced challenges related to fragmented teacher engagement and disconnected community spirit. Through her visionary leadership, she fostered a unified and collaborative culture among the staff, significantly boosting student enrollment. She spearheaded improvements in thematic curriculum development, enriched the teaching-learning environment, and upgraded sports facilities to promote holistic development.
The school even introduced NCC and Interact Club under her guidance, which was primarily aimed towards discipline and encouraging social responsibility among students. Also, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, she launched programs like the “Star of the Month” award to celebrate positive student behavior. Additionally, Dr. Arora pioneered a school podcast on Spotify, school blog “standing together” and has introduced 21 special interest clubs for the students to hone their skills.
In addition to this, internship programs are offered to the students from grade 8 onwards and school got connected not only with the higher education institutes but also with industries.
The school’s commitment to sustainability earned it the Green School title, actively engaging students in projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Academically, her leadership has resulted in consistently outstanding student performances, with a significant percentage securing top grades in board examinations.
On a Personal Note
Dr. Sangeeta Arora places immense dedication in her professional life, prioritizing her work above a typical work-life balance. She remains passionately involved in advancing education, notably through her role in training teachers at tribal schools and serving as a resource person for various educational portals. With her children grown and settled in the United States, Dr. Arora enjoys greater personal freedom, which she balances with regular walks and annual vacations. Despite limited leisure time, she finds great fulfillment in her ongoing commitment to educational leadership and development.
AI: A Tool, Not a Master
An accomplished author of six books for NCERT and various publishers, Dr. Sangeeta Arora shared her insightful perspective on the influence of Artificial Intelligence in writing and education. She views AI as a supportive tool—“a helper, an aid to our work.” Emphasizing human agency, she remarked that it is our choice to either let AI dominate or assist us in our creative and intellectual pursuits. Dr. Arora advocates for the wise integration of AI, urging educators and writers to harness its benefits without compromising originality and creative thought.
