Celebrating the Milestone:
A Journey of Growth and Empowerment in Education
The recent SEA graduation ceremony that took place at University City Hall marked a significant milestone as we celebrated the accomplishments of graduates from five of our programs: the Master in Education in Teacher Leadership, the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and three Early Childhood Education Certificate programs. This year, we witnessed remarkable growth, with the number of graduates rising from 32 last year to a notable 535.
The event was filled with joy and pride, reflecting the enthusiasm and sense of achievement radiating from our students. One of the key highlights of the ceremony was the recitation of the SEA Teachers’ Oath, which added a meaningful touch to the proceedings and strengthened the bond between the graduates and the faculty.
As we reflect on this milestone, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates. We hope to inspire and motivate both aspiring and practicing teachers to continually improve their teaching practices and become even more effective educators.
Embracing 21st Century Skills
One of the core objectives of our programs is to equip our students with the necessary tools to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of education. We recognize that 21st century skills are essential for preparing students to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future. Our graduates have undergone a transformative journey, moving from theory to practice, and have emerged as educators adept at integrating these skills into their teaching methodologies.
As future or current teachers, it is crucial to constantly update our pedagogical practices to ensure that we foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills in our students.
Shaping Pedagogy and Teaching Style
A remarkable aspect of our programs is the emphasis on shaping pedagogy and teaching style. Our graduates have gained invaluable insights into various instructional strategies, learning theories, and teaching methodologies. By exploring different approaches, they have discovered their unique teaching style—one that resonates with their personality, strengths, and the needs of their students. As aspiring or practicing teachers, it is essential to continue this journey of self-discovery, reflecting on our teaching practices, seeking feedback, and refining our methods. By doing so, we can create engaging and inclusive learning environments that inspire our students and foster their love for learning.
Embracing Assessment for Learning
Our programs have also emphasized the importance of assessment for learning. Our graduates have learned to employ a wide range of assessment methods that promote meaningful feedback and facilitate student growth. Assessments should not be limited to measuring academic performance but should also encompass a holistic understanding of students’ strengths, weaknesses, and progress. By adopting formative assessment techniques, providing constructive feedback, and involving students in their own learning process, teachers can empower their students to take ownership of their education.
Prioritizing Students’ Wellbeing
In the pursuit of academic excellence, it is crucial not to overlook students’ wellbeing. Our graduates have gained a deep understanding of the importance of creating a safe and supportive classroom environment that nurtures emotional well-being. They have learned to recognize and address the diverse needs of their students, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that every child’s voice is heard. As educators, it is our responsibility to prioritize students’ mental health, teach resilience, and instill a love for lifelong learning.
Teaching is not just a profession, it’s a lifelong opportunity to inspire, empower, and ignite the minds and hearts of our students. Never underestimate the profound impact you can have on their lives and the world they will shape. Strive to bring forth your utmost potential as a teacher.
“As educators, it is our responsibility to prioritize students’ mental health, teach resilience, and instill a love for lifelong learning.”.
To all the new students embarking on this incredible journey of becoming teachers, I offer the following recommendations:
Embrace lifelong learning: Education is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new research and best practices. Stay curious, seek professional development opportunities, and commit to continuous learning.
Foster a growth mindset: Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Encourage your students to do the same, fostering resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude towards learning.
Build strong relationships: Invest time in building positive relationships with your students, colleagues, and the wider community. Trust and rapport are foundational elements for effective teaching and learning.
Reflect on your practice: Regularly reflect on your teaching practice, seeking feedback and identifying areas for improvement. Embrace a culture of self-reflection and refinement, always striving to be the best version of yourself as an educator.
Embrace innovation: Stay open to new ideas, technologies, and innovative teaching methods. Embrace the potential of educational technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
The graduation of our second cohort marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering exceptional teachers for the 21st century. Warmest congratulations are extended to our graduates, who have embraced the challenges and transformations of this program with unwavering dedication.
To the new students, embark on this transformative journey with enthusiasm, passion, and a commitment to excellence. Together, we will shape the future of education, nurturing the next generation of learners and leaders.
Dr. Heba Nuseibah possesses extensive experience of over 15 years in the field of education, encompassing both distance learning and face-to-face instructional methods. Her expertise spans across higher education and K-12 environments. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education program at the prestigious Sharjah Education Academy, Dr. Heba has also delivered graduate-level courses at Penn State University in the United States and at the Arab American University of Palestine. Notably, she has contributed to the students’ dissertation committees during her tenure at the latter institution.
In the initial phase of her career, Dr. Nuseibah served as a technology teacher at a school in Palestine. Her involvement with the school development team included curricular enhancement in the domains of mathematics, English, and science. She initiated a collaborative program with teachers and students from New Mexico State in the United States, focusing on remote programming coding education for grades 9, 10, and 11.
Moreover, Dr. Heba played a pivotal role as an instructor in the Model School Network project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This initiative aimed to equip educators with technological competencies and enhance their computer and technical skills.
Thank you for your inspiring article. As one of your students and a recent graduate at the SEA ceremony, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your guidance and support. The ceremony was a significant moment, and your focus on 21st-century skills, pedagogy, assessment for learning, and student wellbeing deeply resonated with us. Your dedication to shaping educators and future leaders has truly inspired me. Congratulations to all graduates, and best wishes to new students starting their journey.
Thank you, Dr. Heba, for everything!
Warm regards,
Mohammad AL Jubour