Dr. Athra Sultan

Director of Teacher and School Staff Development and Training Department @ Ministry of Education – UAE

About

A forward-thinking and innovative Acting Head of Teachers’ Training with the ability to develop and implement the strategic vision for teachers' training and development and drive the professional development of team members through knowledge transfer, coaching, and training. With over 23 years of progressive experience integrating training initiatives, designing and implementing ongoing personalized PDPs, providing programs, blended training, and E-training in both synchronous and asynchronous. I am known for being results-orientated and highly committed to providing critical insight and oversight on the requirements for training to improve staff knowledge and training programs to maintain high standards. Collaborating with senior leadership and stakeholders, assessing training effectiveness, generating innovative ideas, implementing strategic and operational planning, and developing accredited courses aligned with methodologies recognized by the National Qualification Centre. I have successfully developed and improved teaching courses by researching current methodologies, which resulted in implementing new strategies in the processes and procedures and adding value to the courses. Furthermore, I have utilized expertise and knowledge to improve the quality of training and development programs for team members in the section and departments, which resulted in exceeding stakeholder expectations in the performance evaluation appraisal over the past 3 years. Smart, agile, and committed, holding a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Hamden Bin Mohammed Smart University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Ajman University, a Bachelor of Computer Science from UAE University, and a Diploma in School Leadership from Pearson.

Country

City

United Arab Emirates

Industry

E-learning

Skill

Operational Training and Complince, Digital Learning Transformation, Learning strategy & Design, Time Management, Team Building, Training Strategy, Management Systems, Analytical Skills, Budget Management, Change Management, Corporate Communications, People Management, Performance Management, Skill Development, Timelines, Information Technology Training, Assessment, Student Development, Training Course Development, Course Content

Experience

Director of Teacher and School Staff Development and Training Department

Ministry of Education – UAE

2024-12 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

Ajman Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Led development of capability maps and training plans for 24,000+ staff, ensuring alignment to strategic priorities and compliance standards. Introduced blended learning models and digital platforms to boost engagement and operational efficiency. Partnered with national and international institutions to deliver programs improving performance metrics across the organisation.

Associate Faculty

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University

2020-8 - 2025-5 · 4 yrs 10 mos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Spearheaded the development and delivery of engaging and effective lectures, seminars, and other instructional materials for teaching courses to undergraduate students • Created, developed, and implemented the course content and assessment tools that accompanied clear assessment criteria aligned with the knowledge and skills required within the syllabus • Adopted the latest & most effective pedagogical techniques that stimulate & engage learners • Conducted studies and research to improve and develop processes • Fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment to encourage student participation • Engaged and participated in ongoing professional development to enhance teaching skills • Address student concerns and inquiries related to the course content • Coached, guided, and mentored students by providing academic support

Acting Head of Teachers’ Training Section

Emirates Schools Establishment

2020-2 - 2024-11 · 4 yrs 10 mos

Ajman, United Arab Emirates

• Develop & and implement the strategic vision for teachers' training & and development • Spearhead and drive the professional development of team members t • Analyze & review the requirements for training to improve staff knowledge & training programs • Drive the development & implementation of teacher training programs and initiatives • Execute the process of diversification to the approaches used to develop training & development • Oversee the development & production of training guides & handouts, instructional materials, and aids • Collaborate with senior leadership & stakeholders to integrate training initiatives • Design and implement ongoing personalized PDPs for team members • Assess the training effectiveness by reviewing the skills and techniques taught • Coach & guide teams to establish the Teacher Training Institute as an accredited training provider • Execute and implement the strategic and operational planning for the department • Develop accredited courses aligned with methodologies and recognized by the National Qualification Centre and contributed to building a partnership with national & international education institutions • Research innovative ideas to incorporate proposals that adapt to the context of UAE and best practices

Design & Technology Teacher

Ministry of Education – UAE

2019-4 - 2020-2 · 11 mos

• Created, planned, and implemented lesson plans in order to cater to the varying skill levels • Conducted engaging and interactive IT classes, incorporating a variety of teaching methods • Provided clear explanations of complex IT concepts, fostering a positive & inclusive learning environment • Evaluated & assessed student progress regularly by providing constructive feedback • Drove and supported student development, learning, and capabilities of course content to students to participate in the Robotics competitions