Featured Teacher
This collaborative process is key to getting the“ buy in” of all stakeholders and leads to a harmonious school, one in which everyone is committed to achieving the school’ s goals.
What is the one thing that you would recommend to other principals who wish to create an inclusive school?
The one key thing that I would tell fellow principals who want to create an inclusive school, is to focus on the happiness and wellbeing of their staff and students first. For a school to function effectively, there has to be a culture of openness, tolerance and inclusiveness. Ensure that every single person, whether it is staff, students, parents or members of the public( who interact with your school) feel valued. As a leader, listen more than you speak. The vision of our school is,‘ Striving to integrate excellence … beyond borders’. The journey matters more than the destination. At Westminster School Dubai, we recognise that our vision is one that will be ongoing as long as the school exists, as striving for excellence is an ongoing process.
How do you help teachers to share good practice with each other?
With over three hundred teachers, I am proud to say that we have a wellspring of talents and at our school, sharing good practice has now become second nature. We not only share good practice within the school, but we have developed a good reputation in the education community in Dubai, for sharing good practice across schools. One of the key ways in which we help to develop this culture of sharing good practice is by allowing our teachers the freedom to innovate in their classrooms. They are able to carry out action research, try new methods and make small, but meaningful changes, which often have a significant impact on the students’ progress and attainment. The teachers are given opportunities to share their work with their colleagues. We celebrate our teachers and encourage them to be as creative as possible and the result is a group of educators who embody a sense of community.
What do you do for fun or to unwind after a long day?
Long days are now very normal for me. I do not feel the effects of the long days at school, because I enjoy being there. When I am there, I feel like I am with my extended family, as I am constantly surrounded by the joy and curiosity of the students and the camaraderie of my colleagues. When I am home, I like to go for long walks with my family, no matter what time it is, we try to do at least 5 kilometres. It is a great way to unwind, watch the world go by and spend time with those closest to me.
What is the one thing about you that would surprise your colleagues?
My colleagues generally think that I am very business-like and focussed. It may surprise them to find out that I have a very playful side. I enjoy a good laugh. Another thing that surprises my colleagues is that no matter what the problem they come to me with, they always leave with a solution!
What is the best professional advice that you have received and how has this helped you?
The best advice I have received is that leadership is more than just managing people and organisations. Leadership is investing in people so that, long after you are gone, the impact you have had on people’ s lives, becomes a legacy that lives on. When I joined GEMS Education in 2003, I was attracted by the core values of the Company. The leadership of GEMS Education, Chairman and Founder Sunny Varkey and Chief Executive Officer, Dino Varkey, are committed to investing in people and creating a legacy of excellence in education. I am happy to be contributing to the building of this lasting legacy.
Class Time | | Sep- Oct 2017 | 35