TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA AS part of the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, ExxonMobil recently hosted representatives from Qatar University at a teacher development programme in New Jersey, the United States.

The delegates, Intisar Ali and Susanna Mascarenhas, spent a week participating in an intensive professional development programme designed to help teachers develop and implement innovative math and science teaching skills that are hands-on, student-centred and inquiry-based.

Ali and Mascarenhas, math and science specialists with QU’s National Centre for Educator Development will utilise the experience to improve their role as faculty of the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, a programme jointly run by Qatar University and ExxonMobil for primary math and science teachers in Qatar.

The Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is modelled after the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, which has trained more than 3,600 teachers across the United States since 2006.

Director of the National Center for Educator Development at Qatar University Dr Abdullah Abu-Tineh said, “The Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is a significant initiative for Qatar as we aim to raise the bar in math and science education. By participating in the Academy, which has been successfully running since 2006 and observing best practices, we will be able to share more effective math and science teaching methods with Qatar’s teachers through the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy.” Vice-President and Director of Government and Public Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar Saleh al Mana said, “It was an honour to host representatives of Qatar University at the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in New Jersey this summer. The leadership positions Ali and Susanna are assuming as faculty of the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy are critical to its continued success and necessary to ensuring the programme’s relevance to Qatar’s teachers. We thank them for their participation in the US Academy and for their dedication to enhancing education in Qatar.” To ensure the success of the academy’s international expansion, ExxonMobil enlisted Dr Joe Sciulli to direct the programme in Qatar.

An assistant professor in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina – Pembroke, Dr Sciulli has worked more than 40 years in education and helped develop the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in the United States since in 2006.

As programme director of the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, Dr Sciulli oversees the faculty which includes Ali and Mascarenhas as well as four US educators – Joe Gaston, Nicole Martin, Orven Williams and Tony Zini.

More than 40 primary school teachers from Qatar’s independent schools took part in the 2012 Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy held in Doha in June. The educators, who teach grades three, four and five, were selected by Qatar University based on their qualifications, dedication to inspiring students, proficiency in English and overall commitment to enhancing the education experience for both teachers and students. ExxonMobil developed the programme to support the vital role teachers play in ensuring students are ready to compete in today’s global environment.

This objective is especially relevant in Qatar as the academy equips teachers with the necessary tools and strategies to create enthusiasm about math and science and helps develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.

The Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is part of a longterm commitment to education by ExxonMobil. The company supports initiatives that encourage students to take an active interest in careers in math and science, further the professional development of highly qualified teachers and promote the involvement of women.