As the founder, Ms. Menon has been seminal in the development of The Deens Academy since its inception and continues to be its guiding force; from effective administration and management to the evolution of teaching modules and the management of people. She is credited with revolutionising the classroom teaching process – she has through her vision established a unique scheme of education at the Deens which embraces differentiated learning and individual learning programmes, through a system that reaches out to each child according to his need. She has developed an indigenous curriculum for Life skills, Work experience and general knowledge for the students of The Deens Academy, which augments their overall growth. Striking a perfect blend of values, ethics, academics, physical education, art education and attitude, Ms Menon has created for her students and staff an environment rich in growth and learning.
Ms. Menon firmly believes that educating a child is a three-way process between school, parent and child; and to this end encourages constant dialogue with parents. She has been instrumental in implementing an internet-based, customised software for regular parent-teacher interaction and student updates. In fact, her hands-on approach sees her spending a large part of her day interacting with parents, students and staff and ensures a strict open-door policy.
Shanthi Menon holds a teaching and training diploma, with distinction, from the Cambridge University, UK, and a Masters degree in Education. Currently Shanthi is pursuing a business management degree. Ms Menon has further honed her skills through a Leadership and Management Training Course with The Teacher Foundation, Bangalore, and later in Strategic Management from the Central Board of Secondary Education, thus effectively inspiring, challenging and promoting excellence and generating higher expectations within The Deens community.
With quality in teaching very close to her heart, Ms Menon recommends the 3 ‘Es’ for a teacher – Ethics, Excellence and Engagement. She had created the curriculum for teacher training at The Deens Academy. Ms Menon lends her experience of designing and delivering learning and training programmes to MNTTA, a teacher training institute at Bangalore, as its principal consultant, to enhance training strategies for professional development of teacher trainers. Shanthi has penned many articles addressing parents and teacher trainees related to children, their growth and learning processes. Recently, Shanthi has had the honour of presenting a paper on Effective Assessment Systems, at an international conference.
Shanthi has been honoured with an award of recognition for her contribution to society, on the occasion of Womens’ Day, 2011, by His Excellency Dr Joseph V G, Honorary Counsel of the Republic of Maldives in Bangalore in partnership with The Garden City College, Bangalore. She has also been honoured with ‘Ideal Principal Award’ by Akhil Bharatiya Nagrik Vikas Kendra , Aurangabad. Shanthi has recently been pronounced ‘Excellent Educator’ by the International Institute of Education and Management, Delhi and has the honour of being conferred with an Award for Education Excellence 2011 from the Economic Development Forum and the Indian Achievers Forum, New Delhi. In April 2013, Ms Menon was conferred the Women Leadership & Innovation Awards in the category of education, from the International Women Leadership Forum. Shanthi is also the recipient of the ‘Chanakya Award’, The Best Principal, jointly presented to her by Education World and The Bangalore School.
DigiLearning magazine has carried an interview with Ms Shanthi and she has been featured in the ‘Assetscope’. ‘Mentor’, a magazine that addresses school principals and educators has featured Shanthi as its cover story. Her article on Sports in Education has been featured in IDA.
Shanthi Menon has presented papers on various education related subjects including assessment and technology in classrooms, at various national and international forums.
Running parallel to her chosen career is her talent in the field of dance. A trained Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam dancer, Ms. Menon has performed extensively and has to her credit many choreographies and events which have won her many laurels. After being under the guidance of a number of gurus, Shanthi evolved for herself a technique which is powerful and passionate, marked by eloquent grace and aesthetic presence. She has been an auditioned A- grade artist at Doordarshan, Chennai. Ms.Menon has also to her credit some modelling assignments and comperes dance programmes and events. Shanthi is also trained in carnatic music and is a creative artist who gives life to Tanjore paintings as well.
Daughter of the eminent, Dr E Sreedharan, the Metro Man of India and wife of Mr Hari Menon, Co-Founder CEO of Big Basket.com and ex-CEO, India Skills, a pioneering vocational skills development company, Shanthi is a passionate home maker and the mother of 3 sons.
