With a new academic year for schools in Qatar having begun, the education sector has been gearing towards new programmes to support and enhance the teaching profession. At the recent inauguration of the annual education forum, leaders in the education sector unveiled initiatives aimed at upgrading the support systems available to students, with the aim of enhancing the assistance and resources that students receive and helping to improve their academic experience.
The forum saw leaders in Qatar’s education sector emphasise the importance of enhancing the status of teachers, advancing the teaching profession, and establishing a national framework with standards and licensing rules, highlighting that achieving this involves quality training for public school teachers and suitable opportunities for private school teachers.
In an interview, Abeer al-Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education (PUE) at Qatar Foundation (QF), spoke about training and leadership opportunities, comprehensive training programmes, and strategic leadership initiatives that QF offers to teachers.
She also discussed the challenges faced by Qatari teachers and how QF looks to help overcome these challenges, and QF's innovative approaches to elevating the teaching profession, enhancing educational outcomes, and supporting teachers, emphasising their role in educational transformation.

Q: How significant is the contribution of Qatari teachers in QF schools, and how does it reflect on the educational process?
A: In QF schools, we strive to attract more Qatari talents to both administrative and teaching positions. Every year, we prioritise increasing the number of Qatari teachers in our schools, recognising the immense value they bring to the educational environment. They serve as role models, share their culture with learners, provide guidance and support, and have the ability to align the local context globally, contributing to our students' sense of identity.
Qatari teachers possess a unique perspective on the education system and its goals, enabling them to effectively implement national educational curricula and policies in line with Qatar's vision for education. The presence of Qatari educators is crucial to providing a culturally enriching and contextually relevant educational experience. Therefore, QF continuously endeavours to strengthen their role and status, recognising their significant contribution to shaping the future of education in Qatar. This commitment is reflected in designing impactful professional development programmes to enhance their qualifications and create an appealing teaching profession within a supportive work environment.

Q: What strategies does QF employ to attract competent teachers, and are there innovative programmes in place for their training?
A: Qatar Foundation prioritizes the recruitment of skilled teachers and strives to establish high professional standards for them, acknowledging their significance and contributions. QF also encourages teachers to complete their postgraduate studies to ensure their professional growth and enhance their long-term commitment to education. We ensure each teacher has an individualised development plan, beginning with identifying and analysing their unique needs. Then, using opportunities offered by Education City universities or other external institutions, we develop a customised training programme that is simple to implement within the school. Our objective is to enable teachers to stay well-informed and clearly understand the various pathways available for their professional advancement.
PUE distinguishes itself by having the Education Development Institute (EDI), which offers an innovative approach that provides teachers with valuable opportunities for professional growth. We constantly explore creative and inventive teaching methods, staying abreast of the latest transformations in the field of education. EDI provides comprehensive and tailor-made courses and professional development programmes for teachers through and in cooperation with them before the start of the academic year to identify their needs and ensure meaningful training opportunities for them.
Additionally, we organise workshops, seminars, and conferences that foster communication among education professionals, both within and outside Qatar, facilitating the exchange of experiences and sharing best practices. Furthermore, QF embraces technology as a tool to enhance teacher training. We have developed digital resources and online platforms, such as Rasekh, a comprehensive platform featuring educational resources and interactive modules that connect global perspectives with local knowledge, providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities.

Q: What are the major challenges faced by teachers or those aspiring to pursue a teaching career in Qatar?
A: One of the significant challenges facing teachers today is the continuous change in the nature of jobs that students will have in the future and the difficulty of predicting the knowledge and skills required for these jobs. Therefore, our focus at Qatar Foundation is on building an educational system that aligns with modern global standards, hones important practical and life skills, and fosters the ability to continuously learn and grow.
Impressive technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, pose a major challenge for teachers. They must continually familiarise themselves with how to effectively employ these technologies in the educational process, deal positively with any associated risks, and ensure that both teachers and learners are updated on the latest developments. This is precisely what our schools in QF strive to accomplish.
Another related challenge lies in the learners' ability to quickly access information and answers through the internet. This challenge involves demonstrating the credibility of the teacher's knowledge, as the Internet may contain misleading or unreliable information. Therefore, teachers must provide accurate information in response to what learners have found. In this regard, we always strive to enhance the research capabilities of learners, enabling them to discern accurate information from other sources.
It is worth noting that today's students differ significantly from their peers in previous generations; they are more open-minded, have more diverse needs, and have easier access to knowledge platforms. Given that the International Baccalaureate curriculum we adopt encourages students to continue researching and questioning, we continue to empower teachers to meet the students' requirements, respond to their inquiries, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the educational landscape.

