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لقراءة هذه النشرة باللغة العربية، يرجى النقر هنا
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Dear ,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! It's hard to believe that another summer has come and gone, but we're excited to spend a new semester collaborating with Ras Al Khaimah's educators. This fall, we're offering three of our most popular professional development courses as we simultaneously begin explorations of a school renewal program that has the potential to foster healthy and engaging school cultures across our community. As this research progresses, we remain eager to hear about the ideas and plans you have for your own schools and classrooms, so feel free to share with us by contacting [email protected]. We hope you are well rested and ready to enjoy the excitement that comes with the back-to-school season!
Warm regards,
Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director
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FEATURE ARTICLES 
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Foundation Expands Evaluation Capacity with New Special Projects Coordinator
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As many Ras Al Khaimah educators know, the Al Qasimi Foundation has been analyzing and collecting data from its teacher professional development programs as well as from key education stakeholders to determine what influence the Foundation's initiatives have had in local schools to date.
At the same time, the Foundation has begun researching the concept and practice of whole school renewal in order to determine how to revitalize schools in Ras Al Khaimah. This Whole School Renewal (WSR) Program is an attempt to develop and implement initiatives that foster a healthy and engaging school culture designed to improve student outcomes, school leadership, teacher and instructional quality, and parent and community involvement.
To support these evaluative efforts, Mr. Brian Chung has recently joined the Foundation as a Special Projects Coordinator. Brian previously worked for the Foundation as a research intern in 2014 and holds a bachelor's degree in political science with concentrations in history and Middle Eastern studies from NYU Abu Dhabi. His academic and research interests include public policy relating to social and institutional development, as well as education and cultural anthropology in the Middle East.
Brian joins the research team led by Dr. Soohyun Jeon, the Foundation's Research Director, and he will be responsible for working with the project team to contribute to planning surrounding these evaluation and whole school renewal efforts.
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Local Inmates Receive Ramadan Blessings and Educational Opportunities
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The Al Qasimi Foundation continues to support the efforts of local inmates to better themselves physically, mentally, and professionally. This Ramadan gave the Foundation the opportunity to sponsor athletic activities at both the men's and women's correctional facilities.
Male inmates enjoyed competitions in a variety of sports, including football and billiards, while women took part in table tennis and chess. In addition, a grant from the Foundation provided the inmates with an Iftar meal and with gifts for their families.
As the academic year approaches, the men's facility is also preparing for a new round of educational offerings. This September, inmates will again have access to development courses. This year's catalog includes classes in English, information technology (IT), math, and business. The goal of these opportunities is to equip inmates with professional and soft skills that will prepare them for reintegration into their communities after their release.
As part of its mandate to support the cultural, social, and economic development of its community, the Foundation works to improve the capacity of local inmates because it believes that stronger community members create a stronger Ras Al Khaimah.
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NEWS & EVENTS
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English Teaching Resources
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Arabic Teaching Resources
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Follow Us on Twitter!
For the latest news on education, Ras Al Khaimah, and the UAE, follow the Al Qasimi Foundation on Twitter! Learn more about how we support the social, cultural, and economic development of our community and why it matters to you.
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COMMUNITY CORNER
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Teacher Development Leader Strengthens Tradition of Excellence, Pursues New Adventures in Education
After investing his talents and energy into the teachers of Ras Al Khaimah for nearly two years, Mr. Luke Zimmermann is moving into a new role in the educational community, pursuing his passion for training and developing educators.
Mr. Zimmermann began his work with the Foundation by piloting a new professional development course for English teachers. Soon after, in early 2014, he took charge of the Foundation's capacity development initiatives, overseeing teacher professional development in a variety of forms that benefitted educators and their students across the emirate.
As the Teaching and Learning Program Manager, Mr. Zimmermann directed the Foundation's catalog of professional development courses while it expanded to cover more dimensions of the educational landscape. Mr. Zimmermann worked to introduce several new courses during his tenure, including series of workshops that delved into teaching English, teaching math, and incorporating technology into any classroom. Yet Mr. Zimmermann also recognized the need for teachers to be equipped to serve students with different abilities, and so he introduced a class focusing on the utility of sign language in English learning. Educators were fortunate to have the opportunity to glean insight from leadership and parent involvement courses that the Foundation developed last school year, under Mr. Zimmermann's leadership.
At the same time, Mr. Zimmermann led the second round of the Ras Al Khaimah Teacher Exchange Program, taking Ras Al Khaimah educators to Kuala Lumpur to conduct research on education in the Malaysian system. The project spanned nearly two years, and the results of the Foundation's investment in local teachers and administrators has been tangible, as the participants have presented their research findings to their colleagues and students through a myriad of projects. These presentations highlighted important educational issues that have relevance to Ras Al Khaimah's context, such as differentiation and teaching English as a second language.
As these educators shared what they have learned through the Teacher Exchange Program, they also recognized-as does the Foundation-that Mr. Zimmermann's leadership made their experience possible. While space precludes a full discussion of Mr. Zimmermann's contributions to the Foundation's Sheikh Saqr Student Enrichment Program and Ras Al Khaimah Prison Project, his dedication to this community is unquestionable. The Foundation team is filled with gratitude for Mr. Zimmermann's willingness to share his gifts and wishes him all the best as he embarks on a new adventure in his career as an educator.
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Our Mission
The Ras Al Khaimah Teachers Network exists to enable community educators to collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another.
All teachers and education leaders in Ras Al Khaimah are welcome to join this network, share their experiences, ask questions, and support one another by making Ras Al Khaimah an inspiring and transformative teaching and learning environment.
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