The Queen Rania Teacher Academy is marking its 15th anniversary this year, a notable achievement in its dedication to improving education in Jordan and the Arab world. Established in 2009, QRTA has offered groundbreaking training programs that elevate the skills and expertise of teachers and educators, delivering over 118,000 professional development opportunities to date.
QRTA began in 2009 by launching an innovative in-service teacher training program. This initiative evolved into the “Schools Networks” program — a strategic framework that strengthens professional learning communities focused on core subjects, across various regions in Jordan. The program has benefited over 13,000 educators, enhancing the quality of education and learning environments in participating schools.
In alignment with the National Strategy for Human Resource Development, QRTA launched two flagship professional diplomas in 2016: the Teacher Education Professional Diploma and the Advanced Instructional Leadership Professional Diploma. These programs, developed in collaboration with University College London and the University of Connecticut, were created to provide teachers and school leaders with the essential tools and skills to enhance educational outcomes.
Furthermore, QRTA has introduced several initiatives to advance educational opportunities during crises and emergencies. These include the 'Cultivating Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments' program and the 'Psychosocial Adaptation Skills in Crises and Emergencies' program. The academy has also developed an 'Arabic Language Skills and Basic Literacy' program specifically for Syrian children from KG2 to Grade 2.
QRTA has garnered numerous awards and international recognitions, most notably the full academic accreditation of its Teacher Education Professional Diploma from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation — the largest accrediting body for educator preparation programs in the US.
The academy has also been honored with the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award” for Best Initiative in Teaching Arabic in Schools from Grades 1 to 12. Additionally, QRTA received the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement from CAEP. The academy’s School Networks program was also recognized as one of the top 100 global educational innovations by the HundrED Global Collection.
QRTA has notably broadened its regional reach by forging partnerships with educational institutions throughout the Middle East, Singapore, and the US. These collaborations embody QRTA’s commitment to global knowledge exchange and cooperation, incorporating best practices in education and training. Through these alliances, QRTA has expanded its influence and enhanced educational opportunities globally, adapting to the distinct educational needs of each region.
Dr. Osama Obeidat, CEO of QRTA, said, “Today, we celebrate 15 years of deep commitment to empowering and building the capacities of educators in Jordan and the region. We are proud of our achievements and grateful to everyone who has contributed to this journey, particularly the Jordanian Ministry of Education, our key partner. The impact of our programs on teacher training reflects our dedication to achieving excellence and innovation in all that we do”.
The academy is committed to broadening its programs to address future needs and strengthen its role as a leader in educational innovation. Moving forward, QRTA plans to integrate cutting-edge technologies into education to enhance learning experiences and create a dynamic, globally relevant educational environment. Additionally, the academy seeks to establish new strategic partnerships to deliver comprehensive and holistic educational programs.
