The Power of Extraordinary Teachers

For many people, one of the first memories which comes to mind when thinking of their school days will be that of a favourite teacher. 

Someone who not only enhanced your academic knowledge, but also inspired, challenged and guided you.

At Compass International School Doha, we understand the lifelong impact that teachers have on a student’s academic, personal and social growth and ultimately, their future success. It’s why we are committed to recruiting the very best teachers from around the world, selecting on average only one from every 24 applications received.

At Compass International School Doha, we understand the lifelong impact that teachers have on a student’s academic, personal and social growth and ultimately, their future success. It’s why we are committed to recruiting the very best teachers from around the world, selecting on average only one from every 24 applications received.

“In addition to holding a UK teaching qualification, and bringing diverse expertise and experience to the role, we look for certain qualities which make outstanding teachers,” explains Simon Porter, Director of Quality and Staff Development. “Teaching in international schools requires flexibility of thinking and imagination. We look for talented and passionate teachers who have started to explore their own ‘voice’ and style. Our teachers need to be able to think on their feet and adapt their plans during the lesson to chart the best path for their students.”

Our parents see this commitment realised in school, with 91% believing that their child is taught by high quality teachers.

We are committed to delivering an exceptional education and our teachers are themselves dedicated to continued growth and learning. To support them in maintaining the highest standards, we offer a world-leading professional development programme which continually shares innovation and international best practice. This investment enables every teacher to stay up-to-date with the latest educational thinking and techniques from around the globe, benefiting our students’ learning every day.

We are committed to delivering an exceptional education and our teachers are themselves dedicated to continued growth and learning. To support them in maintaining the highest standards, we offer a world-leading professional development programme which continually shares innovation and international best practice. This investment enables every teacher to stay up-to-date with the latest educational thinking and techniques from around the globe, benefiting our students’ learning every day.

Mr Porter describes the approach: “Contrary to many schools, we don’t offer whole-school continuous professional development (CPD). Instead, we personalise each teacher’s training utilising a variety of sources. Nord Anglia University provides courses, forums, conferences and many other resources which enable teachers to develop their skills and share best practices. Our collaborations with The Juilliard School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology give teachers access to specialist subject specific opportunities and we encourage teachers to join Nord Anglia’s residential leadership courses. We also encourage our teachers to pursue further qualifications and currently have seven teachers who have gained or are studying for a master’s degree, sponsored by the school.”

Additionally, Nord Anglia’s Education Advisory Board, comprised of renowned educational experts, supports the evolution of teaching across our family of schools, and is an invaluable asset for our teachers.

Our teachers’ CPD has wider benefits for our students. “Certainly, students seeing teachers learning themselves, and our teachers are very open about their own learning and development, is a powerful incentive and example,” Mr Porter elaborates. “I think Jim Henson said ‘Kids don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are’.”

This commitment to our teachers’ professional growth and career development also contributes to the long tenures of our teachers, many of whom go on to teach at other Nord Anglia schools worldwide. Compass in return benefits from other Nord Anglia teachers frequently choosing to join the school, bringing with them the same high standards of knowledge, skills, passion and dedication.

Just as importantly, our teachers are known for the care they show to students, and across our campuses, 92% of parents believe that their child has a good relationship with their teacher(s). This leads to enhanced achievement - by developing strong connections and understanding, teachers are able to tailor learning for each child, nurturing their social and emotional growth in addition to accelerating their academic learning.

“Our teachers are flexible, open-minded and adventurous, creating exciting learning opportunities which challenge every child,” said Mr Porter. “They are excellent role models for our students and play an undeniably vital role in creating the engaging environment which ensures children love learning and coming to school at Compass. Our academic results are testament to this and speak for themselves.”