“How would you feel about student teaching in Dubai?” -
Who knew that when my student teaching coordinator asked this one simple question, that my response would change the direction of my entire career. As I entered my final year as an undergrad at the University of Northern Iowa, I made the commitment to student teach at an overseas location. Going into the process I knew I wanted to travel to a brand new location that I had never visited, but little did I know that I would be the first UNI student teacher to be placed at The Universal American School Dubai (UAS). This “guinea pig” role opened up the door for three more UNI student teachers to come to Dubai soon after, as well as another in Abu Dhabi. I believe that what I learned from my four months of student teaching in Dubai has ultimately shaped my outlook on teaching and my perspective on the world.
First Day Anxiety...
I arrived in Dubai three weeks before the first day of school, brought every important document from college I had ever obtained, and was networking online with a fantastic group of approximately 20 other international student teachers. I was even fortunate enough to be working with two extraordinary elementary teachers at UAS. However, I repeat, that first day of school was absolutely terrifying. I had invested a lot into this experience and I wanted to be the best I could and get the absolute most out of this experience. I can now safely say I had a great first day followed by many more great days.
To counteract the first statement regarding nervousness, I learned that everything is going to be okay. Once the school year routines became set in motion, I was reminded that I had the skill set to succeed. I owe much of my success to the UNI College of Education where I received a well-rounded education that prepared me for an international setting. In fact, to this day I still reference resources recommended by past professors and continue to network with teachers from the UNI Out-of-State and International (OOSI) student teaching cohorts.
To counteract the first statement regarding nervousness, I learned that everything is going to be okay. Once the school year routines became set in motion, I was reminded that I had the skill set to succeed. I owe much of my success to the UNI College of Education where I received a well-rounded education that prepared me for an international setting. In fact, to this day I still reference resources recommended by past professors and continue to network with teachers from the UNI Out-of-State and International (OOSI) student teaching cohorts.
Who knew that when my student teaching coordinator asked this one simple question, that my response would change the direction of my entire career. As I entered my final year as an undergrad at the University of Northern Iowa, I made the commitment to student teach at an overseas location. Going into the process I knew I wanted to travel to a brand new location that I had never visited, but little did I know that I would be the first UNI student teacher to be placed at The Universal American School Dubai (UAS). This “guinea pig” role opened up the door for three more UNI student teachers to come to Dubai soon after, as well as another in Abu Dhabi. I believe that what I learned from my four months of student teaching in Dubai has ultimately shaped my outlook on teaching and my perspective on the world.
First Day Anxiety...
I arrived in Dubai three weeks before the first day of school, brought every important document from college I had ever obtained, and was networking online with a fantastic group of approximately 20 other international student teachers. I was even fortunate enough to be working with two extraordinary elementary teachers at UAS. However, I repeat, that first day of school was absolutely terrifying. I had invested a lot into this experience and I wanted to be the best I could and get the absolute most out of this experience. I can now safely say I had a great first day followed by many more great days.
To counteract the first statement regarding nervousness, I learned that everything is going to be okay. Once the school year routines became set in motion, I was reminded that I had the skill set to succeed. I owe much of my success to the UNI College of Education where I received a well-rounded education that prepared me for an international setting. In fact, to this day I still reference resources recommended by past professors and continue to network with teachers from the UNI Out-of-State and International (OOSI) student teaching cohorts.
To counteract the first statement regarding nervousness, I learned that everything is going to be okay. Once the school year routines became set in motion, I was reminded that I had the skill set to succeed. I owe much of my success to the UNI College of Education where I received a well-rounded education that prepared me for an international setting. In fact, to this day I still reference resources recommended by past professors and continue to network with teachers from the UNI Out-of-State and International (OOSI) student teaching cohorts.
Diverse Students; Same but Different
I quickly realized that internationally-minded students have just as much to teach me as I have to teach them. My very first student-teaching class was a group of 22 second grade students. Amongst them, they represented 16 different nationalities. What did I admire most? They appreciated each other’s cultural differences rather than segregating because of them. I’m very fortunate for my upbringing in rural Iowa, but diversity was one thing that was lacking in my graduating class of 43 students. I didn’t have the opportunity to work with peers of such cultural differences and this is what I thoroughly enjoyed as I was able to watch these daily student interactions in Dubai. Even further, to see these students successfully work together.
Some very influential memories occurred during my second placement, working with a Grade 4 teacher from Australia. Now it took me awhile to get used to her referring to math as “maths” or taking a break to use the “loo”, but I quickly adjusted. She taught me a lot about patience, inquiry-based teaching, and classroom management. A very fond memory from her classroom includes a summative assessment about poetry. Students produced a poem called The Magic Box. In this poem, students described what they would put in the box and the elements/materials that constructed the box. All items and descriptors could be real or fictional. It was a way for students to metaphorically describe themselves and the the things or ideals that make them who they are. I was reminded of two things while listening to their presentations. First, kids are still kids wherever you go in the world. Of course many students wanted One Direction band members or a super speedy Lamborghini in their box. I know students in Iowa that would also love these things. However, I also learned that kids with a sense of international-mindedness do have a special uniqueness. These are the students wanting to build their “box” with religious freedoms, safety for their families, and of course, world peace.
