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For the love of teaching

Ask any teacher why they love getting up and going to school early every morning and pat comes the reply — passion. Despite low salaries, long working-hours, difficult school inspection routines and ever-changing technology, a teacher’s job is fulfilling.

Being a teacher may not be the career aspiration of young children in schools but many long-serving teachers of Dubai share a common goal which is to bring happiness in the lives of students. Khaleej Times caught up with some of the city’s seasoned teachers to find out the story of their lives. And we take a sneak peek into the lives of four such teachers.

 

Nirmala Subramanian,

GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah

Head of Primary

Started Teaching: 1982

About yourself
I started my career as a kindergarten teacher and moved on to the primary section. Honestly, I never thought of becoming a teacher but my sister was running her own school and it was just out of interest that I started helping her. That’s when I got more curious and developed a passion. Before coming to Dubai in 2008, I was teaching in Oman since 1986. I have reached a stage where this is everything for me. This is one profession where learning just carries on.

A memorable experience

Children have actually taught me things in class. I remember a geography lesson. While teaching the kids about a particular country, a child came up with three to four questions which were complicated. Honestly, I had not touched upon those topics and that’s when I got back to her saying, “You know it would be nice if you could share these extra points with your friends so that all of us would benefit.” Together she and I learned with the whole class and everyone enjoyed.

A good teacher should have

Good attitude, subject knowledge and a love for children.

 

 Dawn Frosberry,

Our Own English High School, Sharjah; English Teacher

Started Teaching: 1980

About yourself

I had always wanted to be a teacher. I started my career in the 80s as a university lecturer in North-East India.

Teaching has changed a lot since those days. Earlier, it was based on what the teacher had to say. Children would be quiet and accept everything.

Today, children don’t just accept anything. They keep questioning.Whenever we are questioned, we go back and research again. Our knowledge increases together with theirs. It is a very challenging situation because you can’t just bluff your students.

A memorable experience

It is very gratifying when people remember you even after a long time. The amount of love and happiness you get in teaching, I don’t think any other profession gets it.

A few days ago after the CBSE results, our head girl wrote an e-mail to me and I was quite surprised. She said, “You were my worst critic and my best teacher. I will never forget you.” Such experiences leave a lasting impression.

A good teacher should have The ability to bring out the best in a child, knowledge of the subject and a great sense of humour.

 

Yasser Fayez,

Winchester School, Dubai

Head of Arabic & Islamic Studies

Started Teaching: 1996

About yourself

In 2003, I came to Dubai as a teacher. When you are young, you plan to be something in life. Those days, when I was in college, I felt only a teacher could change the world of a young person.

Today, after working as a teacher for so many years, I can feel the difference I make in the life of pupils I teach.

Teaching non-Arab students is very different from native Arabic speakers.

A memorable experience

I remember a Grade 8 student who gave me a very tough time in my first year as a teacher in Dubai.

I used to always wonder why the student wasn’t suspended from school and one day the principal asked me, “If we remove him from our school and no other school gives him admission, where will the child go?” That’s when I tried to help him.

I met the same student four years after he had completed school.

He just came and hugged me and told me about his university life.

A good teacher should have

Patience, understanding and helpful to students.

 

Michael Gernon,

GEMS Wellington Academy

Principal

Started Teaching: 1985

About yourself

I made a conscious choice to be a teacher. At 16, one of my teachers told me I could be a good teacher. I was passionate about music. I started teaching in practice classes from the age of 18. My first teaching post was at the age of 22. When I started out as a teacher, it was very different. We had all the knowledge and our job was to impart knowledge to all the children in front of you. Teachers today have to modify their style to suit young people.

A memorable experience

I remember the third school I had taught at. We set-up a music group from absolute scratch where none of the students had played musical instruments before.

I spent all my spare time teaching them how to play. We formed into a group, entered our first competition and won against groups of adults. That for me was a real high point. There’s always special moments in a classroom.

A good teacher should have

A love for teaching, an understanding of the world we live in and subject knowledge. 

muaz@khaleejtimes.com