Samir Omara
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Teachers First Egypt
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since 1998, I have taught English language at Egyptian public and governmental language schools. As a senior teacher, I have led English language staff. I have coached teams of learners who participated in some projects such as Oracle ThinkQuest and British Council Schools Online. As a part-time trainer, I have delivered Intel Teach to the Future Program for teachers. As Professional Academy for Teachers accredited trainer of pedagogy and English language, I have developed and delivered different promotion and professional development programs for teachers, supervisors, school principals and educational leaders. As Teachers First CPD Lead Trainer and Processional Development Lead, I have planned and developed Teachers First staff and communities of practice continuous professional development since 2016. Currently, I am the Head of Professional Development. I plan, lead and support Teachers First CPD workshops and SPD Lighthouse School Networks as well. My work focuses on empowering teachers, communities of practice and schools to continue and sustain professional development and school networks across Egypt. I take part in discussions with UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Ministry of Education when planning for Egypt Education 2.0 Strategy. Since 2016, I have started community service Instructional Coaching initiative to help empower senior teachers and supervisors of English in Monofia; in Nile Delta. Since January 2018, I have been elected AUC NileTESOL Board and Directors Member and International Relations Committee Chair. I contact IATEFL and TESOL to sort grants and memberships for ELT professionals. I contact ELT associations globally as well. Since I got 2003 University of Exeter TEFL Course and 2016 AUC Educational Leadership Professional Educator Diploma, I have developed and shared education experiences through presenting on national and international conferences including ILACE, NileTESOL, IPAWL, TESOL and BETT in Egypt, USA and UK. I got Ministry of Education Ideal Teacher and Excellent Teacher awards. I have been shortlisted 2019 Study UK Alumni Professional Achievement Award finalist.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose teaching and teacher training career because I am very interested in English language teaching, professional development and lifelong learning. I think that it is the key role of teachers and teacher trainers to help develop education through empowering learners and teachers as well. I enjoy lifelong learning and professional development dissemination among more teachers and educators through face-to-face contact and online as well. I enjoy taking part in different courses, programs, conferences and networking.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
At the University of Exeter, I enjoyed many things. I enjoyed School of Education and Lifelong Learning different courses of language, methodology and technology. I enjoyed the school visit program. It provided me with practical experiences that have been of great help into my national context later on. I enjoyed university networking, resources and cultural approaches as well.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I chose to study at Exeter, as it has been one of top universities in UK. The University of Exeter has been helping to develop experiences of graduate and post-graduate candidates knowledge, skills and experiences that could be applicable in many different contexts productively.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
English language, methodology and technology have been the most useful skills for my career. Professional development, lifelong learning and education system development have been the most useful experiences for my career.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Professional Development, lifelong learning and education community service pay more personal and professional development, experiences and networking.
What are your plans for the future?
I think I would continue to take part in education strategy development, teacher professional development and community service. I intend to promote my leadership and management skills and experiences through in-service practice and courses as well.
