Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Engages In International Symposium Celebrating Teacher Contributions

The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences recently took part in an international symposium. This event, titled "Appreciating Teachers: Towards a New Social Contract for Education," was organised by the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States to mark World Teachers' Day. The symposium brought together distinguished figures from the education sector.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, highlighted the importance of amplifying teachers' voices within communities. He mentioned his presentation at the UN World Leaders Summit in New York, where he represented the UNESCO International Task Force on Teachers. Dr. Al Suwaidi emphasised that this year's theme underscores recognising teachers' contributions.

Participants at the symposium shared insights into educational practices and teacher development programs. They stressed selecting teachers based on stringent educational and pedagogical criteria. Ensuring that teachers' aspirations align with educational objectives is crucial. Preparing future educators should be comprehensive, not solely reliant on academic qualifications.

In discussion sessions, teachers offered recommendations to enhance their profession and redefine roles amid rapid changes. They underscored the need for holistic preparation of future educators rather than focusing only on academic credentials.

Studies have shown that when teachers' voices are ignored, they may experience "intellectual lethargy," becoming passive recipients of directives from school authorities or education systems. Conversely, societies that actively listen to teachers witness educational progress aligned with contemporary developments.

The symposium featured notable participants such as Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al-Asmi, Director-General of the Bureau, Dr. Abdulrahman Almedaries from Saudi Arabia's UNESCO Regional Centre of Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE), and Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan from the National Institute for Educational Professional Development.

Advancing Education Through Teacher Engagement

The study concluded that countries fostering teacher engagement see intellectual dynamism among educators due to trust gained through being heard. Encouraging similar practices elsewhere is vital for advancing education and reinforcing teachers' roles in community service and sustainable development.

This symposium highlighted how listening to teachers can significantly impact educational progress. Establishing systems to hear their voices is essential for advancing education sectors globally.

With inputs from WAM