ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar University (QU) are set to host the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in Doha from November 19-23, a statement said. The academy was first established in 2012 with QU’s National Centre for Educational Development (NCED) and the support of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
The intensive professional development programme is held annually for Math and Science teachers from Qatar’s government schools. The academy is modelled after the successful ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in the US and the only edition of the original programme held internationally.
It was developed by a consortium of specialists in Qatar and representatives from the initial programme to build critical skills among young people through their teachers -- in support of a sustainable future; and based on the principle of active learning, where the teachers experience various instructional practices from students’ perspectives via interactive workshops.
Over the span of a week, science and math teachers will be presented with new and effective teaching strategies that will help encourage their students to develop a passion for these subjects. They will have access to resources that will upgrade their skills and keep them informed of the latest teaching methods and assistive technologies that will allow them to provide their students with a high-quality science and math education.
More than 50 teachers will take part in this year’s academy in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Teach For Qatar (TFQ). Around 40 of these teachers are grade 7-9 math and science teachers from Qatar’s government schools; 10 are TFQ fellows, in addition to 13 student teachers from the internship program at QU’s College of Education.
The culmination of the academy is only the beginning for these teacher participants to pass on new learning to their students, thus treading the path toward achieving a highly skilled labour force as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. Ahead of each academy, participating teachers go through a rigorous selection process carried out by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, QU and TFQ. The process identifies capable candidates who are passionate in their disciplines and committed to their students’ learning.
By the end of this year’s academy, more than 500 teachers from Qatar’s school system and 47 TFQ fellows would have taken part. These teachers are expected to impact over 20,000 students from 50 schools. Maha al-Rowaili, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, said: “This academic programme is a local teacher development initiative with a significant impact that contributes to building the foundation for the technologies and innovations of tomorrow through high-quality STEM education.
"We look forward to continuing collaboration with ExxonMobil Qatar on the academy and other education projects that aim to change the way students think and work towards a sustainable future through quality teaching and learning," she added.
ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager Dominic Genetti, said: "The future depends on decisions we are making today about education. This was the key driver behind our collaboration with Qatar University to establish the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in 2012. We’re proud that since then, the academy has helped enhance the skill sets and instructional practices of hundreds of teachers in Qatar.”
Prof Dr Asma al-Attiyah, dean of the College of Education for QU, said: "With the support of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the academy has created a group of empowered educators who are equipped with advanced pedagogical skills that will foster a generation of students with a heightened understanding of science, technology, engineering and math subjects. These students will in turn help shape the scientific and technological advancements that will help us move toward a sustainable future.
"This year’s version of the academy aims to build teachers’ capabilities to use the integrative STEM approach that links science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to enhance their competencies and experiences in planning and application, which is reflected in the formation of positive attitudes and trends of students towards scientific subjects. It also focuses on improving their abilities for innovation and leadership, and then the quality of their learning outcomes, which qualifies them as leaders of the future.”
Abdulkarim Shaaban, acting director of NCED, and Hala Fayed, programme director for the academy praised the efforts of the academy’s NCED specialists team and the co-operation of the math and science supervisors at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in planning the academy's program for this year.
"Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is a solid step towards implementing the initiative of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to expand the application of the STEM integrated approach in government schools in Qatar.”
Rashid al-Khayareen, vice-president, Strategic Relations and Public and Government Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar, said: “We’re thrilled that the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is returning to Doha. We look forward to welcoming all the teachers and Teach For Qatar fellows taking part to another enriching experience in science and math education.”
ExxonMobil Qatar and QU began their long-term partnership more than two decades ago. Over the years, their collaborative efforts have resulted in highly effective and successful education programs and initiatives, particularly in STEM. ExxonMobil Qatar and QU are committed to continuing their joint efforts to achieve high quality education leading to excellence for all students, the statement added.