SEA obtains academic accreditation for PGD in Education

The 24 credit hour graduate level 8 (as per the National Qualifications Framework) "Postgraduate Diploma in Education" programme equips educators with the academic knowledge, pedagogical studies, latest educational tools and means that develop the educational skills and instills the mindset of "lifelong learning" among teachers in the nation.

This accreditation places Sharjah Education Academy among the leading educational institutions listed in the higher education system in the United Arab Emirates. The academic accreditation enables better services for students affiliated with the program and to meet their requirements and needs to efficiently carry out their future tasks. This milestone is a recognition of the Academy's mission and indicates the quality of academic outputs and their alignment with the requirements of the education sector.

The scope of the programme was designed in cooperation with the University of Helsinki HY+ in Finland and prepared to suit the educational needs in the UAE. It promotes the use of advanced technology to expand the level of performance in classrooms and provide both new graduates and in-services teachers, during their postgraduate studies, with 21st century skillsets and competencies that enables them to innovate the outcomes of education and strive to serve the community.

Her Excellency Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, President of Sharjah Education Academy and Chairwoman of Sharjah Private Education Authority, said: "This achievement comes as an embodiment of the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his unlimited efforts and keenness to develop educational institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah and raise the level of education in United Arab Emirates, with a keen focus on teachers"

She added: With the exceptional efforts portrayed by its members, the Academy will become an educational beacon that enhances the status of the Emirate of Sharjah and fulfills its assigned responsibilities. This new milestone will ensure that the Academy follows the best academic standards that suit the academic diversity of higher education in the country and enhance the outputs of Higher education and national capacity building." 

She also highlighted that the academy is currently preparing to launch the Arabic version of the "Postgraduate Diploma in Education" programme.

From her side, His Excellency Dr. Jeanine Romano, Executive Director, Sharjah Education Academy, thanked His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, for the endless support he offers to the Academy and the overall educational advancement in the Emirate of Sharjah. "We are proud of this achievement made by the Academy's team, which was delivered within a short period since our academy’s establishment. This renders a great foundation towards a qualitative leap in our academic programmes to achieve sustainable and competitive education in the Emirate and the country."

The content of the programme was prepared to qualify teachers to lead change in education, which is aligned with rapid worldwide changes, especially after the modern technological revolution reinforced by the global pandemic. The programme also focuses on building seven essential dimensions to qualify teachers to be lifelong learners, which includes research and analysis skills to create fresh knowledge capacities and assets. 

Furthermore, and in addition to its practical aspects, the programme has been integrated into all designed activities, with a focus on the culture of cooperative and professional learning networks, which includes emotional and social intelligence. Standards for licensing teachers are also included in the programme outputs.

The programme also follows a hybrid educational system that facilitates the process of enrollment and follow-up studies for its members, participants in the programme will be able, within just one year, to develop their skills in the field of innovation, creativity, and research. The programme is illustrated by focusing on the teachers capabilities, and enables them to develop an educational strategy based on the latest international standards and best practices. In this context, the programme concentrates on integrating theory and practice through research activities, and embeds elements of education as a practice. Schools will directly benefit from these activities, which will produce active teachers who can develop their schools through research-based knowledge.

Sharjah Education Academy continuously seeks strategic partnerships with leading local and international institutions and academic experts to achieve its objectives. With such partnerships it guarantees developing educators through diverse and innovative academic programmes based on scientific research and access to global competitiveness in education. And by raising the level of teacher performance, student outcomes will advance to a new level of talents and qualified capabilities to meet the aspirations of the wise leadership to draw a road map for a brighter future.