Al Yasat Private School
IN THIS SECTIONMiddle School - High School
Mohamed Abdel Gaid
MS/HS Arabic Teacher/HoD Arabic
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Education, “Arabic and Islamic studies department” with a specialization in both elementary and secondary education and registration Master's degree in Education Technology Mohammed has worked in a variety of educational settings. He has developed many valuable skills while teaching diverse groups of students, including both students with learning disabilities and gifted students for Arabic A (Arabic speakers) and B (non-Arabic speakers). Mohammed founded the Arabic and Islamic Studies A & B Department in King's College Doha with a long and great history. They were able to obtain the educational accreditation as a British school characterized by high classification in a very short time (less than three years on the establishment). In addition, Mohammed also lead and consequently gained authorization of International Baccalaureate with his team at Al Sahwa Schools in Oman. Additionally, Mohammed worked in Egypt at Al Azhar Al Sharif and the French International School. He has experience in developing, designing and writing Arabic and Islamic curriculum for non-Arabs students. Mohammed also has experience in writing stories, novels and dramas, and became a certified novelist from the Ministry of Culture and Information of Oman. Mohammed also held and organized professional development workshops for his colleagues teachers, in terms of classroom management, differentiated Instruction, collaborative planning, learning based on inquiry, etc. Last but not least he has held another international position since 2016 at the International Baccalaureate organization as an “IB School Visit Team Member”.
Jaco Fourie
MS/HS Math Teacher/HoD Math
Jaco Fourie is from Johannesburg, South Africa. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Northwest University in 2008. In 2010 he received his Post Graduate Certificate in Education from University of South Africa specializing in Business Studies and Mathematics. His teaching experience extends over a period of 10 years, four of which have been in the United Arab Emirates. He believes that teaching is a calling, aiming to make a change in the lives of the students he teaches. In his spare time, he enjoys running marathons, traveling, food and spending time with family and friends
Victoria Diane King
M/S HS English Teacher/HoD English
Victoria is an educator with 10 years of post-certification experience, three of which in the United Arab Emirates. She was trained at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. Prior to certification, she worked as an English Composition tutor and a preschool support teacher. Throughout her time as an educator, Victoria has built strong relationships with her students and colleagues. As a result of her dedicated service to her students and increased rigor in all classrooms, consistent performance, and exceptional leadership, she was named Teacher of the Year for both her local school and the entire school district in 2016. Victoria describes herself as transformational empowering students to take ownership of their learning to develop analytical skills. She has come to realize that giving feedback to students is the most important aspect of the teaching-learning process. She believes that the classroom experience should be diverse and the curriculum should focus on teaching students to develop an academic curiosity.
Manal Steitiyeh
MS/HS Science Teacher/HoD Science
Manal graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Biology and Environmental Sciences from Beirut Arab University. Then she earned her Master's Degree in Molecular Biology (Genetic Engineering) from Beirut Arab University in cooperation with the American University of Beirut. With an experience of 9 years as a science teacher and Principal’s assistant with the UNITED NATIONS SCHOOLS, Manal has gained valuable knowledge and expertise in curriculum development and planning. Manal has a teaching diploma from the UN Education Department and was a lecturer of the undergraduate’s science strand for new staff in the UN. Manal prepared remedial courses in science for different classes and provided targeted intervention for boys and girls across a number of UN Schools.
Steluta (Stela) Samuela
PE Teacher/HoD Creative and Performing Arts MS/HS
Stela Samuela has lived in Abu Dhabi for 12 years. Before being appointed at Al Yasat, Stela taught PE at GEMS American Academy School, The Cambridge High School and Choueifat School. She spent her childhood at the Romanian National Gymnastics School in Deva and in her teenage years studied dance at the Romulus Ladea Ballet and Theatre School. At Babes Bolyai University in Cluj –Napoca Stela graduated with a BA in sports and physical education and a MA in Sports management. She has a keen interest in fitness, gymnastics, soccer and mixed martial arts. This is her second year at Al Yasat Private School and is the current head of department where she is teaching the middle school students PE. She has a passion in making learning fun, and inspiring students be the best they can be. In addition to her work at Al Yasat, Stela had the privilege to coach at the Manchester United Soccer School in Abu Dhabi. For more than 10 years she coached U11 to U19 boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. Stela has coached swimming, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, cross-country and track and field.
