Giving children the right start: Dr Shine Nissar’s educational vision

By Zanita Careem

Dr Ifthikar Shine Nissar, an accomplished early education specialist, has spent over two decades dedicated to shaping better educational experiences for young children. Born as a bright and radiant child, she later adopted the nickname "Dr. Shine" which has stayed with her throughout her career. Her journey started in Sri Lanka, where she earned her doctorate from California State University, San Bernardino, and has since built a successful career in educational leadership in the United States.

Having migrated from Sri Lanka, Dr. Shine Nissar remains deeply connected to her roots and the country's culture and values. She recently returned to Sri Lanka, where she experienced its stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. She expressed her gratitude for the love and support of her family and friends, which have been the foundation of her overall success.

Dr. Shine's doctoral research focused on creating more inclusive preschool classrooms, particularly for children with special needs. She holds advanced qualifications in Early Education, Educational Administration, and Educational Leadership, along with two Master's degrees in Educational Administration and Early Childhood Special Education, and an undergraduate degree in Child Development. Her teaching and administrative credentials further solidify her expertise in the field.

When asked about her inspiration to contribute to Early Childhood Education in Sri Lanka, Dr. Shine revealed that her lifelong dream has always been to give back to her home country. She believes the time is right to utilize her educational background and expertise in ECE, as there is a pressing need for her skills in the region. Her connection to Sri Lanka has always remained strong, as it is where her educational journey began and remains very close to her heart.

Dr. Shine is passionate about serving as a professional partner for any organization, government, or private institution in strengthening the profession of Early Childhood Education in Sri Lanka. She is open to contributing through various means such as professional development, conference presentations, leadership training, advisory or board/committee service, mentoring, workforce development, and volunteer initiatives.

She particularly wishes to support teachers, ECE and Child Development administrators, principals, directors, government and private agencies, university students, and parents.

Her previous experience as an Adjunct Professor in the United States, where she prepared university students entering the education profession, further adds to her valuable experience. Dr. Shine believes that workforce development is a powerful way to create sustainable educational change. Her journey from Sri Lanka to the United States, where she became an educator, administrator, educational leader, and university professor, has led her to see this opportunity as a way of bringing her experience home and contributing to the country that shaped her earliest years.