Akifa Ijaz
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Dynamic and skilled educator with extensive expertise in integrating AI tools and digital platforms to enhance lesson planning, classroom engagement, and formative assessment. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite for document preparation and data analysis, effectively utilising Google Classroom and MS Teams to streamline communication and track student progress. Demonstrates strong leadership in mentoring colleagues, driving departmental improvements, and advocating for ethical digital tool integration. Committed to fostering a collaborative environment with high expectations, supporting staff development, and promoting student success through innovative teaching strategies.
Driven individual with deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and student growth. Demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills, coupled with solid background in curriculum development and team management. Poised to enhance educational outcomes and inspire both students and faculty.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
2031
2031
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
English Head of Department
The Winchester School, Jabel Ali
Jabel Ali
01.2021 - 11.2025
- Currently working as English Head of Department at The Winchester School, Jabel Ali since 2021.
- Currently teaching IGCSE First Language English (0500), Literature, AS and A level English Language (9093) at The Winchester School, Jabel Ali.
- Designed comprehensive lesson plans for enhanced understanding of literary texts.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring no student was left behind.
- Maintained records of student performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
- Developed comprehensive assessment tools to track student progress effectively.
- Led team of educators for better student performance.
- Conducted professional development workshops to enhance teachers' abilities.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities like drama club and writing competitions to promote interest in English studies amongst students.
- Advised struggling students after hours, improved their performance levels over time.
English Head of Department
Al Sadiq Islamic School
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Worked as English Head of Department at Al Sadiq Islamic School from 2020-2021.
English Teacher
The Winchester School (GEMS)
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Taught IGCSE English as First Language and English as a Second Language (IGCSE) to grades 9, 10 and 11 at The Winchester School (GEMS) from 2017-2020.
English Teacher
The Oxford School, Dubai
Dubai
08.2017 - 06.2017
- Taught English as First Language and English as a Second Language (IGCSE) to grades 9, 10 and 11 at The Oxford School, Dubai from August 2017 till June 2017.
School Coordinator
Beaconhouse Walton Campus
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Worked as a School Coordinator at Beaconhouse Walton Campus from 2014-2015.
English Teacher
Beaconhouse School System
Lahore, Pakistan
- Taught English to grade VI at Beaconhouse School System.
- Taught English and Social Studies to Grade V at Beaconhouse School System.
- Tailored teaching approach to accommodate individual student needs, promoting academic growth.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans for students' improved understanding of the English language.
Education
M.Phil. TESL - Teaching of English as a Second Language
Beaconhouse National University (BNU)
01.2012 - 01.2013
MA English - English Literature
GC University Lahore
Lahore 01.2006 - 01.2008
BA - English Literature, Political Science, Journalism
Garrison College Lahore
Lahore 01.2004 - 01.2006
FA - English Literature, Computer Science, Library
Garrison College Lahore
Lahore 01.2002 - 01.2004
Matric - Biology, Physics, Chemistry
Standard Model School, Lahore
Lahore 01.2000 - 01.2002
NPQLT - Leading Teaching
Department of Education DfE
Dubai 09.2023 - 10.2024
PDQ-CICTL -
Cambridge International Education
Skills
- Skilled in use of AI tools for lesson planning and classroom engagement, including content generation, differentiation support, and formative assessment enhancement
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Word for document preparation and Excel for tracking student data, analysing progress, and generating reports
- Effectively integrates range of interactive educational platforms such as Google Docs, TED-Ed, Kahoot, Quizziz, and Padlet to promote student collaboration, engagement, and formative evaluation
- Strong competency in web browsing and digital research, enabling access to up-to-date resources, educational trends, and subject-specific content
- Experience in using Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Google Classroom and MS Teams to streamline communication, manage resources, and track student progress
- Advocates for meaningful and ethical integration of digital tools in English education, enhancing both teaching efficacy and student experience
- Supports and trains departmental staff in adopting new technologies and digital platforms to improve teaching and learning outcomes
- Team-oriented, dependable, and cooperative, with strong commitment to collaborative planning and shared departmental goals
- Adaptable and resilient, able to navigate new challenges, embrace change, and follow through with strategic plans and school initiatives
- Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, mentoring colleagues, and driving departmental improvements
- Skilled in conflict resolution, decision-making, and maintain positive and professional environment within team
- Proactive in identifying areas for development and leading initiatives to improve teaching and learning outcomes
- Organised and detail-focused, with ability to manage multiple responsibilities, set priorities, and meet deadlines effectively
- Empathetic and supportive leader, committed to staff development and emotional well-being of colleagues and students alike
- Confident in setting high expectations and maintaining accountability while fostering culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement
- Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling clear instruction, effective feedback, and confident public speaking
Certification
- National Professional Qualification. for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) 2024
- Cambridge marking course-Subject code 9093 2021
- Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning 2019
- CPM in Education Planning and Development IIMS-Institute of Informatics and Management Sciences, (Skill Development Council of Pakistan)
Personal Information
- Passport Number: EZ1515213
- ID Type: Emirates ID
- ID Number: 784-1985-3574036-3
- Marital status: Married
Activities
- Ran the Elocution Club in the Secondary Section at 'The Winchester School' in the session 2018-2019.
