Sharjah Education Academy: A Beacon Of Educational Excellence

Sharjah Education Academy

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have significantly invested in their higher education systems, aiming to establish themselves as regional and global educational hubs. This commitment involves developing top-tier universities, research facilities, and collaborating with renowned international institutions to enhance the quality of education and research.

The strategic location of GCC countries, coupled with their dedication to innovation and technology, makes them attractive for international students seeking a multicultural educational experience.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in particular, has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality higher education. In 2020, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi established the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) to address the need for K12 teacher preparation and training in the Emirate of Sharjah and beyond.

SEA's Unique Model

SEA's model comprises three main streams: Professional Development, Academic programs, and Research. Recently, it added a fourth stream by welcoming 27 Sharjah government nurseries, making it a comprehensive institution for teacher training. This innovative model ensures that each stream maintains its identity while working collaboratively to sustain a robust institution focused on teacher preparation.

Early Childhood Excellence

SEA places a significant emphasis on early childhood research, recognizing its profound impact on students' development. Under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, the Early Childhood Department and government nurseries were integrated into SEA in March 2023.

This integration underscores His Highness's dedication to providing the best care and support for early childhood students, ensuring the presence of highly trained professionals in accordance with international standards.

The Early Childhood Education Certificate (ECEC) program is a testament to SEA's commitment to comprehensive child development, covering cognitive, emotional, physical, and social dimensions. The program equips educators with enhanced pedagogical techniques to foster holistic development and emphasizes cultural integration, inclusivity, effective communication, and community building.

“Our program aims not only to understand the growth and development of children, but also to equip educators with skills for impactful development facilitation", indicates Dr. Hunada Kanbar, Chief Learning Officer.

Transformative Teacher Training

Teacher education is a critical component of SEA's mission, and its Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) program reflects a unique approach. In collaboration with the University of Helsinki, SEA's PGDE program imports critical facets of teacher education from Finland. The program, designed to be completed in one year, offers an internationally recognized teacher qualification.

SEA's PGDE program stands out for its hybrid nature, combining online and face-to-face elements to develop online teaching skills. The collaboration with the University of Helsinki is pivotal in enhancing the program's quality, extending it into a master's degree program in Teacher Leadership. Dr. Jeanine Romano, Executive Director of Sharjah Education Academy, notes, "The collaboration with the University of Helsinki is pivotal in enhancing the quality of SEA's PGDE program. This partnership is also extending the PGDE into a master's degree program in Teacher Leadership, equipping educators to drive change within their schools".

This approach aims to equip educators with the skills to drive positive changes within their schools. Dr. Ted Purinton, Founding Dean, emphasizes, "SEA's PGDE program is a testament to the academy's commitment to providing innovative and high-quality teacher education that caters to UAE's educational needs while embracing the best practices from Finland. Through this unique approach, collaboration with the University of Helsinki, and the integration of technology, SEA is helping to mold a new generation of educators who will transform UAE's classrooms for the better".

Pioneering the Future of Educational Excellence

SEA has acquired 27 Sharjah government nurseries, forming the Teaching Nurseries Stream. This collaboration facilitates research to inform teacher training, leading to professional development and academic programs that empower teachers as lifelong learners.

The institute has signed MOUs with esteemed partners, such as the University of Exeter, the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Sharjah City of Humanitarian Services, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. These partnerships aim to establish centers of excellence for research, special education, and educational advancement.

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With a focus on both pre & in-service teachers, SEA is dedicated to equipping educators with the skills & knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century
– Sharjah Education Academy ,

SEA's teacher training model emphasizes individual improvement, conducting gap analysis based on participants' roles and required skills, and addressing both current and expected outcomes. The professional development model incorporates five levels of impact measurement to promote continuous learning and improvement, reflecting SEA's commitment to enhancing educational leadership and contributing to Sharjah's educational advancement.

Towards a Brighter Future

SEA envisions enhancing the quality of early education in the Emirate of Sharjah by fostering an integrated and comprehensive care and learning experience for children of all abilities. The institute's mission is to establish a generation of creative Emirati pioneers in a nurturing environment that combines care, education, leadership, and innovation.

"For coming years, we plan on enhancing children's growth, development, and knowledge within an environment that provides equal educational opportunities, providing distinguished services to children and their parents, empowering human capital to be a positive element in society, creating a supportive environment for creators and innovators, nurturing a culture of leadership and innovation and strengthening partnerships with parents, motivating and enabling their young children to reach a future full of successes and achievements", says Dr. Romano.

In conclusion, Sharjah Education Academy's innovative programs, coupled with the nurturing environment of Sharjah Nurseries, are paving the way for a brighter future for both educators and children in Sharjah. These programs are not just about acquiring knowledge; they are about empowering individuals to become innovative educators, nurturing young minds, and instilling a lifelong love of learning. In Sharjah, education is not just a destination; it's a journey towards excellence and a brighter future for all.