Voices of Future Generations English - Blog #TeachersVoices of Future Generations English - Blog #Teachershttps://vofg.vofgarabia.org/blogs/tag/teachersWed, 01 Apr 2026 10:23:48 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Wellbeing in Education - the voice of Robert Williams]]>https://vofg.vofgarabia.org/blogs/post/wellbeing-in-education Hello, my name is Rob and over the past two years my role at school has foc ]]>

Wellbeing in Education

Hello, my name is Rob and over the past two years my role at school has focused on well-being in education. Specifically, how we can begin to address the well-being needs of students that are ever changing and very individualized. In order to achieve this, I adopted an action research-based approach which led to the development of PEP (Positive Education Program).

 

First things first, we needed to develop a school-wide understanding of what well-being is and its individual components. For this, we adopted the PERMAH model developed by Martin Seligman. Consisting of 6 components; positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and health, the model had already been used in the region as the foundation for the KHDA longitudinal well-being census.

 

Next, we merged these components with additional school values (such as respectfulness and curiosity) and coded in a bank of questions that would then be used to individually measure student well-being against these metrics. Each class was then provided with a 20-minute slot in their daily schedule for PEP time. But here is the innovative part, the coaching and activities provided to each class was individualized based on their individual data. So hypothetically speaking, if Grade 1 flagged as displaying low levels of engagement, an engagement focused session was chalked out for them. Grade 2 having issues with health-related topics, health focused sessions were planned for them. 

 

Students, parents, and teachers really bought into the idea which certainly helped in its implementation. However, it’s important that we continue by optimizing such initiatives. Who knows what such a model could look like in ten years? Data being collected in the background by an AI well-being bot? Students being able to determine their own well-being metrics and how they can allocate time to developing them? The possibilities are truly endless and in reality, we are still at the very genesis of exploring the role in well-being and how it can be developed in our education models. 


Voice of Robert Williams


Robert has spent the last 9 years working in Dubai based schools in a range of roles such as homeroom teaching, head of science, and director of student success and well-being. The blog focuses on a well-being initiative that was developed as his thesis project whilst completing a masters in educational leadership. 

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]]>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:07:28 +0400<![CDATA[Building Writers in the Classroom - the voice of Sharon Monis]]>https://vofg.vofgarabia.org/blogs/post/building-writers-in-the-classroom-the-voice-of-sharon-monis "A word after a word after a word is power." -Margaret Atwood ]]>

Building Writers in the Classroom

"A word after a word after a word is power."

-Margaret Atwood

  

The art of conversation has been a dire need of humankind for eons. Moreover, this need has manifested itself in several forms – painting, photography, music and so on.  

   

Underlying all of these forms is one common thread – writing. Writing is, has, and forever will be the chief medium for the translation of human emotions.

   

So then, the big question that percolates through the walls of our minds is ‘How do we build and nurture this art in the future generations – our children?’

   

The ‘Wonder Years’ (ages 5 to 15), the time when imagination, fantasy, the compelling and natural inclination to be what one is not (but surely can be one day) needs to be tapped to utmost propensity.

   

In my teaching career, I have found that there are multiple ways to do this but no one way is the elixir for it.

   

Therefore, my first suggestion is to provide kids a platform to SHINE ON. There is no one who does not appreciate a word of acknowledgment and it is more so with children. Exceptional pieces of writing must be acknowledged through school weeklies and newsletters to encourage them to write more. Social media should go gaga about the achievements of budding authors. This in turn will also inspire other children to try their hand at writing.

   

Once this has been achieved, the next step would be to go CLUBBING. Gathering all young, budding authors to form a Writer’s Club will provide them the opportunity to share ideas, analyze, critique and suggest ways to hone their skills.

   

WOW (Writers Observe Writers) is a terrific opportunity where accomplished talents exhibit the fine nuances of engaging the reader through the power of words. The young writers will thus deepen their understanding of the use of various elements like imagery, climax, anti-climax and how to amalgamate these into a story worth reading.

