World Teachers' Day: Adek honours 3 exceptional teachers

Abu Dhabi - The winners were honoured at their schools with student testimonials, prizes and a memento

Three teachers were recognised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) for their dedication and contribution to the teaching profession as the department marked World Teachers’ Day which falls on October 5.

Selected for their remarkable professionalism, dedication, contribution, and passion, this year’s winners of the World Teachers Day Awards are: Rebecca Vasconcelos, teacher at Gems World Academy; Michele Pienaar, science teacher at Abu Dhabi International Private School- Branch 1; and Santhi Gopinathan, head of faculty subject level and computer science teacher at Abu Dhabi Indian School- Branch 1.

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Principals from private and charter schools had been invited to submit nominations for their outstanding teachers. The judging criteria explored how the teachers had made an impact in their classrooms and on the learning outcomes of students, what differentiated them from their peers, and how they have made an organisational difference.

The winners were honoured at their schools with student testimonials, prizes and a trophy.

Sara Musallam, Adek Chairman said: “Today, we pay tribute to all of Abu Dhabi’s teachers. We thank you for your hard work, dedication, and passion. We recognise that to have a world-class education ecosystem, we need world-class educators, and the winning teachers we celebrate on World Teachers Day embody the highest standards of industry professionalism. They have made a truly life-changing impact on their students and school community, inspiring countless young minds, acting as role models and mentors.”

Vasconcelos said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been nominated and to have won this award. It symbolises a token of appreciation and recognition for all teachers who have chosen to take on one of the hardest years in education and positively reflect it into meaningful life experiences for themselves, their students, and their learning community. It’s a phenomenal achievement that I will always consider as a highlight of my career.”

The education regulators in the emirate also released ‘Welcome to Your New Home’ — a guide designed for industry professionals who are joining schools in the emirate, to help them navigate their new life and to familiarize them with Adek and Abu Dhabi’s education ecosystem. This is to further help new recruits immerse themselves in the diverse leisure and cultural attractions Abu Dhabi has to offer, the guide is complemented by an Entertainer voucher book, enabling them to explore their new home.