- Organized and hosted Face-to-Face Inter-Section English Debate Competition at 'The Oxford School'.
- Editor of the term newsletter at Beaconhouse Walton Campus.
- Staff Correspondent for Beaconhouse Walton Campus in the online magazine http://www.beaconhousetimes.net/
- Have been a member of Hiking and mountaineering society at GCU, 2007-2008.
- Have been a member of Young Journalist’s society at GCU, 2007-2008.
- Participated and won 1st position in Essay writing competition at GCU 2007.
- Have been an Executive member of the society 'English Literary Circle' at GCU, 2008.
- Secretary of Garrison College’s Debating Society, 2005-2005.
- Participated in Declamations at inter-collegiate level.
- Written Declamations at inter-collegiate level.
Custom Section
784-1985-3574036-3
Training
- KHDA mandatory courses
- Advanced Instructional Coaching
- Career Progression: From Middle to Senior Leadership
- Aligning Your Team to Your SDP Priorities
- Integration of AI in curriculum and classrooms
- Triangulation of data and personalization for all groups of learners
- Cambridge First Language English Course
- Induction course at Garrison and Beaconhouse School System regarding Teaching strategies
- Lesson Planning
- Lesson evaluation
- Classroom management
- Methods and approaches of teaching language
- Assessments and Examinations
- Teaching Aids
- The Role of Technology in Education: Past, Present and Future Implications
- E-Foundation Course at Beaconhouse School System (Integration of information technology in teaching through Microsoft Office, learning communities, blogging, peripherals and video-making etc)
- Workshop on strategies and techniques used to teach Social Studies to Grade V students.
- Workshop on integrating reading strategies in lesson plans and their effective implementation.
- 29th SPLET International Conference, 2013
Co-Curricular Activities
Ran the Elocution Club in the Secondary Section at ‘The Winchester School in the session 2018-2019 Organized and hosted Face-to-Face Inter-Section English Debate Competition at “The Oxford School’. Editor of the term newsletter at Beaconhouse Walton Campus Staff Correspondent for Beaconhouse Walton Campus in the online magazine http://www.beaconhousetimes.net/http://www.beaconhousetimes.net/index.php?q=walton&page_id=12 Have been a member of Hiking and mountaineering society at GCU, 2007-2008. Have been a member of Young Journalist’s society at GCU, 2007-2008. Participated and won 1st position in Essay writing competition at GCU 2007. Have been an Executive member of the society “English Literary Circle” at GCU. 2008. Secretary of Garrison College’s Debating Society. 2005-2005 Participated in Declamations at inter-collegiate level. Written Declamations at inter-collegiate level.
Timeline
NPQLT - Leading Teaching
Department of Education DfE
09.2023 - 10.2024
English Head of Department
The Winchester School, Jabel Ali
01.2021 - 11.2025
English Head of Department
Al Sadiq Islamic School
01.2020 - 01.2021
English Teacher
The Oxford School, Dubai
08.2017 - 06.2017
English Teacher
The Winchester School (GEMS)
01.2017 - 01.2020
School Coordinator
Beaconhouse Walton Campus
01.2014 - 01.2015
M.Phil. TESL - Teaching of English as a Second Language
Beaconhouse National University (BNU)
01.2012 - 01.2013
MA English - English Literature
GC University Lahore
01.2006 - 01.2008
BA - English Literature, Political Science, Journalism
Garrison College Lahore
01.2004 - 01.2006
FA - English Literature, Computer Science, Library
Garrison College Lahore
01.2002 - 01.2004
Matric - Biology, Physics, Chemistry
Standard Model School, Lahore
01.2000 - 01.2002
English Teacher
Beaconhouse School System
PDQ-CICTL -
Cambridge International Education