   

Make it PERSONAL. No idea is a bad idea. This maxim must be continually reinforced in every child. The mentor here plays a vital role in instilling confidence through personalized teacher feedback. The teacher can guide the rampaging flow of ideas and help their budding Rowlings and Blytons and Dahls. What the teacher simply needs to remind oneself is ‘Positivity is a good parasite.’

   

Finally, it is time for RBL (Reading Between the Lines). A prerequisite to good writing is to know fully well the message, the moral, the endgame that the piece of writing wants to convey. The best way to do this is to widen the horizon of the genre of books read. Extensive reading begets extensive writing. Only when these young writers will do so will they be able to replicate the fine art of writing.

   

The greatest and most crucial of all strategies is to keep the fire of creative writing kindling in the hearts and minds of our young authors. Using these strategies, we can create an environment where young writers thrive to their full potential.


Voice of Sharon Monis


Sharon Monis, a teacher at GEMS UIS, exemplifies the quote, “Passion is energy”. She aims to channelize young minds and their skills towards building a world of harmony for themselves and others. She firmly believes that the kids of today can spearhead a global revolution of sustainability if given the right opportunities. Sharon Monis, a teacher at GEMS UIS, exemplifies the quote, “Passion is energy”. She aims to channelize young minds and their skills towards building a world of harmony for themselves and others. She firmly believes that the kids of today can spearhead a global revolution of sustainability if given the right opportunities.

]]>Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:36:37 +0400<![CDATA[Teachers Never Stop Learning - the voice of Neill Power]]>https://vofg.vofgarabia.org/blogs/post/Teachers-Never-Stop-Learning If I have learned anything during the last year, it is the incredible resilience students are capable of when the occasion ]]>

Teachers Never Stop Learning

If I have learned anything during the last year, it is the incredible resilience students are capable of when the occasion calls for it. To have your life turned upside down at the age of 7 and continue to challenge yourself on a daily basis is one thing, to do so with a smile on your face is something most fully grown adults have struggled to achieve. 


The long-term effects of Covid-19 in education is something that crosses my mind on a daily basis. Aside from the impact on social interactions, the disruption to daily routines, in my opinion, will have long lasting effects that we cannot possibly predict. However, I do suspect that there are some potentially positive effects; mainly seen in higher levels of independence, development of technology skills and the increased resourcefulness of our students. This year, students have been challenged in ways that very few, if any, students have been challenged before.  I believe teachers have the opportunity to guide students to focus on what they have learned from this year rather than what they have lost. 


The challenges of the last year have led to a great deal of self-reflection on why I teach and how can I keep moving forward in order to provide the best levels of education for my students. For me the answer is the same; passion. Teaching is more than a career to me. It’s a passion, a calling and a journey. I don’t believe anybody ever stops learning, and where better to learn than a classroom-even if you are the teacher! I learn something new from my students at least once a week, allowing for inspirational discussions and an electric atmosphere in our online sessions. Being an educator runs a lot deeper than the training we have received, it’s who we are. I do believe ‘teacher burn-out’ is something that has been brought to everyone’s attention this year. Working with students requires patience, understanding and love. Some days, even that isn’t enough. Some Thursday afternoons we may leave the classroom convinced that any other career would be a better choice. However, a true teacher will always arrive back into class first thing Sunday morning ready to take on the challenges of another week with a smile.


This leads me to my final point on what makes an outstanding teacher. While all teachers will naturally work to their own strengths, I believe two main characteristics are the mark of an outstanding teacher: honesty and a creative mind. 


I believe in honesty and transparency on all levels in a classroom. Teachers should always model the behavior they expect from their students, including; admitting mistakes, asking for help and connecting with your students on a personal level. This has never been more important than in today’s educational environment of online activities, emails and zoom sessions. My students have always been very receptive when we discuss the importance of honesty and it is a core element of my classroom management style.


Having a creative mind allows teachers to be flexible and imaginative. Creating exciting, student-led lessons that allow for differentiation for all learning styles and ability levels. 


“Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like”-Rita Pierson. 


This quote inspires me and reminds me of my responsibility to my students. I always endeavor to create a lifelong love of learning in my students and encourage them to take pride in all of their accomplishments, whatever those accomplishments may be.


