ACS International School Doha has promoted Early Childhood teacher Ester-Leigh Rawson as Early Childhood principal for 2021-22, based at its new state-of-the-art campus in Al Kheesa.
She has been with the Doha school for almost a decade and brings 14 years of early-years teaching experience to the role. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in the US, where she gained her university degree and teaching certification, Rawson believes her international background helps her identify with the culturally diverse community at ACS Doha.
Her passion for teaching the 3 to 6-year-old age group – for “making connections with young minds” – has led her to develop strategies to protect the wellbeing of early learners and encourage them to take ownership of their own progress, not least in these remote home-learning times.
“First and foremost, we establish a sense of belonging,” says Rawson, “using regular routines, like inventing new ways to greet each other in a socially distanced way. Some of our Zoom sessions are integrated experiences – with a librarian, PE teacher and art teacher working together to stimulate mind, body and soul.”
Beyond the Early Childhood years, ACS Doha offers the full range of International Baccalaureate programmes: the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and the Diploma Programme (IBDP), in addition to the US High School Diploma. It is the only school in Qatar to offer both the Advanced Placement Programme (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP).
Her passion for teaching the 3 to 6-year-old age group – for “making connections with young minds” – has led her to develop strategies to protect the wellbeing of early learners and encourage them to take ownership of their own progress, not least in these remote home-learning times.
“First and foremost, we establish a sense of belonging,” says Rawson, “using regular routines, like inventing new ways to greet each other in a socially distanced way. Some of our Zoom sessions are integrated experiences – with a librarian, PE teacher and art teacher working together to stimulate mind, body and soul.”
Beyond the Early Childhood years, ACS Doha offers the full range of International Baccalaureate programmes: the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and the Diploma Programme (IBDP), in addition to the US High School Diploma. It is the only school in Qatar to offer both the Advanced Placement Programme (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP).