Francios Botha
MS/ HS Social Studies Teacher/HoD Humanities
Mr. Francios Botha completed his B.Ed Senior and further education and training phase at the North-West University in 2007 which was followed by his B.Ed (Hons) degree in Education Management, Law and Systems at the North-West University in 2008. After graduating, he taught in the UK as a supply teacher covering Years 1 – 12, before moving to South Africa for five and a half years, where he taught Grade 8 through to Grade 11. In 2015, He moved to Oman where he taught High School for 1 year. His personal interests vary greatly from running, sightseeing and travelling and playing golf. He is an avid reader and loves to broaden his experiences of world cultures.
Samia Zaigham
MS/HS ICT/STEM Teacher/HoD Design Technology
Samia graduated in Computer Science and has completed her Masters in Education, Planning and Management. She has taught for 10 years and is enjoying her teaching and learning experience with diverse group of students and institutions. Samia is a dedicated, resourceful and innovative instructor who strives to help students to improve their grades and transform their study periods into an exciting experience. She believes in supporting student’s social and intellectual growth by creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and open communication.
Alaa Shalaby
MS/HS Arabic Teacher/Grade Leader G10
Mr. Alaa Shalaby graduated from Cairo University with BA in Arabic Language and Islamic studies 1998. Hold higher Diploma of modern pedagogy for Arabic language issued by Tanta university- 2001. and hold second diploma of SEN teaching (intellectual disability and disorder) issued by Menoufia University - 2005 Mr. Alaa has worked in the Egypt Ministry of Education for 10 years teaching Arabic language and Islamic studies and then moved to the KSA to teach in International schools for about 5 years. and then moved to the UAE to teach in international schools in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for about 4 years. He is delighted to work with Al Yasat team. He is a social and open-minded person who likes to have friends from all over the world. He has the ability to deal with all the individual students and their differences easily by using the 21st century skills and using the student’s capabilities.
Kelly Marie OConnell
MS/HS English Teacher/Grade Leader G9
Kelly is originally from West Cork in Ireland. She graduated with a BA Honours Degree in Irish, English and Media Studies from the University of Limerick, Ireland in 2013 and following that completed a Professional Diploma in Education, in 2014 with a focus on Language Learning where she specialized in Irish and English as an Additional Language. After completing her studies, she secured a permanent position teaching English and Irish in her home county before seeking sandier pastures and moving to Abu Dhabi to teach English and EAL in 2017. Kelly has a keen interest in sports and has played basketball and Gaelic football her whole life. Travelling is one of her passions and she is enjoying all of the travel opportunities Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Isobel Marie Jones
MS/HS English Teacher/Grade Leader G8
Isobel is a qualified English and Religion teacher for Post-Primary. She completed her Bachelor of Education in Dublin City University and received a scholarship to complete a Master of the Arts in Education at the same university, which she completed in 2016. She is currently studying the National Award for SEN Co-ordination with Leeds Beckett University and is due to graduate at the end of this year. She also has a TEFL certificate specifically aimed towards Post-Primary students. She has been teaching for 3 years and has taught in Ireland, Qatar and the UAE. She has also worked in educational settings in Toronto prior to this. Isobel spent last year as a Lead Teacher for her grade in a school in Al Ain but is looking forward to moving to Abu Dhabi this year. She is very passionate about the performing arts, particularly drama, which she has studied since she was a child. Her other main passions are travel and poetry. Her favourite travel destination is Spain and her favourite poet is Paula Meehan.
