Four outstanding educators from CISCE-affiliated schools have been selected as the winners of the Derozio Awards 2025, a national honour that celebrates exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to school education. The announcement recognises teachers and principals who have contributed meaningfully to improving learning, strengthening school culture, and supporting student growth.
I am writing about this because awards like the Derozio Award remind us how much difference a single educator can make. In a time when schools are constantly adapting to new challenges, honouring educators who consistently deliver quality, compassion, and vision becomes even more important. These recognitions help us understand what good teaching looks like on the ground, why leadership matters inside a school, and how committed educators shape the future of students, families, and entire communities. For parents, it builds trust in the school ecosystem; for teachers, it sets a benchmark of excellence; and for students, it creates role models they can look up to. Sharing these stories encourages more conversations around meaningful education and inspires many others working silently in classrooms across the country.
What Are the Derozio Awards?
The Derozio Awards, presented by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), are among the highest honours given to educators in the CISCE community. The awards recognise exceptional contributions in areas such as academic leadership, student well-being, innovative teaching, and school development. Each award includes a gold medal, a citation plaque, a scroll of honour, and prize money of one lakh rupees.
Names for the awards are selected after a thorough process that examines the educator’s impact on students, the school community, and the larger education sector. The award is named after Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, a respected educationist known for his progressive thoughts and commitment to learning.
The 2025 Awardees
Here are the four educators honoured this year:
| Name | Role | School / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Shinoj Kizhakkemuriyil | Principal | St Antony’s School, Ghaziabad |
| Priti Sinha | Principal | Gulmohar High School, Jamshedpur |
| Seena Joseph | Principal | Auxilium Nava Jyoti School, Kerala |
| Kusum Uniyal | TGT (Science) | Jyoti Vidyalaya, Joshimath, Uttarakhand |
Each awardee represents a different region of India, showing that impactful education is happening everywhere — from large city schools to remote hilly regions.
Why These Awards Matter
Honouring these educators is important for several reasons. First, it acknowledges the countless hours teachers put into shaping their students’ lives, often beyond the classroom. Strong academic leadership, empathy, and the ability to motivate students are qualities that deserve recognition.
Second, these awards inspire other teachers and principals to push themselves, try new ideas, and strengthen their own schools. When educators see their peers being celebrated, it creates a positive sense of pride and healthy competition.
Third, the awards were announced during the School Heads’ Meet, a national gathering where more than two thousand school leaders come together to discuss educational challenges and share new ideas. This year’s theme, “Building stronger schools together,” reflects the importance of collaboration in today’s education landscape.
A Closer Look at the Awardees
Shinoj Kizhakkemuriyil has been recognised for his strong leadership in Ghaziabad, where he has helped his school grow while maintaining a focus on quality learning and discipline.
Priti Sinha from Jamshedpur has worked to create a learning environment that encourages academic excellence along with co-curricular participation, helping students develop all-round confidence.
Seena Joseph from Kerala has emphasised values-based education, ensuring her school’s students grow not just academically but as compassionate and responsible individuals.
Kusum Uniyal, a science teacher in Joshimath, has shown remarkable commitment by bringing high-quality science education to students living in remote mountainous regions, where resources are often limited.
