Ali al-Samhari, a mathematics teacher at Qatar Leadership Academy, who was recently crowned with the Education Excellence Award in the Distinguished Teacher category, feels that education is the fertile land for creating impact in the society.
Al-Samhari began his career in education after graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from Qatar University. He joined the Teach For Qatar programme which involves teaching for two years in government schools, having also had experienced the field of education through his voluntary work with the Eid Charity Foundation’s educational programmes.
"I found my true passion in the educational environment and with the students. The educational environment itself is fertile ground for creating impact, through which we can convey valuable messages to future generations, contribute to promoting positive behaviours, and correcting principles and thinking patterns. It can create an impact in the short- and long-term on the student's personality,” he says.
He continued : “What drove me to change my career path from engineering to education was the impact of the teaching profession. It is a noble profession, the profession of prophets and messengers, and it holds a great significance because its focus is on building students' minds and guiding them not only academically, but also behaviourally, ethically, and patriotically."
According to al-Samhari, being a teacher requires a long-term commitment and dedication. The role of the teacher is not only limited to cognitive and scientific aspects, or innovating strategies to convey information to students, but also includes behavioural and ethical aspects. "The teaching profession lays the foundation for all other professions “Teachers are the ones who build leaders, engineers, doctors, and judges,” he noted.
Winning the Educational Excellence Award was al-Samhari’s goal and ambition, and he says: "I cannot describe my feeling after receiving this award. It is an honour for me to receive this award under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.”
Al-Samhari has called on Qatari teachers to recognise their own efforts and the impact of their careers in education by nominating themselves for the Education Excellence Award, explaining.
“It is necessary for teachers to set goals and challenge themselves. As teachers, we need to continue seeking opportunities for development and achievement, and avoid staying in the same rhythm, in order to offer more for our students,” he added.
Ali Al-Samhari
