naseem khalifahMy name is Ms. Naseem Khalifah. I’m from Palestine. I was born in Damascus. I live with my family in the UAE and particularly in Ras Al Khaimah since I was born. Growing in UAE has given me the opportunity to understand and be familiar with its lovely community, culture, customs and traditions. I joined RAK Academy in 2004. I like working at RAK Academy with an open-minded colleagues from all over the world. It’s wonderful to see the Academy grew from one campus to three campuses. I worked in different teaching positions in the Academy and this is my second year as a class teacher in KG1. I’m passionate about teaching Early Years. I like different art and craft, technology watching movies.
laura spencerMy name is Laura Spencer. I am from the United Kingdom.
As a child I lived in Ras Al Khaimah and attended RAK Academy myself. As I grew up I was always passionate about coming back to the emirate that held such special childhood memories for me. After spending time working in nursery settings in the UK I knew working with children was a career I wanted to explore further. I gained a BA Hons degree in Primary Education from the University of Sunderland with a specialization in Early Years. I am currently in my 5th year of teaching at RAK Academy having taught in Pre-K and KG1. I am married with a cheeky two year old son. When I am not working spending time with my family is important to me. We enjoy exploring the UAE and having lots of family adventures. My son especially loves the water so we are fortunate enough to have the opportunities to play at the beach or splash around in the swimming pools. I look forward to another inspiring and rewarding year at RAKA. |
DiALA ITANI
This is my second year as a KG1 Teacher at RAK Academy PYP and I have been in the education field since 2006, after graduating from The American University of Beirut with a BA in Education. My professional experience includes two years at Wellspring Learning Community (IB World School), English Coordinator at Fingerprints Academic Nursery, early years coordinator for The American Community School’s summer program, and I established a babysitting & tutoring company called ‘Little Ones’.
I grew up in the Gulf (Saudi Arabia & Oman) but I am originally Lebanese, so I speak both English and Arabic. I enjoy travelling, practicing yoga, cooking and reading. I am married and we are expecting our first little one in March 2016 : ) |
julie williams I am Julie Williams, KG 1 teacher and Year Leader at RAK Academy PYP. I come from India but have lived for most of 26 years in the Gulf. My initial years of schooling was in Kuwait after which I moved on to India where I completed my Senior Secondary and Bachelor’s degree in Home Science. After completing my Master of Science (M.Sc) in Child Development, I worked in India as a teacher for 3 years before moving to UAE and have been teaching at RAK Academy since 2003. I have taught Indian Curriculum and British Curriculum before moving in to the PYP. I strongly believe in the PYP philosophy of education and embrace the ideals the PYP holds. I have taught KG1 and KG 2 and last year had the privilege and awesome experience as Early Years Phase Leader.
Being in the Gulf has helped me to develop a love for the Arabic language and the cuisine. I can manage to converse in basic Arabic, read Arabic in print and attempt writing as well. Teaching little children and working with them is such a pleasure and a personal achievement that I enjoy. My own 3 children study at RAK Academy. My oldest daughter is currently in Year 9 in the Secondary School, my son in Year 5 and my little daughter in Year 3. RAK Academy is like their second home as their schooling started all the way from KG1 and they have attained a sense of belonging here at RAK Academy. My leisure time has a lot to do with my family and close friends. I love capturing precious moments spent with my family in photographs and spending time with friends over a cup of coffee. |