Photo: Provided
Louis La Grange is affectionately known as “Mr. He is such a talented person that his students call him “L”. By day, he is a K-5 science director, ICT teacher, and STEAM specialist. When he’s not in the classroom in Dubai, he can be found playing rugby, cricket, or teaching and sharing his love of languages. He is also an accomplished beekeeper with a talent for storytelling.
But of all his pursuits, teaching is his true passion, where he deftly weaves life lessons through the stories he shares.
Mr L is one of a group of passionate teachers in the UAE who want to share their stories as World Teachers’ Day is celebrated around the world on 5 October.
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Reflecting on his educational journey in the UAE, Mr. L reminisces: The moment I walked into Old Uptown School, I fell in love with the environment and the people. I registered immediately. ”
Although his story did not begin there, this pivotal moment marked the beginning of his teaching career in Dubai. With 15 years of experience across five primary schools in South Africa, the South African teacher was no stranger to the classroom.
His inspiration for teaching came from great educators in his past.
“I had a teacher named Philip Brandt who taught me woodworking, metalwork and drafting. He was a true inspiration. That’s when I decided to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in the lives of students, just like he did for me.” said the 55-year-old teacher at Town International School.
After working as a teacher for more than 30 years, Mr. L said his favorite thing about his job is that every day is different. He says each day brings new challenges, students and opportunities.
He said the following while thinking about the legacy he would like to leave behind as a teacher. “I want to be remembered as the ‘Big Friendly Giant.'” I want to be known for my stories that add real value to the lives of my students. ”
She added: “I have former students who are already married, and they come back and say, ‘Teacher, I don’t remember the math you taught me, but I remember what you said because I had the lessons. ‘For me, teaching is all about stories and having a positive impact on the lives of my students.’
Mr. L
“This school is my second home.”
Another inspiring educator is Eman Al Germani, who has been teaching at GEMS Al Khaleej International School for 24 years. Before joining this school, she taught for one year in Jordan and another year at another school in the UAE.
Eman recalled how she got her current job. “I submitted my resume to the late Mrs. Mariamman Varkey, who then recommended me to the management of Al Khaleej National School.”
Eman reflected on her early days and the challenges she faced. “When I first moved to the UAE from Jordan, I found there were huge cultural differences and had some difficulty communicating. My Arabic dialect was different from many of my students,” she explained.
But those challenges are now a thing of the past. “Everything feels easier now. I really feel like I’m part of a family here. I consider this school to be my second home and like a big extended family. ” said Eman, who serves as the Arabic language coordinator for grades one through five.
Eman Al Germani
Despite her long career, Eman emphasized that she continues to learn from her students every day. Her school has students of so many different nationalities that she can gain valuable insight from each student.
“When I go to school, I don’t just go to work. I go to see my family. I feel like my students are my own children. When they greet me with a hug in the morning, it’s very rewarding. It’s touching,” she shared, emphasizing the deep bond they have formed over the years.
teach two generations
She also talked about a touching moment at a parent-teacher conference that still sticks in her mind. “Last year, during a parent-teacher conference, a mother stopped and laughed after asking about her daughter and said, “Eman, don’t you recognize me?” That I couldn’t put her down. I had to admit, she reminded me of what I taught her in second grade. It was a very heartwarming moment. I am very proud of students like her. She’s a doctor now, and I’m so happy to think that I used to teach her and now I’m teaching her daughter,” added the 51-year-old educator.
New challenges in a technology-driven world
Shahina Zarrouk, an educator with 31 years of experience who currently teaches at Indian High School (IHS) in Dubai, also shared a heartwarming story that reflects her passion for teaching young learners.
“One of the most memorable experiences of my teaching career occurred during a class activity where the children planted seeds. As part of the lesson, the children each day watered the seeds and helped them sprout. I still vividly remember the excitement on one child’s face as he pointed out the first little green sprout to his classmates. The sheer joy and wonder that emerged was truly magical.”
Shahina Zarouk
Mr. Zarouk also emphasized that teachers play an important role in children’s social and emotional development, especially in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
“We have a very strategic role to play. With the proliferation of AI, the traditional role of the teacher in imparting knowledge is starting to diminish. However, the social and There is no substitute for emotional support. With guidance from the school and teachers, students learn to follow rules and establish a code of behavior.”
“It is no mean feat to form and develop a young mind and body,” the Indian expatriate added.
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Nandini Sircar
Nandini Sircar is interested in education, space, and women’s stories. She views the world through the prism of learning, whether it’s the pursuit of earthly wisdom or the eerie mysteries of the universe. In the world she writes about, women and children take center stage.
nandini@khaleejtimes.com
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