Hello! My name is Neela Mandalapu and I am thrilled to be teaching First Grade at Schiff Elementary and to be a part of such a warm, dynamic, and diverse community! This is my sixth year of teaching at Jan Schiff Elementary.

Schiff Elementary is a wonderful place to teach and learn, and I feel blessed to be in this profession doing what I love. For me, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. I work to instill a love of learning in my students as I share my own passion for learning with my students. I strive to create a caring, safe, and engaging learning environment, which encourages students to believe in themselves and to do their personal best. Working with children and making a difference in their lives has always been my passion. This is my 14th year of teaching in FBISD. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and  a Master's degree in Psychology. I am certified to teach pre-K through fourth grade and I have also obtained my ESL and GT certifications. 

I am a mother of 2 children. My son works as a Data Analyst and lives in Portland, and is soon to be married. My daughter is a senior at University of Texas, Austin and she wishes to pursue teaching.Outside of teaching, I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with my children, dog, family, and friends.