“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” - Benjamin Franklin


Voice of Neill Power

Reading and Writing have always been two of Neill’s greatest passions in life. His mother instilled a love of reading at an early age, and life experiences have given him a love of expressing himself through writing. His aim is to inspire his students and lead by example. 
]]>Thu, 01 Apr 2021 15:08:00 +0400<![CDATA[Disruptive Education -The 21st Century Educational Model - the voice of Adeeba Waseem ]]>https://vofg.vofgarabia.org/blogs/post/Disruptive-EducationThe jury stands divided on whether the disruptive educational model is a blessing in disguise or unproductive. While there is a certain narrative that ]]>

Disruptive Education -The 21st Century Educational Model

The jury stands divided on whether the disruptive educational model is a blessing in disguise or unproductive. While there is a certain narrative that proclaims online teaching as ineffective yet if you explore deeper you will realize it is the other way around. Allow me to explain why I, as an educator, endorse the changes the pandemic forced us to make. We were like frogs in a well with limited visions and suddenly we had no other option but to jump out to survive. What an amazing world we found with lots of free access to various new tools and support which in normal circumstances we may not have tried. We had to update our skills in a short span but thankfully with everything being available at the click of a mouse it was much easier.


I personally feel this pandemic has helped the education sector grow in leaps and bounds. It has made teaching and learning both more efficient and equitable. Students learned how to adapt, change according to their circumstances, and explore new options. International inter-school competitions which would have never been an option for many kids are now being won by them. A win does wonders to the confidence of students and sometimes creates a winner for life. Also, when they come back and share their experience, they encourage their classmates to dream on similar lines. They are exposed to international standards of teaching and assessments-questions which make them think and answer, this future generation is going to work with all the data at a click, so they need critical thinking and collaboration, both of which worked beautifully in an online class.


Now this has been a difficult but extremely fulfilling year for teachers, yes, we all had to put in lots of time updating our technical skills, but we all did it. Teachers who earlier said they cannot handle technology were suddenly pros at it, it was a year of personal boundaries being pushed and new personal benchmarks being set. We got data in seconds to modify our teaching, one class/ one test was all that was needed to know exactly which child is at which level and what type of intervention is required.


Every teacher worked meticulously to ensure their classes were error-free and as effective as possible- they never forgot that every class was recorded and often had parents sitting on the other side. We are now the ‘outstanding’ teachers who are constantly observed and monitored and totally enjoy the experience! The recordings also gave parents a reality check on their children and this brought in transparency.


Students are digital natives and now the teaching community is finally matching their skills. Personally, I now have a YouTuber, an inter-school winner already in my class of 29, along with it I have two kids working on a mask disposal unit for the community, 5 kids working on a story, and each one trying out something or the other. Personally, I have updated myself to become a Microsoft Master Trainer and Common-Sense Educator and am guiding many of my peers towards the same. If this is ‘ineffective’ believe me let us have it across.


Voice of Adeeba Waseem 

Adeeba Waseem supervises academics in the primary grades (3-5) at DPS, Sharjah. Her goal in life is to ensure her 1000+ students experience unparalleled learning opportunities by incorporating best practices. She works proactively to help UAE create compassionate, empowered, happy global citizens and leaders of the future.

]]>Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:08:42 +0400<![CDATA[Teachers who make a difference in our lives - the voice of Faiza Sirohey ]]>https://vofg.vofgarabia.org/blogs/post/teachers-who-make-a-difference-in-our-lives-the-voice-of-faiza-siroheyWe have all had outstanding teachers! These teachers make learning a lively experience because of their wonderful qualities. I remember studying Chemi ]]>

Teachers who make a difference in our lives - the voice of Faiza Sirohey 

We have all had outstanding teachers! These teachers make learning a lively experience because of their wonderful qualities. I remember studying Chemistry with enthusiasm in High School since my teacher Mrs. Farzana taught it well and with a smile.

 

Have you ever wondered what makes a teacher outstanding?

 

Is it their communication—verbal and nonverbal?

