Harmony Public Schools names Rajani Dhadral 2025-26 Secondary Teacher of the Year

HOUSTON – Harmony Public Schools has named Rajani Dhadral, a science teacher at Harmony School of Innovation – Katy, its 2025-26 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

The annual recognition honors educators who demonstrate exceptional instructional excellence, leadership and dedication to student success.

Dhadral's path to the classroom began with a different career goal. While pursuing a degree in medicine, she discovered a passion for teaching after tutoring classmates who were struggling in biomedical courses. The experience led her to realize she could make an even greater impact by preparing future doctors, researchers and innovators through education.

"Receiving this recognition is a testament to my commitment to continue empowering students to become confident thinkers, problem-solvers and future leaders," Dhadral said. "I believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential through meaningful, innovative learning experiences, and I will continue striving to provide my students with exactly that."

Throughout her career, Dhadral has taken on numerous leadership roles, serving as an instructional leadership team model teacher, biology subject content lead, campuswide positive behavior support leader, biology campuswide engagement and events coordinator, biology professional learning community leader, mentor teacher and micro-credential ambassador.

She has also expanded her professional expertise through the Harmony Aspiring Leaders Academy, the Advisory Cabinet, the Rice Applied Mathematics Program and Harmony's micro-credential program.

Outside the classroom, Dhadral has invested in students through extracurricular activities, sponsoring the Red Cross Club, STEM Scholars, Doctors Without Borders and the Young Women's Leadership Collective. She has also coached volleyball and basketball, providing students with additional opportunities to grow as leaders and teammates.

Harmony Public Schools recognizes Teachers of the Year annually to celebrate educators whose dedication, innovation and leadership positively impact students, campuses and communities across Texas. Dhadral's commitment to inspiring the next generation reflects Harmony's mission of preparing students for success in college, careers and life.