An Arabic teacher from Fujairah has been named the best in the Gulf region.
Laila Alyammahi, who works at Murbah Secondary School for Girls, won the second ever Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best GCC Teacher at the Qudwa forum on Sunday.
The winner of the prize, established to encourage innovation and excellence in education, is chosen following an extensive judging process that includes interviews and a classroom visit.
"I feel very happy," she told The National, moments after her name was announced. "I love reading, I love teaching Arabic and the basics of Arabic, and collaborating with the children."
A teacher with 20 years of experience, she said: “This award will make my name. Nobody know Laila Alyammahi. Now, maybe everybody will know.”
Previously, award winners and finalists have been sent on overseas training courses and been awarded prize money.
The initiative was set up in 2017 to recognise the importance of teachers in society. Winners are selected on the basis of five criteria: outstanding performance, creativity and innovation, developing sustainable learning methods, positive citizenship and communal and professional leadership.
Hussain Al Hammadi, the Minister of Education, said the initiative honoured teachers, who are “key players in shaping future generations”.
“Teachers are the shapers of civilisation and the pillar of knowledge and success,” he said. “I would like to congratulate the winner of the award and all of the outstanding candidates.
“I would like to express my gratitude to every single teacher who have been doing their work with dedication and professionalism to boost future generations’ success.
“We have outstanding teachers and we seek to have even better teachers to live up to the expectations of the UAE.”
An honorary award was also given in recognition of Saif Al Ghurair, the Emirati businessman who was chairman of Al Ghurair Group, who died this year. It was collected by his son.
