Louis La Grange, also known as ‘Mr. L,’ is a dedicated teacher in the UAE, juggling multiple roles as the head of science for kindergarten through Grade 5, an ICT teacher, and a STEAM specialist. When he’s not in the classroom, he can be found playing rugby and cricket, beekeeping, or sharing his love for language with his students. Teaching remains his true passion, where he imparts life lessons through the stories he tells. Mr. L is among a group of teachers in the UAE sharing their stories in celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5th.
Reflecting on his teaching journey, Mr. L recalls the moment he fell in love with the environment and people at Old Uptown School in Dubai, which led him to start his teaching career there. With 15 years of experience in South Africa, Mr. L draws inspiration from a remarkable educator from his past, Mr. Phillip Brandt, who taught him woodwork, metalwork, and technical drawing. Mr. L aims to make a difference in students’ lives just like his mentor did for him. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in teaching and making a positive impact on students’ lives through meaningful stories.
Eman Al Jahmani, an educator at GEMS Al Khaleej International School for 24 years, shared her journey of cultural adaptation from Jordan to the UAE. She found her current teaching position through a recommendation and has become an integral part of the school community. Despite the challenges she faced initially, Eman now feels like the school is her second home, viewing it as a large extended family. She continues to learn from her students every day and has built deep connections with them over the years.
Shahina Zarook, a teacher with 31 years of experience at the Indian High School in Dubai, shared a heartwarming story about a memorable class activity involving planting seeds. She highlighted the joy and wonder children experience during such hands-on learning activities. Zarook emphasized the significant role teachers play in the social and emotional development of children, especially in today’s technology-driven world where AI is increasingly prevalent. She stressed the importance of providing social and emotional support that only teachers and school settings can offer.
In a rapidly changing world, teachers like Mr. L, Eman, and Zarook continue to make a difference in the lives of their students through their dedication, passion, and commitment to education. They inspire the next generation of learners through their stories, life lessons, and unwavering support. As World Teachers’ Day approaches, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping young minds and building a brighter future for all. Their impact goes beyond academics, instilling values, and creating lifelong memories for their students.