Dalia Tapia
Media Teacher/Grade Leader G7
Dalia Tapia is an Education Media Communication Specialist. She holds a BA in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, an MFA in film and video from Columbia College Chicago, and more recently she completed the course work in a PhD program on global economy from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. She has many years of experience producing and directing for television, film and various media platforms. Throughout her producing career, Tapia has managed to maintain her teaching career. Her inspiration has always been her former, current and future students. As an educator Ms. Tapia strives to be the best she can be for her students.
Erma Jomine Muller
MS/HS Science Teacher/Grade Leader G6
Born and bred in Namibia, Ms Erma Muller started her studies at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Science, specializing in Human Life Science. She hereafter completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the same University in 2013. Before joining Al Yassat, she gained invaluable experience in the UAE, teaching in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi for 3 years. She is an enthusiastic and driven individual who loves to incorporate hands on practice within her classroom, ranging from foldables to scientific investigations, as she believes that each student has the ability to learn in their own respective way. Students themselves are the drivers of their Education, and with proper guidance each individual can achieve success and reach their full potential. She and aims to teach them skills which they can use not only within the classroom, but in everyday life. She is an ardent traveller and embraces new cultures.
Abdul Raof Musa Ismail Al-Garaleh
MS/HS Islamic Studies
Abdu is from Jordan and is looking forward to being part of the Al Yasat Islamic Studies team. He became an Islamic teacher after graduating from Muta University. Having a Diploma in Education and B.A in Islamic studies, Abdu is well qualified to engage students in the love of Islamic Studies. .Abdu has 22 years’ experience with 10 years in Jordan and the last 12 years inside the UAE. He has taught all levels and has co-ordinated many large Islamic Studies events. His talents and hobbies are in football, volleyball, theater and acting. He loves playing chess and reading.
Mohammad Mahmood Khalil
MS/HS Arabic & Islamic Studies
Mohammed is from Jordan and holdes a Bachelor degree of Islamic studies from AlBalqa University in Amman. Before he moved to Abu Dhabi Mohammed was teaching in governments schools in Amman Jordan.Mohammed has more than twenty years experience in teaching both Islamic studies and Arabic in American and British schools in Abu Dhabi for native and non-native students for grades from 6-12 ,including extensive experience in teaching grade 12 students (students writing ministry of education exam). By the end of year most of his students (majority) earned Excellent marks. During his careerMohammed has attended many workshops, CPD s and trainings sessions in education technics and strategies Mohammed is looking forward to increasing the level of his students in Islamic studies especially in reciting the holy Quran, and Hadeeth. Mohammed’s goals are to develop and improve our students achievements and stimulate, inspire and motivate our students by releasing their potential abilities by applied different teaching strategies. He is very delighted to join Al Yasat Private School
Halema Al Shehhi
MS/HS Arabic Teacher
Ms. Halema was born in the United Arab Emirates. She got her Bachelor in The Arabic Language and Literature from Al-Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Islamic University in Ras Al Khaimah - UAE. Then she earned her diploma about the new teaching strategies from the Emirate University- Al Ain. Mrs. Halema has many years of experience in teaching the Arabic language to students by using cooperative learning strategies. She taught Arabic to SEN students and supported them in many strategies that allowed them to be able to practice and use the main rules and concepts in Arabic easily. Ms. Halema is dedicated to supporting her students. She encourages her students to read more. She is very keen to integrate the UAE identity in most of the Arabic lessons and relate the lesson to real life. She is teaching in AYPS since 2017.
Hanan Ghania
MS/HS Arabic Teacher
Hanan graduated from Ain Shams University in Cairo with BA in Arabic Literature. She worked in the Egypt Ministry of Education for 8 years teaching Arabic language, and then moved to the UAE to teach in private schools for about 9 years. She is delighted to join Al Yasat team this year. Hana is a social and open-minded person who likes to have friends from all over the world.
