Over 1,700 new teachers join the GEMS family for 2017-18 session

Saturday 09 September 2017
Sir Christopher Stone addressing the new teachers at GEMS Awareness Day
Dubai - MENA Herald:

Over 1,700 teachers from around the world were inducted into the GEMS Education network of schools at what was one of the largest teacher induction events of its kind for K-12 schools in the country.

The annual event, GEMS Awareness Day, organised in association with TELLAL, (Teacher Learning and Leadership for All) Institute, provided an opportunity for new teachers to meet members of the senior leadership team, hear from colleagues and get an introduction to the entire network of GEMS Education.

TELLAL is the first licensed dedicated teacher training institute in the UAE in partnership with GEMS Education.

Commenting on the role of teachers, Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman, GEMS Education, said: “I believe teaching is a calling, a vocation and not simply a job. By joining the GEMS family your passion for this noble profession should transform yourself into a master-practitioner, and that coupled with strong partnerships with parents will enable the children you teach to succeed.”

The conference after the opening address had new members participating in a series of presentations and workshops providing them with insights into the wider themes of the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda and GEMS Education. These included UAE Culture and Arabic language; Wellbeing; Inclusion; and Innovation.

Among the prominent presenters who moderated these sessions were Nasif Kayed aka The Arab Culturalist; Andrew Hallam, bestselling author of Millionaire Teacher; Linda Bonnar, life coach and author of Press Play; Rick Bhullar, personal trainer and creator of Dubai Fit Challenge; Heidi Jones, nutritionist and Integrative Health Coach; Sue Padmore, Head of Inclusion at Jumeriah Primary School; Yousef Omar, Heba ElHelbawi and Wassim Wagdy, from The Sharek Centre, London; and the GEMS Innovation, Research and Development Team.

Dino Varkey, Chief Executive Officer, GEMS Education, who welcomed the new teachers on behalf of the Varkey family, said: “I represent the third generation of educators across our school network whose sole vision is to put quality education within the reach of every child. Students can be a powerful force to change the world tomorrow and by joining our family, you become part of this incredible movement.”

For teachers who arrived in the UAE for the first time, presentations and useful guidance on living and settling into the UAE were also organised to help them integrate easily within the new environment. The discussions covered a wide range of topics including UAE Governance, cultural sensitivity, etiquette, and activities residents can be involved in their spare time.

In addition, an open Network Leader session was held where the attendees had the opportunity to interact with subject network leaders to learn about more about their individual subjects in this region and promote collaboration across schools, within GEMS Education.

TELLAL offers professional development courses and opportunities to GEMS teachers and also offers complete life-cycle of training and development for all teachers and leaders across the UAE.

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