As many as 1,538 teachers and school leaders from 82 schools in Qatar benefitted from workshops and other training forums conducted by Qatar University's National Centre for Educator Development (NCED) in the academic year 2011-12.

NCED, which celebrated its first anniversary recently, was established as a collaboration between QU's College of Education, the Supreme Education Council, and the Independent Schools (IS).

The centre provides on-going professional development to IS teachers and educators to build on their teaching skills and to implement best practices in the classroom.

NCED teams conduct research to assess the specific needs of teachers and continually evaluate the results of training to ensure teachers are being supported in the most appropriate way.

Speaking at the first anniversary forum, NCED director Dr Abdullah Abu-Tineh stated that the participating schools showed improvements across the board.
He pointed out the examples of some teachers who, following the appropriate training at their school, began to use peer observation to help share lessons learned and best practice.

They were also given support to improve classroom discipline; additionally, teachers were trained and supported in integrating technology for research and in interactive teaching in the classrooms.

Tailor-made workshops were also provided to staff, which resulted in greater team-work and strategic use of their strengths. Plans to increase parental involvement were also initiated.

College of Education dean Dr Hissa Sadiq observed that the NCED is a valuable resource for schools, identifying specific issues and providing customised training and support on-site.

Umm Al Qarasc Primary School English teacher Aber Ruby recalled that there was a professional development specialist at the school two days a week, observing classes, giving feedback and leading workshops.

“The specialist developed really useful training for us and was there for follow-up guidance. We found the programme really helpful,” she said.
Other activities offered by the NCED included one-off workshops and an extended programme of workshops over several weeks.

“Future initiatives include the development of a three-year strategic plan, further research into effective teaching methods, an increase in the number of existing NCED programmes, greater collaboration with trainers from QU and other universities, and the establishment of partnerships with international universities,” Dr Abu-Tineh added.

The Centre also recently hosted the QU-ExxonMobil Teachers Academy which focused on helping 3rd to 5th Grade teachers and educators in Qatar to enhance their Maths and science teaching skills through an intensive one-week professional development programme.

QU president Professor Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad, College of Education and NCED faculty members, SEC representatives, and independent school teachers and leaders were present at the celebratory event.