“We must bend in the wind sometimes…. So much is beyond our control”.
Mrs Fahey
We are in the second term of the 2021-2022 academic year and what a year it has been so far. Like the quote says we all have to bend in the wind sometimes. The winds of change brought on by the pandemic are still blowing and our ability to bend and not break is what is keeping us going.
At the start of this term, many schools including all Abu Dhabi schools began the term with distance learning. Teachers, students and parents all had to adapt very quickly. Distance learning was not new to us and so many of us fell back into very familiar routines. If we have learned anything from the past two years, it is that nothing is fixed, everything can and will change, and we are stronger and more flexible than we thought we were.
As we settle into term two, it is important to remember that what we do as educators is of vital importance. Just as our work is important, so too is the need for us to take care of ourselves and each other. Make sure you take time to rest both mentally and physically. For those of us in the United Arab Emirates, the change in the weekend has afforded some extra time off. Use those hours wisely. Do not always find more work to pack into those hours. Spend time taking care of yourself. A well-rested and enthusiastic teacher is what every child deserves.
Have you missed getting together with colleagues from other schools face to face? Well, you won’t have to wait too much longer as Teach Middle East will be hosting the third annual Middle East School Leadership Conference on March 1-2, 2022 at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre. We will be getting together to look at what is really changing in education. School leaders from all across the region will share what is changing in their schools. Join us by registering today at www.schoolleadersme.com.
Mark your calendars for more amazing opportunities throughout the remainder of the academic year to learn, network and grow at one of the many events we have planned for you. On May 19, 2022, we will be hosting the Schools Marketing Summit Online, more details to follow soon. Join us on August 24-25, 2022 online for the third annual Middle East Teaching and Learning Conference. This event will bring together thousands of educators from the Middle East and beyond. Visit www.meteachingandlearning.com to learn more.
On November 10, 2022, we will be hosting live in Dubai, the second annual STEM MENA Conference. This event will feature some of the brightest STEM educators from across the globe. Find out more at www.stemmena.com.
The pages of this issue of the magazine is filled with a wider array of specially curated articles, written by educators to inspire you to be the best you can be both in and out of the classroom. We take a look at what one school is doing to further the cause of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. We also chat with a police officer turn educator about what drives him.
Our mission to connect, develop and empower educators continues unabated. Join us.
Make sure to check out the Teach Middle East Podcast. There is a new episode every Monday.
As usual, the best conversation with like-minded educators take place on our social media channels. Take part by following us on Twitter @teachmiddleast, LinkedIn & Facebook @Teach Middle East Magazine and Instagram @Teachmiddleeast.
Looking forward to connecting with you all.
Leisa Grace Wilson
Editorial Director
@leisagrace
