Teacher Professional Development
In the last ten years, over 55 courses and workshops, attended by more than 2,000 educators, have been offered through the Al Qasimi Foundation. These programs aim to improve teachers' skills, keep them updated with the latest technology, solve challenges, and raise education standards in Ras Al Khaimah. Teachers' needs shape the professional development offerings, and new courses are piloted before becoming part of the Foundation’s standard curriculum. All workshops are bilingual (Arabic/English) and are provided free of charge to teachers and education professionals in Ras Al Khaimah. In addition to these programs, the establishment of the Ras Al Khaimah Teachers Network (RAKTN) has further enhanced support by offering a digital platform for course materials, peer-to-peer learning, and collaborative exchanges. Participants are accepted into each course based on their commitment to attend all workshops, complete assignments, and actively engage with RAKTN, contributing to a vibrant learning community.
The Ras Al Khaimah Teachers Network (RAKTN)
Launched in 2010 by the Al Qasimi Foundation, the Ras Al Khaimah Teachers Network (RAKTN) is an online platform connecting over 3,000 educators from more than 15 countries, including participants from the OECD. It enables teachers to exchange ideas, access free resources, and collaborate across schools, languages, and regions. RAKTN supports peer-to-peer learning through forums, blogs, and virtual workshops, and serves as a digital hub for the Foundation’s professional development programs.
The platform empowers educators to improve their teaching through classroom blogging, resource sharing, and bilingual discussions, bridging communication gaps between Arabic and English speakers. It helps teachers stay current with educational technology while contributing to better learning outcomes across Ras Al Khaimah.
RAKTN also hosts an annual symposium that brings educators together to share knowledge and explore educational innovations. In 2022, the symposium addressed post-COVID-19 learning ecosystems, while the 2023 event focused on school design and student progress. The 2024 symposium, themed “Teaching in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” welcomed 334 participants, including speakers from the OECD, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge, and the Ministry of Education, discussing AI integration and teacher well-being.
Through its platform and events, RAKTN fosters a vibrant, supportive community of educators committed to lifelong learning and educational excellence in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond. Visit the program's website for more details at raktn.org.
Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence
The Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence, established in 2004 under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, is a prestigious initiative designed to honor exceptional educational achievements. The awards promote a culture of excellence, innovation, and sustainability across both public and private schools, celebrating the outstanding contributions of students, educators, and institutions in shaping the future of education.
The awards are structured around several key themes. Excellence in Wellbeing recognizes initiatives that enhance the well-being of teachers, students, and parents, including well-being programs and extracurricular activities. Excellence in Innovation highlights advancements in education, such as the integration of STEAM programs and the innovative use of artificial intelligence in learning. Excellence in Educational Research honors exceptional research conducted by educators, students, and faculty members in higher education.
Additionally, the Excellence in Performance category celebrates high-achieving students in subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, Arabic, and overall academic excellence, along with talented students and those of determination. This category also acknowledges distinguished teachers, administrators, and principals, with a special Rising Star Award for new teachers. Lastly, the Excellence in Sustainability category rewards eco-schools and sustainability projects that promote environmental responsibility.
Through these categories, the Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence inspire continuous improvement in education while recognizing the incredible efforts of those who contribute to its growth and success across the region. Visit the Awards' website for more details at rakawards.ae.
