The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has marked World Teachers Day 2022 by honoring three exceptional teachers for their dedication and contribution to the profession, in a surprise awarding ceremony that was organized at the teachers’ schools.
For the fourth year in a row, principals from Private and Charter Schools were invited to submit nominations for their outstanding teachers, and submissions went through a rigorous selection process, resulting in ADEK’s judging panel selecting three winners. This year, ADEK received over 190 nominations from private and Charter Schools, reflecting the increasing year-on-year participation in the award, which has received around 700 nominations since its launch on the World Teachers’ Day in 2019.
Selected for their remarkable contribution and passion, this year’s winners of the World Teachers Day Awards 2022 are Greeshma Rajesh Anil Kumar from Mayoor Private School, Daniel Stephen Emery from The British School Al Khubairat, and Suneela Bukhari Salman Chaudhry from Islamiya English School Abu Dhabi. The winning teachers were recognized during a surprise visit to their schools, where ADEK representatives were joined by school leaders and colleagues, as well as students to celebrate the remarkable work of the winning teachers throughout the past year.
The judging criteria explored how the teachers had significantly made an impact in their classrooms and on the learning outcomes of students, what differentiates them from their peers, and how they have made an organizational difference. The winners were surprised at their schools with student testimonials, a presentation of prizes, and a trophy.
Commenting on her winning, computer science teacher Greeshma Rajesh Anil Kumar said: “This is a great day for me. I feel extremely happy and proud of this recognition which I did not expect today. I would like to thank our school principal and all my colleagues for the great support they have given me throughout my teaching journey. My advice to young teachers is to believe in themselves and their ability to excel; If I can win this recognition, then anyone else can. On the World Teachers’ Day, I wish all teachers the best; you are molding the next generation who future world leaders.”
For his part, art teacher Daniel Stephen Emery said: “I am happy and shocked as this is the first time, I get this kind of recognition. While I was lucky to have my name on this recognition, I believe that I only represent our school culture and the people I work with, so this is for everyone at our school. My advice to up-and-coming teachers is to love what you do and be patient, and always remember being a teacher is a challenging yet enjoyable and rewarding journey.”
On the other hand, English language teacher Suneela Bukhari Salman Chaudhry said: “I am thrilled and overwhelmed with this surprise, yet I am humbled to be chosen as one of the winning teachers in this initiative. I am grateful to Allah and our headmistress who has been a true mentor and source of support throughout my time with the school. Being a teacher is not only a profession, it is a passion at heart; it is not about delivering a lesson, but the ability to read your students’ minds and feeling. My advice to all fellow teachers is make your students willing to learn before teaching them, be their friend, understand how they think, and only then you will be a successful teacher.”
