Featured Teacher
Liz Redhead shares why teaching is her life ’ s passion
“ There ’ s nothing quite like working with children and seeing them achieve .”
– Liz Redhead
Year 6 teacher , Liz Redhead works with students to solve a Math problem written on the floor of their classroom . ( Photo credit : Liz Redhead )
While many educators share a similar love for teaching , each educator brings a personalised and very unique approach to the job .
Whether it is an unwavering sense of commitment to making a difference or finding creative ways to ensure that students learn – there is no denying the impact of a good teacher on children ’ s education .
For Liz Redhead , her career choice was inevitable , after her love for teaching emerged at an early age .
She recalls role-playing with her teddy bears in her playhouse at the bottom of the garden at her family home in Berkshire , England . This was just one of the early signs that she was destined to teach .
Liz would ‘ call out ’ the register , read them stories and use her chalkboard to give them ‘ lessons ’. These days , Liz gets down to business educating young minds and takes great pleasure in seeing her students accomplish their goals in her classroom .
Since moving to the UAE in 2004 , Liz has taught in three different schools and Emirates .
She is currently a Year 6 teacher at Ajman Academy , where her classroom is constantly abuzz with the hum of students creating , collaborating and producing work that reflects their enjoyment of learning .
Below Liz shares a bit about her innovative teaching methods and the impact they have on her students .
Who inspires you most ?
The children I teach inspire me the most ! I believe in teaching children , not subjects , and it is essential to listen to the children , so that we can learn and grow together . They have such incredible imaginations and simply don ’ t see the barriers that adults seem to see . They are a rich source of ideas when we are co-constructing the learning journey together .
What are some of the steps that you are taking to advance your career ?
I have held leadership positions before , but there ’ s nothing more rewarding on a professional level than being with the children . For me , advancing my career means constantly striving to become a better teacher , so that my children become better learners . By working in partnership with the children and through extensive use of social media , I am always looking for innovative and creative ways to improve experiences and outcomes for all learners . I believe it ’ s important to take ownership of my professional development , as that ’ s the only way to ensure it is personalised and meets my needs , rather than waiting for the next course to come up . I like to think I ’ m learning every day !
Name two ways in which you and your colleagues have sustained outstanding attainment in the Primary Stage in teaching and learning .
I find that empowering students to demonstrate mastery in variety of creative ways , and of their own choosing , helps to promote higher levels of engagement and deeper learning . When we construct our assessment rubrics , we ensure that the children are given the freedom to meet the required outcomes in their own
34 | Jan - Feb 2017 | | Class Time