We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Maha Jayapal as a founding Subject Expert Teacher (SET) at BASIS Independent Dublin. Ms. Jayapal, who will be a Subject Expert Teacher in math, will be transferring to BASIS Independent Dublin from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where she has worked since 2019.  

“I’m excited to join the Dublin team because I’ve always enjoyed being part of new beginnings, and this feels like another great opportunity to grow with a new community,” said Ms. Jayapal. “I look forward to building strong relationships with students and families as we shape this campus together.” 

Ms. Jayapal brings a rich blend of academic excellence, professional dedication, and personal passion to her role at BASIS Independent Dublin. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering with Distinction from Madras University, graduating in the top three percent of her class, and she later completed a Master of Science in Applied Data Science from the University of San Diego. She has also pursued extensive continuing education, earning certificates in Programming and Python Data Structures from the University of Michigan and completing advanced coursework in Applied Data Science, including Applied Data Mining, Applied Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. In addition, she has completed 13 core units in Early Childhood Education at Ohlone College in Fremont.  

Having experienced the value of a BASIS Independent Schools education firsthand as a parent, Ms. Jayapal is deeply aligned with the school’s mission and rigorous academic environment. She appreciates the challenging curriculum and believes strongly that each student brings unique strengths to the classroom. She is committed to creating a warm, engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to participate, ask questions, and develop confidence. 

Ms. Jayapal approaches teaching with a clear sense of purpose. She is dedicated to understanding concepts deeply so she can present material to students in a clear, structured way that supports genuine comprehension. Her primary goals include guiding students in building strong conceptual foundations and cultivating productive learning habits. She finds it especially rewarding to witness students grow academically and achieve excellence. 

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your teaching philosophy or approach?

I believe math should feel approachable and fun, not intimidating. I focus on helping students understand the “why” behind the steps, so they can think logically and solve problems with confidence. I also try to create a classroom environment where it’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how real learning happens.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent Schools students?

What I love most about teaching is seeing those small, meaningful moments when students feel connected to learning. Right before leaving the classroom for fall break this year, a student told me she was going to miss school, and that really made me smile. It showed me that our classroom had become a space she looked forward to, and creating that kind of environment is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

Are there any thoughts that you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?

For families considering BASIS Independent Dublin, I can confidently say that, having both taught at BASIS Independent schools and watched my own children go through the program, it is a place where students grow not just academically, but also as thinkers, collaborators, and individuals. The support from teachers and the strong sense of community truly make a difference. I’m excited to welcome new families and be part of this exciting next chapter.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Jayapal enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, camping, and taking long walks. She is also a licensed Zumba instructor, bringing her enthusiasm for movement and wellness to all she does. 

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.