Your Voice Matters, and Here is Why...

When Sarah (Name changed for privacy) first stepped into her role as a new teacher in a Dubai, she felt like a small fish in a vast ocean. Her ideas, though innovative, often went unheard in staff meetings dominated by louder, more experienced voices. She started to doubt the value of her perspective, wondering if her thoughts really mattered in the grand scheme of things. I mean, she was in a school where literally everyone was trying to be seen and heard in case there were any promotions on the horizon.

One day, during a discussion about improving student engagement, Sarah mustered the courage to speak up. With great trepidation, she proposed a peer mentoring program she had been mulling over for weeks. To her surprise, the room fell silent, then erupted in again in discussion. Her idea sparked a reaction among her colleagues. At first she thought they were discussing how crazy the idea was but it turned out that they liked it.

Many months later, Sarah's peer mentoring initiative had not only improved student performance but also fostered a sense of community within the school. Students who once struggled in silence were now thriving with the support of their peers. The School was so proud of the initiative that they approched me to cover it in Teach Middle East Magazine and that is how I met Sarah.

When i sat down with her she was still in disbelief. She kept asking me if I am sure she is the one I am there to talk to and not a member of the SLT. I reassured her and also invited to her to speak at one of the Teach Middle East events which also left her speechless.

Why do I tell you this story?

Sarah's voice which was shaped by her unique experiences and insights, had the power to create meaningful change.

She realised that by staying silent, she had been depriving her students and colleagues of valuable perspectives that could enhance their collective experience.

So now my question is for you?

By not making your voice heard, what great ideas, insights and perspectives are you denying us all of?

LAST CHANCE TO TO REGISTER!

Women in Education Leadership Summit on September 28th at Hartland International School

REGISTER NOW HERE: https://www.infinitelearning.ae/leadership-network/

Special thanks to the organising committee: Fiona Cottam FCCT , Hannah Wilson , Rebecca Annand , Paola Wingrove , Tracy Moxley , Emma Downie , Lauren Brennan and Suzanne Watson

See you all on Saturday!

NEW TEACH MIDDLE EAST PODCAST EPISODE

In this episode, Amanda Spielman an joins us to discuss a new, supportive approach to school inspections. We dive into how inspections can be reframed to help schools grow and improve rather than focusing solely on punitive measures. Amanda shares her vision for making the process more constructive and beneficial for educators and students alike.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE UPCOMING EVENTS.

1. The fourth annual STEM MENA Conference and Awards- November 9, 2024 in Dubai- www.stemmena.com

2. The Middle East Language and Literacy Conference- November 21, 2024, in Dubai- www.languageandliteracyme.com

3. GESS Dubai- November 12-14, 2024- Dubai- www.gessdubai.com

4. The Sixth Annual? Middle East School Leadership Conference- February 5-6,2025- Dubai- www.schoolleadersme.com