 

The ability to communicate is indeed the top skill of a successful teacher! Dawn Metcalfe and Sarah Bahar in their book 'The Possibilities Project,' explain that our ability to communicate is critical to our success— whether it's for solving problems, displaying leadership capabilities, being creative, working well in a team, or working under pressure.

 

It works wonders in the classroom too! Let us explore why.  When a good teacher listens with empathy, he/she tries to connect with their students who, as a result, feel understood and nurtured. Also, when they teach their subject, they explain it well and make it interesting. In addition to that, their facial expression, tone of voice, and body language are reassuring showing that they believe in their students.

 

What is the second most important quality of great teachers?

 

It is their curiosity for lifelong learning. In the words of Walt Disney, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we are curious.”

 

When a teacher demonstrates a love for learning by trying new ideas and adopting advancements in their fields, he/she passes on a positive attitude towards acquiring knowledge and skills to the students. These teachers seek to understand their own strengths and weaknesses to work on areas of improvement. Moreover, they enjoy and gain from the energy and abilities of their students.

 

Students always remember their outstanding teachers because those teachers made a difference in their lives.

 

These teachers established a connection with their students and remained ardent learners themselves.

Voice of Faiza Sirohey

Faiza Sirohey is currently homeschooling her son Abrar along with taking care of her family. Her vision is to see children, including her own, as individuals who create positive change in themselves and in their environment. She believes that learning continues well beyond any age limit, hence she is a learner along with her children. She strives to become a better version of herself each day.

]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2020 13:39:04 +0400<![CDATA[Imagine a world without teachers - the voice of Shama Noman]]>https://vofg.vofgarabia.org/blogs/post/imagine-a-world-without-teachers-the-voice-of-shama-nomanNot such a far-fetched idea you’d say, considering the changing world and the engagement of artificial intelligence and smart knowledge engineering. R ]]>

Not such a far-fetched idea you’d say, considering the changing world and the engagement of artificial intelligence and smart knowledge engineering. Robots are taking over the talking. A specified software to deliver the curriculum and the freedom to change your chatbot! Undoubtedly, Science and technology are tools integral to human development. And while Science explains the matter, technology is all about the experience, a digital transformation.


But before we measure our readiness to live in a world without teachers, we must pause and ask ourselves the following questions: Are we ready to hand over our fate to a faceless machine? Do we agree on forfeiting our human connections? Will technology support our ethics while allowing us to exercise our free will?


If you struggle with answering these questions, walk into a classroom today.


The teacher will be waiting for you, so do not be late. She has carved certain expectations because she believes in your abilities. You love craftwork, so she has added in some kinesthetic activities to customize your experience. She has jotted down a plan for the day but is ready to make modifications if you are experiencing a personal struggle. She can read your sorrow and will lend you an ear to drown all your pain. She knows that your academic performance isn’t just about your grade; your narrative also influences it, and where you stand in life. She will not judge you. Trust, conviction, expectation, persuasion, and hope will create a relationship that will place human happiness and well-being on top.


Your teacher will remind you of your talents when you’re feeling unsure. She will scan every stationery shop to buy the right tools for you to start polishing your skills. When you stand up to speak in front of the classroom, she will nod her head in agreement to get you started. She will filter all the negativity and replace it with assurance and optimism. Later, you will find a personalized note left at your table, praising you for displaying courage and confidence.


Yes, teachers deliver the curriculum, but they also nurture future generations. They hold strong ethics and are navigated by a sound moral compass. They transform learning into curiosity and exploration, not just of the subject, but of self. They recognize the rights of the children to express their free will, having opinions, contradicting ideas and perpetuating solutions. Teachers infuse patience for discussion, collaboration and a sense of acceptance for the incomplete and the unresolved.


So even though it is possible to imagine a world without teachers, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should!


A world without teachers will be a world without humanity.


Happy Teacher’s Day 2020!

Voice of Shama Noman

Shama Noman is an educator with 17 years of classroom experience in the UAE. She is a strong advocate of Children’s Rights and her passion lies in helping young learners embrace their unique voices and expression. As English Project Manager for Voices of Future Generations for the Middle East Region, she is committed to contribute positively to the global goals and raise a generation of analytical and empathetic children who become architects of their own sustainable future. 

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