Mohammad Abusenenh poses with his award for photographers.

Celebrating the teaching profession and the role of teachers in shaping the new generation, GEMS Education organised the fourth edition of the annual Mariamma Varkey Awards for Inspirational and Outstanding Teaching.

A red-carpet ceremony was held at GEMS World Academy in Dubai on Oct.3, 2019, and was attended by the senior leadership team of GEMS Education.

This year, 45 teachers were nominated in different categories for their yearlong drive in motivating students and inspiring their colleagues. Mohammad Abusenenh from GEMS United School was announced as the ‘Most Inspirational Teacher.’

Mohammad’s work has been transformational over the last three years both inside and outside the classroom.

His students say his classes stretch them to think, react, imagine and create, not just regurgitate knowledge, and this has had an evident impact, with a steady improvement in progress and attainment in Arabic and Islamic.

Mohammad Abusenenh receives award for most 'Inspirational Teacher.'

Outside the classroom Mohammad gets involved in everything from coaching soccer teams to KHDA panel participation and his commitment to educating the community about Islamic values and Arab culture is clear through numerous initiatives, particularly the school’s first ever student run National Day celebration.

Four others were awarded for their outstanding commitment to the holistic development of students. The five winners were: Annamma Lucy of Our Own English High School (Boys) - Sharjah (Early & Primary Years Teaching); Ayesha Aslam of GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah (Secondary Years); Elspeth Mackie of GEMS Wellington Academy-Al Khail (Inclusion); and Ramy Wagdy Aboudishdish of Cambridge International School-Dubai (Arabic & Islamic). Each received Dhs88,080 as cash prizes along with a citation. The total cash prizes presented through the awards were over Dhs 570,000.

All the award winners pose for photographs during the ceremony.

Dino Varkey, Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, said: “The Mariamma Varkey Award recognises the exceptional commitment of educators who have helped foster both the personal and academic growth of their students.

"They enabled them to achieve success and unlock their full potential. We strongly believe that the influence of teachers is the driving force of student success. With these awards, we celebrate our teachers for the profound impact they have on shaping the future generation of our students.”

He added: “The Mariamma Varkey Award is particularly close to my heart, as it reflects the high standards set by my grandmother when she first arrived in Dubai as a teacher 60 years ago. Thanks to her efforts and unwavering vision, GEMS Education is what it is today, and it gives us great pleasure to host this special award in her honour.”

On winning the ‘Most Inspirational Teacher’ award; Mohammad Abusenenh said: “I feel overwhelmed with pride and joy after winning this prestigious award and it motivates me for years to come to do better and give more. I would like to thank first and foremost my dear students who are the reason behind my success, and I would like to thank my fellow teachers and my school for supporting me to get here tonight. Thank you GEMS Education for this amazing opportunity, and I am very happy to be here and celebrate between my family and friends.”

Teachers were nominated based on specific criteria and had to demonstrate remarkable impact upon their students and the wider community, while also employing pioneering, creative, inclusive and innovative pedagogical practices that engage and challenge students in their learning.

In addition, nominated teachers had to be reflective practitioners who continue to inspire and motivate students and colleagues while engaging parents in the progress of their children’s learning.