Q: What initiatives does QF undertake to motivate teachers' active involvement in the field of education, particularly in specialised schools like Renad Academy? Do they receive specialised training?
A: At Qatar Foundation, we are committed to empowering teachers and fostering their active engagement in the educational journey. We offer specialised programmes that equip them with the skills to effectively teach the curricula implemented in specialised education schools, including Renad Academy. Through these tailored training programmes, teachers acquire knowledge about personalised learning approaches, flexible teaching methods that cater to individual student needs, and the utilisation of assistive technologies. This comprehensive training enables them to effectively manage classrooms and provide a conducive learning environment.
Teachers in specialised schools possess distinct qualities and standards that enable them to effectively engage with students with diverse educational needs. These qualities include inherent traits such as patience, a genuine passion for education, the ability to concentrate, and a constant readiness to provide psychological support. At QF, we acknowledge the significance of selecting analytical and critical-thinking teachers. We emphasise the importance of encouraging educators to continually develop themselves and cultivate a reflective, dedicated, problem-solving professional personality to enhance professional practice.
Creating a safe environment that nurtures students and accommodates their needs is paramount. Hence, we encourage teachers to establish regular communication with their students and treat them with the same care they would provide to their own children. This approach fosters stronger teacher-student bonds, cultivates a sense of trust and confidence, and ensures students receive the necessary support they require.

Q: What prospects are accessible to Qatari teachers, particularly female educators, in Qatar and within the QF schools?
A: Qatar acknowledges the significance of investing in Qatari teachers, and offers numerous programmes, scholarships, and professional development opportunities designed to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and equip them with the necessary resources to excel in their classrooms. The education and training sector, along with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), has recently implemented numerous initiatives and programmes intended to enhance teachers' capabilities in various fields related to this crucial sector. These efforts also include facilitating their access to modern technology.
Qatar Foundation is strongly committed to empowering and supporting Qatari teachers to excel in their profession. In line with this commitment, we offer numerous opportunities exclusively tailored for Qatari teachers, particularly female educators, both within Qatar and across QF schools. QF also places significant emphasis on empowering women, promoting gender equality, creating opportunities for women, and recognising their valuable educational contributions.
Additionally, we are dedicated to nurturing future leaders in education within Qatar. Our focus lies in developing highly skilled learners who will eventually become teachers. To achieve this goal, QF has implemented various paths and initiatives to increase the representation of Qatari individuals in the teaching profession across all of its schools. This includes providing support for Qatari students studying education-related subjects at universities abroad. Currently, PUE offers an outstanding opportunity through its scholarship programme designed for QF's students who aspire to excel in the field of education. The scholarship programme specifically targets Qatari students who have obtained a high school diploma from QF schools and wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in education. By participating in this programme, students acquire the necessary qualifications for future teaching positions in QF schools. The scholarship programme has helped four graduate school students complete their overseas studies.

Q: Why is it significant to have Qataris in leadership roles within PUE? How does their presence contribute to the overall learning experience of students?
A: Enhancing the status of Qatari leadership is one of the key objectives we strive to achieve at PUE. We understand the significance of promoting a sense of national identity and pride among students, which can only be achieved through the dedicated efforts and visionary guidance of Qatari leaders who reinforce students' connections to their cultural heritage, values, and traditions.
Qatari leadership plays a vital role in enhancing the concept of a comprehensive educational experience for students. They serve as role models who deeply understand the local context and effectively address Qatari students' unique needs and aspirations. These leaders act as mentors throughout students' educational journeys, assisting them in nurturing their sense of identity and belonging. They collaborate with staff from diverse nationalities, supporting them in comprehending the local context within a global framework. By doing so, they enrich the overall educational experience and promote a harmonious environment for all students.
When it comes to providing guidance and support, it is crucial for students to receive information and advice from individuals who deeply understand their culture and affiliations. Having Qatari leaders ensures that students receive guidance from someone who belongs to their community, comprehends their experiences, and can share relevant insights.
Qatari leaders have an extensive comprehension of the education system, its goals, and Qatar's vision for education. They play a vital role in implementing curricula that ensure the educational experience aligns with Qatar's aspirations for excellence and innovation.

Q: What long-lasting influence do PUE schools aspire to have? And what specific goals and achievements do you hope to accomplish for a lasting impact on students, teachers, and the wider community?
A: As PUE President, I envision establishing a lasting legacy of progressive education that consistently influences students, teachers, and the wider community. We must enhance the educational system to align with the standards set by renowned international educational systems, focusing on attaining excellence and quality in the outcomes of the educational process. Furthermore, we aim to promote contemporary education and scientific research, complementing our endeavors to nurture national professional capacities within schools.
One of the primary goals I hope to achieve is to cultivate a culture of innovation and critical thinking in pre-university schools, empowering students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving world. By nurturing creativity, fostering entrepreneurial thinking, and encouraging problem-solving, we enable students to become future leaders and catalysts for positive change.
I aim to establish a nurturing environment for teachers to continually enhance their pedagogical skills, stay updated with the latest educational practices, and recognise their vital role in shaping young minds. This will be achieved through mentoring opportunities and comprehensive professional development programmes. Additionally, I strongly emphasise community engagement, as QF is deeply committed to social responsibility. By fostering community participation, our schools contribute to the overall improvement of society.
My vision is to elevate QF's schools into hubs of educational excellence, fostering academically distinguished and innovative graduates who will make meaningful contributions to societal progress. By prioritising the holistic development of students, empowering teachers, and forging strong community partnerships, we are creating a lasting legacy that positively influences the lives of individuals and society as a whole. QF's unwavering commitment to education and its abundant resources will play a pivotal role in realising these aspirations and leaving behind a valuable legacy for generations to come.