Iryna Abbas
MS/HS Math Teacher
Gabrielle Sewell
MS/HS Maths Teacher
Gabrielle Sewell was born in Dallas,Tx (USA), where she spent most of her childhood. She attended Prairie View A&M University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics(2016) and received her Master in Educational Administration(2017). She taught middle school mathematics for three years in Houston,Tx. As an educator, She have developed a philosophy to provide quality and meaningful education to all of her students. Appropriate practice exercises and hands on activities should be developed to assist in their exploration of the world around them. Providing positive guidance and positive reinforcement will give light to pleasant learning experience. Parents should be engaged in their child’s learning activities and form a team relationship to ensure a safe environment for their children. However, her focus is developing a program that will assist the child in growing to his or her fullest potential through each stage of development and fashioning a curriculum that will nurture and facilitate growth during each stage.As an effective mathematics teachers should be able to apply advanced learning theories, teaching skills, and technology in mathematics instruction in order to really promote students’ performance and understanding, improve out-of-data instruction of teaching, and align curriculum to standards.She also feel that each child must have the opportunity to move about in an environment filled with many attractive and stimulating things to do. The surrounding environment must evolve with the child to keep his or her interest alive. Finally, by respecting each child’s ability to create, She can help develop an independent, unique human being ready to face the world. Outside of teaching, Gabrielle’s interests are reading, sports, and Traveling. She is delighted to join Al Yasat team this year.
Fredy Hermez
MS/HS Maths Teacher
Prior to Joining Al-Yasat Private School, Fredy spent 3 years teaching in Orlando, Florida. His role included teaching mathematics in public and private schools. Fredy was responsible for creating assessments, attend weekly meetings with other mathematics teachers, and being a part of his schools’ activities. Fredy recently received his master’s degree in Mathematics education from the University of Central Florida. His goal is to help students who struggle with mathematics and get them to like it. Fredy is very excited to be a part of Al-Yasat school, and is looking forward to all the opportunities and experiences there. Outside of education, Fredy enjoys watching soccer and going to the gym. He also loves traveling and has visited over 25 countries. Fredy’s ultimate goal is to obtain a Doctorate in Mathematics Education.
Emily Bell
MS/HS Maths Teacher
Triona Folan
MS/HS English Teacher
Tríona is from a wonderful part of Ireland known as Connemara in County Galway. She studied in Mary Immaculate College where she undertook a Liberal Arts degree in Irish and English and also completed a module in TEFL. She then decided to pursue a career in teaching and completed a Professional Diploma in Education (University of Limerick) in 2014 which, focused on Language Learning where she specialized in Irish and English as an Additional Language. Sport has always played an important role in her life as she has played Gaelic Football and Basketball since she can remember. Having been steeped in Irish language, culture and traditions since she was a child, Tríona is interested in exploring and experiencing these aspects in other parts of the world. Music, poetry and drama are just some of the other avenues that interest Tríona, which, alongside her desire to engage with various learning strategies and teaching methodologies, can often times present themselves in the learning environment.
Ikbel Farhati
Ms/HS English Teacher
Ikbel is a Tunisian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2008. She is a holder of a Bachelor of English Language Teaching. She worked as Elementary home room Teacher for five years at Al Toumouh International Private School. Additionally, Ikbel was also a subject teacher for two years At ABC Private School Abu Dhabi. In 2015 Ikbel started working at Al Yasat Private School. During this time she was engaged in workshops that are related to classroom management, learning using technology and advanced learning classroom structures. She has advanced her career by applying the 21 century means of education in the classroom. Ikbel has an interest in working with special needs students. She taught French as an extra activity at Al Yasat Private School. She believes that every child deserves to have the chance to be educated. She loves drama and singing.
