How UAE teachers get ready for the new school year

As schools across the UAE prepare for the new academic year, teachers are engaging in a comprehensive preparation process beyond the usual tasks of arranging desks and printing lesson plans. This period before students return is a time for reflection, preparation, and anticipation, as educators understand the importance of setting the right tone for the year ahead.

For Leslie Dizon, a humanities teacher, preparation begins with her own well-being. She dedicates a full week to ensure her physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state is in order. She believes that a teacher's attitude can greatly influence students, especially during the transition back to school. Dizon emphasizes leading by example, as a calm, prepared, and enthusiastic teacher can inspire the same mindset in her students.

She also prioritizes safety in the classroom, making sure students have trusted adults to support them throughout their academic journey.

Najwa Al Zarouni, a social studies and moral education teacher, uses the pre-school period to assess her previous year's performance. She reviews the curriculum, learning outcomes, and assessment requirements while considering which approaches were effective and which need improvement. Al Zarouni emphasizes the importance of establishing a positive classroom culture from the start, where students feel respected, supported, and challenged.

Clear expectations around behavior, participation, communication, and responsibility are crucial in creating a successful learning environment. In the UAE's diverse classrooms, fostering a sense of belonging is particularly important, as students come from various cultural backgrounds and possess different experiences and abilities.

Zainab Nadeem Farooqui, a geography teacher, focuses on making the first few days engaging and comfortable for students. She prepares activities that encourage students to talk, participate, and ask questions. Farooqui believes that the first few days are about building relationships and setting the tone for the rest of the year.

She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, encouraging students to explore ideas rather than just finding the correct answers. Farooqui sees the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students as a strength, as it can enrich the classroom environment.

Kenneth Garcia, a STEM teacher, uses the pre-school period to rethink lesson plans, preparing hands-on materials and interactive displays that foster collaboration. He aims to create an inclusive classroom where students feel safe, welcomed, and supported. Garcia also establishes clear routines, such as learning procedures and behavior expectations, to ensure the classroom runs smoothly.

Arnel Alo, a mathematics teacher, plans for effective classroom routines by modeling procedures and providing consistent reinforcement. He uses formative assessments to identify students' learning gaps and misconceptions, tailoring his instruction to meet individual needs. Alo also seeks to challenge students who are ready for greater challenges, ensuring that all learners in his classroom have the opportunity to thrive.