Lessons learned from my first school in the UAE

 

My first school in Sharjah, under SPEA, and its people played a key role in shaping me as an international educator.

Building on that experience, a key lesson was understanding the leadership among co-workers. The principal taught me the relevance of knowing every staff member personally, from administrative to academic staff, as well as the gardener to transportation staff, and the entire school community. I learned to treat everyone inclusively, especially during cultural celebrations, so that everyone feels valued and welcomed.

Furthermore, through these experiences, I found that trust in leadership and mutual respect build strong foundations. Each person became a pillar in the organization. Motivation, recognition, and appreciation not only boost confidence but also help educators grow as team leaders, coordinators, and collaborators. These lessons deepened my understanding of leadership's role in building sustainable institutions.

Reflecting on these interconnected experiences, how would you describe your own leadership style?

Reflective Writing Among Educators

     Most educators are voluble but rarely write. We, educators, motivate our students to think aloud, reflect, and write their thoughts, but do we, teachers, overlook our own writing and hesitate to write? A majority are experts in their field, but when it comes to writing, they feel uncomfortable.

    As I reflect. Hesitation is not always a lack of writing skills; it is a combination of different perspectives. Many excellent teachers feel a fear of judgment, fear of digital visibility, and language insecurity. Others believe that only researchers and authors write, but in education, it has become a professional identity.

You don't have to be an academic writer to express your voice. Anyone's reflections can help others grow.

                                            Start with reflection, not with expertise.