Chad Robinson
MS/HS English Teacher
Mr. Chad Robinson hails from the radiant island of Jamaica where the beauty of nature is only matched by the warmth of its people. A firm believer in the value of humanity, Chad considers each life to be the most important resource this world has to offer. This philosophy translates directly into the classroom as he focuses on the holistic development of his students; training and challenging them to become their best social and academic selves. Chad believes that the classroom is a space for action research and that each lesson provides an opportunity to improve pedagogy and ultimately maximize the teaching and learning process. He is a lover of the literary arts who enjoys reading all genres of literature but is most passionate about poetic criticism. He devotes his time, effort and skills to imparting knowledge and impacting learners at the secondary and tertiary levels. For Chad, the most rewarding thing about the field of education is taking a student from the limiting shades of the unknown into the enlightenment of the known.
Richa Tiwari
MS/HS Science Teacher
Richa Tiwari is a Canadian certified Science and Chemistry Teacher. Richa has done B.Sc, M.Sc, BEd, and M.Ed. Before coming to Abu Dhabi, she was a high School teacher in Canada for 7 years. She is aptitude to remain flexible, ensuring that every child's learning styles and abilities are addressed. She enjoys utilizing ICT technology and practical experiments to bring Science to life and ultimately maximize learning experiences both inside and outside of class. She believes that it is important to not only strive for high academic standards but to also nurture independent, confident, kind and caring learners who aim high and aspire to achieve their full potential.
Christopher Powell
MS/HS Science Teacher
Mr. Christopher Powell initially completed a Diploma in Teaching from the Mico University and shortly after completed a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry from the University of Technology Jamaica where he specialized in Forensic Chemistry. He is a science fanatic and ensures the wonders of the subject is explored in a way to heighten appreciation along with imparting knowledge. He has taught Science consecutively for the past four years and has played an integral role in preparing students for external assessments. He has also dedicated his time and expertise to extra-curricular activities, an avid swimmer; he has served as a lifeguard in addition to serving his students in the capacity of Chess coach and manager of the school’s quiz team. He is a husband and father of one and takes great joy in new experiences, acquiring knowledge and spending time with family and friends.
Lamon Davis
MS/HS Science Teacher
Mr. Lamon began his career as a science teacher in 2009 after completing a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Physics and Biology with a minor in education. It was his goal to be a physics and science teacher when he entered the University of Technology, Jamaica and he discovered that it suited him very well and his advisors recommended he continued his pursuits. On graduation he applied for a position as an adjunct Physics Lecturer in his faculty and was successfully appointed. His first assignment after that one year with the university was teaching at an all-boy school for another year before moving to an all-girl school where he taught Physics for four years. He then left to teach at a private school – Hillel Academy- to become internationally trained and gain that international experience. He also lectured at the University of the West Indies, Mona during this time while pursuing a Master’s degree in Medical Physics. He was a good physics student in college and quickly developed an ambition to pursue a gradu te degree in physics. He flirted with the idea of studying physics in the United States or Canada and then opted to consider his local university. He has travelled to many countries and hope his wealth of educational, cultural, social and psycho-emotional experiences will continue to make him an excellent educator.
Nevern Glenston Presence
MS/HS US Social Studies Teacher
Nevern Glenston Presence is a Social Science teacher and has been teaching since 2013. Before teaching, he studied at the University of Western Cape, where he attained his BA degree, Honours degree and PGCE. He is a hard worker and believes that no matter how arduous a task may seem, with the right attitude, it will be conquered. According to Nevern, his greatest strengths as a teacher is his enthusiasm, patience, responsibility and his ability to explain difficult things in a simple way.
Rose Dunne
MS/HS US Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Rose is a History and Geography Teacher from Laois, Ireland. She competed her Bachelor of Arts in Galway and went on to complete her Postgraduate in Education in University College Dublin in 2009. After this she travelled to Australia where she lived for two years. She then returned to Ireland where She have been teaching for the past seven years. Last year she spent four months travelling and her favourite place to visit was New Zealand. She decided to experience a new working environment and culture and moved to Abu Dhabi this year.
