Dr. Renuki Swami grew up in India, where she was raised in a close-knit family that prioritized education and service to others.
Her upbringing was shaped by a strong sense of community and the belief that education has the power to transform lives. She pursued her early education in India, where her love for mathematics was first cultivated.
After moving to the United States, Dr. Swami earned advanced degrees in education, including an education specialist degree and a doctorate in educational leadership from Mississippi College.
“My journey as an educator has been enriched by my multicultural experiences and my commitment to fostering excellence in the classroom,” she passionately said. Dr. Swami was glad to share that her husband is also a seasoned high school math teacher and is currently teaching at Gentry High School. Her daughter is an engineer working as a data scientist at FedEx, and her son is pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on AI and data science.
When asked who inspired her to become an educator, Dr. Swami replied, “My father, who dedicated his life to education and retired as a principal, was my greatest inspiration. His passion for teaching and his ability to create a lasting impact on his students left an indelible mark on me.” Her paternal uncles were also involved in education, serving as teachers or administrative leaders. Their collective influence instilled in her a deep respect for education as a transformative tool. Dr. Swami and her husband have had the privilege of serving as educators for over 30 years, working in diverse and multicultural environments that have strengthened their commitment to student success.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Swami was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Thomas E. Edwards Sr. High School. “This is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the collective efforts of my students, colleagues, and the supportive community I am fortunate to be part of. The title represents more than personal recognition – it is a reminder of the responsibility we bear as educators to shape young minds and nurture their potential,” she voiced humbly. This honor motivates Dr. Swami to continue striving for excellence, advocating for the importance of education in transforming lives and communities, and integrating innovative, ethical uses of technology to provide students with real-world, problem-solving experiences.
In her spare time, Dr. Swami enjoys engaging in activities that nurture both her personal and professional growth.
She is an avid reader, particularly of books on education and leadership, and she is constantly brainstorming ways to incorporate real-world problems into the classroom and leverage technology to meet the diverse learning needs of her students.
“Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my family, cooking, gardening, and participating in community events that bring people together. These activities not only rejuvenate me but also provide inspiration for innovative approaches to teaching,” Dr. Swami continued.
Of all the hats she wears, Dr. Swami said that being a teacher is the most meaningful. It is the role where she can make the greatest impact by shaping young minds, building their confidence, and empowering them to achieve their dreams.
Teaching allows her to serve not just as an educator, but as a mentor and advocate for her students, helping them unlock their potential and navigate the challenges of life with resilience and determination.
“In another lifetime,” Dr. Swami shared, “I would have pursued a career in medicine, specifically as a pediatrician. I have always had a strong passion for helping people and view both teaching and medicine as selfless acts of service.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed the courage and resilience of health care professionals who worked tirelessly to save lives. Their dedication reinforced her belief in the importance of service to the community. As a pediatrician, she could have combined her love for helping others with her interest in nurturing young minds and improving their quality of life.
Even in retirement, Dr. Swami will still aspire to be an integral force in education.
“When I retire, I hope to open an academy or school dedicated to providing free, quality education to underprivileged and underrepresented children. Education is a powerful tool that uncovers hidden potential, and I want to ensure that no child is denied access to this essential resource,” she said with a smile.
Additionally, her bucket list includes traveling to explore new cultures, writing a book about her experiences in education, and continuing to mentor young teachers. If given the opportunity, she would also like to contribute to international programs that expand educational access in rural areas around the world.
As for the imprint Dr. Swami wishes to leave in her community and in the world, she would like to be remembered as an educator who not only taught academic skills but also inspired students to believe in their potential and strive for excellence. In her community, she hopes to leave a legacy of inclusion, empowerment, and innovation in education using technology and AI.
“The world is changing rapidly, and integrating advancements like computer science and AI into our high school teaching systems can equip students with the tools to excel in a technology-driven world. My dream is to create a ripple effect where students I have taught go on to positively impact their communities and the world,” she declared.
Direct quotes that Dr. Swami lives by are: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” This reminds her of the dual purpose of education – fostering intellect and nurturing moral values; Maya Angelou: “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” This quote reinforces resilience in the face of challenges, a lesson she instills in her students; and Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” It serves as a personal call to action, urging her to lead by example and inspire others to do the same.
Dr. Swami believes that education is the most powerful tool for creating change, and it is her dream to continue being an advocate for equitable and innovative educational practices.
Her background in physics, computer science, and mathematics drives her to bring futuristic and innovative advances to our educational practices.
She believes that integrating ethical AI into teaching curriculums could elevate the impact made on students and broaden their horizons. “Children possess unlimited potential, and it is our responsibility as educators to expose them to opportunities that expand their thinking. My ultimate aspiration is to inspire a generation of students who approach life with confidence, curiosity, and compassion, ready to make meaningful contributions to the world,” Dr. Swami communicated in her final thoughts.