I quickly realized that internationally-minded students have just as much to teach me as I have to teach them. My very first student-teaching class was a group of 22 second grade students. Amongst them, they represented 16 different nationalities. What did I admire most? They appreciated each other’s cultural differences rather than segregating because of them. I’m very fortunate for my upbringing in rural Iowa, but diversity was one thing that was lacking in my graduating class of 43 students. I didn’t have the opportunity to work with peers of such cultural differences and this is what I thoroughly enjoyed as I was able to watch these daily student interactions in Dubai. Even further, to see these students successfully work together.
Some very influential memories occurred during my second placement, working with a Grade 4 teacher from Australia. Now it took me awhile to get used to her referring to math as “maths” or taking a break to use the “loo”, but I quickly adjusted. She taught me a lot about patience, inquiry-based teaching, and classroom management. A very fond memory from her classroom includes a summative assessment about poetry. Students produced a poem called The Magic Box. In this poem, students described what they would put in the box and the elements/materials that constructed the box. All items and descriptors could be real or fictional. It was a way for students to metaphorically describe themselves and the the things or ideals that make them who they are. I was reminded of two things while listening to their presentations. First, kids are still kids wherever you go in the world. Of course many students wanted One Direction band members or a super speedy Lamborghini in their box. I know students in Iowa that would also love these things. However, I also learned that kids with a sense of international-mindedness do have a special uniqueness. These are the students wanting to build their “box” with religious freedoms, safety for their families, and of course, world peace.
Overcoming Stereotypes
One of the most important things I learned is to forget any stereotypes I’ve ever held and always have an open-mind. I’ve since made a commitment to develop my opinions from personal experiences rather than the thoughts of others. I had a lot of preconceived notions regarding culture, religion, and daily life in the middle east. I’m not afraid to admit that not all of those opinions were positive, either. From the day I arrived in Dubai in August 2011 to the day I left 4 months later, I developed a new perspective each and every one of those days. Something I hold dear to me is the relationships I have developed with many of the parents of my students and the student-athletes from coaching secondary sports. One parent in particular is a mother from the UAE. We differ in things such as cultural and religious backgrounds, but we both share the desire to learn from each other. We’ve had the opportunity to discuss multiple topics and crisis’ affecting the world, but also to share our own experiences with one another. She never fails to begin the conversation with, “Please habibti, tell me about your next wild adventure!” I’m reminded that despite our differences, we can still live and interact in the same world.
One of the most important things I learned is to forget any stereotypes I’ve ever held and always have an open-mind. I’ve since made a commitment to develop my opinions from personal experiences rather than the thoughts of others. I had a lot of preconceived notions regarding culture, religion, and daily life in the middle east. I’m not afraid to admit that not all of those opinions were positive, either. From the day I arrived in Dubai in August 2011 to the day I left 4 months later, I developed a new perspective each and every one of those days. Something I hold dear to me is the relationships I have developed with many of the parents of my students and the student-athletes from coaching secondary sports. One parent in particular is a mother from the UAE. We differ in things such as cultural and religious backgrounds, but we both share the desire to learn from each other. We’ve had the opportunity to discuss multiple topics and crisis’ affecting the world, but also to share our own experiences with one another. She never fails to begin the conversation with, “Please habibti, tell me about your next wild adventure!” I’m reminded that despite our differences, we can still live and interact in the same world.
My student teaching experience began nearly 4 years ago and I’m happy to say I am still here in Dubai! (Actually, 4 of the 5 UNI student teachers who have come to the UAE, are still here too!) Shortly after the completion of my student teaching, I was offered the opportunity to return to UAS as a grade 4 teacher. Ecstatically, I accepted the offer. I am currently ¾ of the way through my 3rd year contract and will happily be returning in the fall of 2015 for my 4th year on contract. Since starting at UAS, I have transitioned into the Elementary Technology department and currently work as an IT teacher. Next school year, I will be working as a Technology Integrationist. The main focus will be assisting classroom teachers in their homerooms to integrate technology within the core subjects.
My time in Dubai has not only been influential on my career, but also influential on my personal interests. Since moving here, I have become a certified scuba diver, competed in my first triathlon, and ventured into the world of vegetarianism. I’m also proud to say that I will be embarking on a new educational journey this April as I start my Masters degree in Educational Leadership through UNI. I will be working with a cohort of international teachers around the world, with the opportunity to share our personal experiences with one another. I’m very excited to be able to to continue my education, but most importantly in the field that has shaped my personal teaching ideals, international education.
My time in Dubai has not only been influential on my career, but also influential on my personal interests. Since moving here, I have become a certified scuba diver, competed in my first triathlon, and ventured into the world of vegetarianism. I’m also proud to say that I will be embarking on a new educational journey this April as I start my Masters degree in Educational Leadership through UNI. I will be working with a cohort of international teachers around the world, with the opportunity to share our personal experiences with one another. I’m very excited to be able to to continue my education, but most importantly in the field that has shaped my personal teaching ideals, international education.