Amr Hamed
MS/HS UAE Social Studies Teacher
Nahla Saleh Mansour
MS/HS UAE Social Studies Teacher
Nahla is an Egyptian teacher of about 10 years of experience in the career of Education. She has taught Arabic Social Studies for different grades and multiple curricula. She believes in the quote “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. She finds herself among her students helping, supporting, guiding and assisting them especially those who need help. She is updated with the latest teaching strategies which enable her to work properly on individual differentiations and enriching the gifted and talented ones, as well. Her friendly character and positive attitudes with the students help her gain their confidence and build bridges of friendship, mutual respect and positive environment for teaching and learning. She feels very contented and excited to be part of Al Yasat Family.
Daunaree Vivia Jackson
MS/HS Manual Arts Teacher
Miss Daunaree has always had a love for art. She actualized her love for visual arts, by attaining her bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica, specializing in Ceramics and Printmaking. She is well equipped with a wealth of experience from serving her country as a Visual Arts Specialist through planning and executing art exhibitions and working with students of all ages, from all walks of life. Daunaree believes that one of her core attitudes towards teaching is to develop a dynamic, creative environment that nurtures conducive learning for students. Her mantra for teaching is to provide guidance, counseling and discipline necessary to encourage students to exceed standards of achievement in a creative environment. She enjoys reading, travelling and photography. She is pleased to be a part of the Al Yasat team and is looking forward to making a positive change in the lives of her students through art.
Jennifer Theresa Whitford
MS/HS French Teacher
Ms.Jennifer Whitford and is a secondary school French and History teacher from Kerry in Ireland. She completed her BA in French and History in 2013 and the following year completed her Professional Diploma in Education. Upon graduating from University College Cork she began her teaching career in an all-boys secondary school in Ireland, where she taught for three years. Later Ms.Jennifer decided to move to Abu Dhabi in 2017 to gain experience teaching a new curriculum and experience living and working in a new city. She is an enthusiastic teacher who strives to create a positive and engaging learning atmosphere and she is very passionate about her subject areas. Outside of teaching Ms. Jennifer enjoy travelling, reading and playing and watching sports.
Emil Sein
Music / Instrumental Teacher
Mr. Emil Sein has achieved his degree in instrumental music teaching in Timisoara, Romania being recognized as one of the most important performer in classical and contemporary music awarded with special awards within Europe, USA, Asia and other countries. He is certified to teach Saxophone (Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, Tenor Baritone, Bass); Clarinet (Piccolo, Alto, Bass); Wind — Brass Instruments and Percussion; Orchestra; Chamber Music; Musical Language; Arrangements (Bands, Big-Band, Groups, Classic, Modern); Classes of Band Instruments; Piano (Jazz); Musical Pedagogy; Arabic Percussion; Music Theory, Percussion Technology; Classic and Contemporary Music. Since 2015 he is teaching at Al Yasat Private School as music teacher preparing the students at all levels (elementary/secondary/high school) theoretical and instrumental lessons along with choir and percussion divided in western and Arabic style.
Thabet Awad Issa Obeidat
MS/HS Career Guidence Counselor & SEN
Thabet Obeidat has a B.A degree in counseling and mental health graduated from University of Jordan 1999 and has been working in the field of student services since 2000. After five years in Jordanian schools, he shifted to join the Emirate of Abu Dhabi community from 2005. Thabet has more than 13 years of experience inside the UAE with my wife and four kids, helping and supporting school environments to gain more developed skills and increase students awareness toward the best of their shining future. Thabet collaborates with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school and the community helping students and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
Ms.Suzan Guven
HS Careers Guidance Counsellor
FEATURED CONTENT
The main features of the Al Yasat Private School comprise world-class infrastructure, top-flight faculty, high academic performance, excellent co-curricular facilities, and unique student projects.
