My Expressions

Ed Leader – Beno Kurien, International Indian School, Abu Dhabi

Education is an integral part of a child’s upbringing. We, at Curious Times, have made it our aim to ensure that we also play an active role in imparting the right knowledge to all the Curious children. As such, we also try to ensure that we are always in touch with the leaders in education today and learning from them. After all, it is important to learn from the best.B

So, today, we present to you a one-on-one conversation with Beno Kurien. He is the Principal of the International Indian School , Abu Dhabi. The school aims to provide a challenging and supportive environment for the best possible programmes of academic and personal development through integrated studies and hands-on participation. Redefining Education Through Innovation.

When did you decide to step into the world of education? What motivated you to become an Educator? I decided to step into the world of education at a very young age. I am very passionate about learning, and my teachers have inspired me to pursue a career in the education field with their unconventional techniques, and their ability to hone each child’s talent and potential. The inspiring words and encouragement of my teachers played a huge role in my decision of becoming an educator. Now that I am in the leadership role, I also want to do the same and inspire the students, teachers, and parents that they can reach their dreams, and turn their vision into reality.

Share some of the challenges you have faced in your career journey. How did you convert those challenges into the pillars of success? I think one of the most recent challenges I have faced in my career as an educator was during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was challenging because we had to fully shift to a new learning model in such a short span of time. This unprecedented crisis has made us make a full 180-degree turn on our whole school system alignment, and as a school, shifting our vision to what’s important helped us turn these challenges into success. We have focused on providing the best learning experience for our students and their well-being. With these set of goals, and having an intact team and amazing teachers, we were able to deliver a successful remote learning experience to our students.

What are the changes have you observed over the years in the field of education? Are you happy with these changes? The main aspect of what has changed in the field of education is the crucial integration of technology. Technology has opened great opportunities and possibilities to how lessons are being delivered and has changed the teachers’ strategies, and learning models. Nowadays, in education, students have more options and involvement in how they learn and the teachers have become facilitators and partners of learning. With these changes, learning is more personalized and it offers flexibility, which I believe is great as it provides equity to learners.

What changes would you like to see in the field of Education? What role can the various stakeholders like the government, teachers, students and parents play in this? I would like to see more of national educational projects that focuses on the future skillsets, providing readiness and competencies for teachers and students of the future. Since education is at the heart of global progress, at times of crisis, it is also great to have a well-aligned system and there should be a high priority on providing resources and opportunities for students, teachers, and parents, especially those who are underprivileged and are located in remote areas.

Share your message with the aspiring teachers and leaders of tomorrow. Always be kind, gentle, and motivating because you don’t know how your words and actions can make an impact on someone’s life. As a teacher and a leader, it is our duty to ensure that we teach and lead by integrity, provide the best possible environment and experiences, and develop individuals to their best character and full potential.

Share your message for your and Curious Times students. My message to our Curious Times students is to always believe in yourself. And while sometimes we doubt our capabilities, it is important to turn these doubts as a challenge and take it as a step for improvement. It is also essential to have a good character, as it will take you to places and opens unlimited opportunities. Stay safe and may this pandemic remind us that there is hope and we are the ones to decide our future, and that depends on how we make the most of the present.

Beno Kurien, Principal

International Indian School, Abu Dhabi

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