Programmes offered by Sharjah Education Academy

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) in the educational process, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasised the importance of supporting teachers and learners to achieve the best outcomes from educational institutions. He highlighted that the Sharjah Education Academy is designed to empower educators and leaders to reach the highest levels of professional development.

Academic track: Postgraduate Diploma in Education

This programme offers a Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Education through a hybrid approach, blending online and in-person lectures. The course covers 24 credit hours across two semesters, with each semester consisting of 12 credit hours. It is presented in collaboration with the University of Helsinki and its Faculty of Educational Sciences.

The programme is tailored for individuals currently working in or aspiring to join the education sector, with a focus on enhancing the skills of educators who lack professional qualifications. It also caters to graduates holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees who wish to enter the education field without prior formal training. Delivered by experts and highly skilled professionals, the “Postgraduate Diploma in Education” programme provides all the necessary tools to make the learning process both enjoyable and effective.

For details on enrolling in the programme, individuals should visit the application portal. This platform offers comprehensive information on application and admission procedures, including deadlines, required documents, and fees. Applicants must fulfil minimum requirements and respond promptly to any inquiries to have their application reviewed.

Graduates of this programme are expected to utilise diverse strategies to foster student engagement and development. Furthermore, they should tackle curriculum challenges and innovate teaching methods to create a progressive and effective learning environment.

Professional Development track: All to know about ECEC

This track features the Early Childhood Education Certification (ECEC), aimed at developing a robust network of leaders, teachers, and teacher assistants in early childhood education. Through a combination of scientific studies, educational materials, and hands-on training, the programme equips participants with the skills to enhance children’s learning environment and make education both effective and enjoyable.

The programme’s educational content adheres to the highest standards, integrating the latest research and innovations in early childhood education from Finland. Developed by the prestigious University of Helsinki and delivered by globally recognised experts, it consists of three key tracks, outlined below:

ECEC Leadership Programme

Designed for leaders in primary schools and nurseries, ECEC Leadership Programme consists of 9 study modules in both Arabic and English. These modules cover key topics such as Leading and Managing the Organisation, Pedagogical Leadership, Leading and Developing High-quality Early Childhood Education Development. Additionally, it focuses on four primary training areas: Pedagogical Leadership, Leading Change, Organisational Leadership, and Childhood Development: Neuroscience and Language.

The ECEC Leadership Programme spans 19 weeks and is offered at a comprehensive fee of 8,900 AED. Applicants must fulfil specific criteria: possess an undergraduate degree or equivalent, demonstrate proficiency in Arabic or English (including reading, writing, and speaking), be currently employed as a primary school or nursery leader, and submit a 500-word personal statement detailing their motivation for applying.

ECEC Teachers Programme

This programme, designed for primary schools and nursery teachers, is available in Arabic and English. Over 25 weeks, participants engage in 12 modules addressing key topics, including Childhood and Children in Society, Play as a Cultural, Developmental, and Pedagogical Phenomenon, and Pedagogy and the Curriculum in Early Childhood Education.

The ECEC Teachers Programme, like its predecessor, encompasses four main training fields: Early Childhood Education Teachers as Agents of Development, Childhood and Children’s Development, Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education, and Childhood Development: Neuroscience and Language.

Moreover, the admission requirements are largely the same as those of the previous programme, with the notable exception that applicants must be currently employed as primary schools or nursery teachers. The fee is 7,940 AED, covering both registration and enrolment.

Upon completing this programme, teachers are expected to exhibit proficiency in several areas. They must adeptly use the curriculum to highlight the cultural diversity within the school community, skilfully manage the dual responsibilities of teaching and counselling, and create a learning environment that fosters curiosity, exploration, and enjoyment for children.

ECEC Teaching Assistants Programme

SEA recognises the essential role of teacher assistants in primary schools and nurseries and the need to equip them for their responsibilities. To address this, the academy offers a specialised programme consisting of 7 study modules delivered over 15 weeks in both Arabic and English, with a total fee of 5,420 AED.

The training fields covered in the ECEC Teaching Assistants Programme include Childhood Safety, Education, and Society, Assisting While Caring, and Childhood Development: Neuroscience and Language. Unlike previous programmes, applicants must have at least a high school diploma and be currently employed as a teacher assistant in a nursery or primary school; other requirements remain the same.