The Mariamma Varkey Awards celebrate the teaching profession and the role of teachers in shaping the next generation. This year’s recipients tell us what winning means to them
CEO of GEMS Education Dino Varkey referred to teachers as “heroes” at the fourth annual Mariamma Varkey Awards (MVA) held on Thursday 3 October at GEMS World Academy, Dubai. He said teachers make GEMS “powerful” because they dedicate their lives to educating our children. He added: “The Mariamma Varkey Awards are particularly close to my heart as they reflect the high standards set by my grandmother when she arrived in Dubai as a teacher 60 years ago. Thanks to her efforts and unwavering vision, GEMS Education is what it is today.”
The awards continue to underline the importance of the teaching profession and the fact that teachers deserve to be rewarded and celebrated. This year, 45 teachers were nominated for their year-long drive in motivating students and inspiring colleagues.
Most Inspirational Teacher: Mohammad Abusenenh
GEMS United School – Dubai Sports City
Mohammad Abusenenh’s students say his classes stretch them to think, react, imagine and create, not just regurgitate knowledge, and this has had an evident impact, with a steady improvement in progress in Arabic and Islamic. Outside the classroom Mohammad gets involved in everything from coaching soccer teams to KHDA panel participation, and his commitment to educating the community about Islamic values and Arab culture is clear through numerous initiatives, particularly the school’s first student-run National Day celebration.
What does this award mean?
Personally, this award means recognition and that I am on the right path to reach my goals. For me, it also means that following my heart does work, that doing what I love and what I am passionate about, works. The award has given me a boost of confidence within my career in education, to move forward with my creativity and growth. I feel very proud to be able to set an example for my students and fellow teachers, that working hard and being passionate about what you do leads to success.
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
During high school and university, I watched my teachers and professors. Thinking about the positive impact they made, I said to myself, “This is your future, Mohammad!” My passion to learn played a major role in my decision to become a teacher.
What’s the best thing about being in the classroom?
The ability to make a difference in my students’ lives.
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers?
Let your students feel that you are one of them. Be a role model to them because the best way to teach is by using your actions.
What has been the highlight of your year so far?
I got engaged and I’m the new team leader for my department.
If you had to teach a class on a desert island, what five things would you take with you?
The Holy Quran, sharpies, cardboard, books and a smile.
Winner – Inclusion: Elspeth Mackie
GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail
What does this award mean?
It’s the culmination of my hard work. I spent the past four years studying. I qualified as a British Dyslexia Association-accredited specialist dyslexia teacher. Next, I qualified with the NASENCO award from the University of Middlesex and I’m in my dissertation year of my M.Ed. in SEND.
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
My mother inspired me to become a teacher. She was an inspirational person and showed me what a difference a love of reading can make. Her mantra was always, “If you can read it, then you can do it!”
What is the best thing about being in the classroom?
It’s getting to know the personalities of the children and helping them to form connections and understandings. There is nothing as rewarding as when a child experiences that lightbulb moment. That, “oh, I get it!” moment is what teaching is all about for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers?
Make sure that you start each day as a new day and that you get enough rest. Teaching is a really demanding job, both mentally and physically. Don’t be afraid to admit to a student that you don’t know something. It is our job to model what learning is and that we are still learning as teachers. I would advise anyone wanting to become a teacher to always keep an open mind. Your students teach you things every day.
What has been the highlight of your year so far?
Securing approval for the first KHDA Rahhal agreement for a student with SEND was a milestone. As was establishing the ASDAN life skills and Small Steps programmes as alternative curricula for higher-needs SEND children. Seeing 85 per cent of my SEND students make progress was excellent, too.
If you had to teach a class on a desert island, what five things would you take with you?
Water, factor 50, a whiteboard, pens, and a boat.
Winner – Arabic and Islamic: Ramy Wagdy Aboudishish
Cambridge International School – Dubai
What does this award mean?
I firmly believe that the influence of teachers is the driving force of student success. I feel overwhelmed with pride and joy at winning, and it motivates me to do better. Winning this award isn’t about finishing in first place. It is about overcoming yourself, overcoming your limitations and your fears.
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
My grandmother. She was a teacher before certification was required. In her 50s, she enrolled in college to receive her certification because the law had changed. Our school board paid for her tuition because she was such a great teacher. She has been the inspiration for a lot of teachers in our district, past and present.
What’s the best thing about being in the classroom?
I believe that there are five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) The teacher’s role is to act as a guide; (2) Students must have access to hands-on activities; (3) Students should be given choices and allow their curiosity to direct their learning; (4) Students need the opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment; (5) Technology must be incorporated.
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers?
Connect with other teachers and find out how they’re doing. You
will learn about motivating students, dealing with failing students, and more.
What has been the highlight of your year so far?
My ability to create different projects related to Islamic values and UAE culture across my school and other schools, such as the Walk of Tolerance and Lunch of Tolerance.
If you had to teach a class on a desert island, what five things would you take with you?
A whiteboard, markers, charts, a gas lighter and some newspapers.
Winner – Early Years and Primary: Annamma Lucy
Our Own English High School – Sharjah (Boys)
What does this award mean?
I have put my heart and soul into my work at school, and to be rewarded means the world to me. Receiving, recognising and winning this award has made me realise that I have an obligation to continue to mentor aspiring teachers. Professionally, it means I can connect with more people on a bigger platform and create positive change.
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
As my upbringing was under the tutelage of the Good Shepherd nuns from the age of three, and because 90 per cent of the nuns were teachers, they are my inspiration. As a teacher, I humbly try to emulate their care and kindness to every one of my students.
What is the best thing about being in the classroom?
I love the way my students greet me by my name or with a smile when I enter the classroom. They ask if I’m sick when I’m tired. They share their ups and downs. When a new topic is introduced, I love to see their questioning expressions.
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers?
Let us cater to the diverse needs of students and cultivate a welcoming, safe environment bursting with energy, passion and intellect.
Apart from your award, what was the highlight of your year?
I was a runner-up in a speech competition that was conducted by the Mahatma Gandhi Culture Association.
If you had to teach a class on a desert island, what five things would you take?
A positive attitude, a solar-powered computer, first aid box, stationery and a mobile phone with a power bank.
Winner – Secondary: Ayesha Aslam
GEMS Westminster School – Sharjah
What does this award mean?
It means a lot because there were so many great teachers nominated in this category. The entire journey was a learning experience, and with this success I am more energised to take on new and challenging responsibilities that will benefit my school and the environment. Your colleagues admire you and become motivated about how they can also make it possible in their professional lives. So I would like to say: just because I am a winner, it doesn’t mean I have all the answers. I am still learning.
Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
I stepped into this profession by chance and the students in my first class were my inspiration.
What’s the best thing about being in the classroom?
The students, when they ask you questions and you can answer them.
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers?
Teaching is absolutely the most rewarding career. My advice would be to become a friendly facilitator and not a dictator. You should form a relationship with each child. Truly listen and show them you care.
What has been the highlight of your year so far?
The outstanding achievements of my students in the recent IGCSE ESL results.
If you had to teach a class on a desert island, what five things would you take?
Water and food, a marker and a whiteboard, papers and a laptop with Internet access.