Janice Butterworth’s Vision for Education: Growth, Inclusion, and Future-Ready Skills

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Ms. Janice Butterworth, the esteemed Acting Principal of Scholars International Academy (SIA), to gain insights into her vision for the school’s future, her approach to academic focus, anticipated challenges in education, and strategies to engage and support students. Ms. Butterworth’s passion for education, commitment to excellence, and dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all learners shone throughout the interview.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

The UAE is a hub of educational advancement, and I am immensely privileged to be part of a system in a country that continuously strives to align with international standards while preserving its unique cultural identity. At SIA, our key priority is to build on the successes we have achieved so far. SIA proudly holds the prestigious HPSA (High Performing School Award) status, and our goal is to further develop and strengthen the practices that have earned us HPL World Class recognition.

A successful school inspection will reinforce our commitment to excellence, showcasing the dedication of our staff, learners, and community. We remain steadfast in our vision to be the best school in Sharjah!

2. How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?

Deciding what to focus on academically each year involves a strategic and data-driven approach. This includes a combination of analysing learners’ needs, examining performance data across the school, and reviewing the benchmarks we aspire to achieve. This process sharpens our focus on specific areas requiring improvement.
Teachers provide invaluable insights into classroom practices and areas for enhancement, while input from parents, learners, and the community ensures alignment with stakeholder expectations.

A priority for us is embedding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) across the curriculum. This empowers our learners with essential life skills such as empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation, preparing them for success both inside and outside the classroom. We aim to expand global education through enriched language programmes, cultural exchanges, and international collaborations, fostering globally aware learners.

Additionally, we are eager to further strengthen project-based learning, as it fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and practical knowledge through real-world projects.

3. What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next 5 years?

• Balancing Technology
  While digital tools have transformed education, challenges such as over-reliance, unequal access, and excessive screen time persist. Schools must thoughtfully integrate technology to enhance learning, ensure equitable access, and manage screen time effectively.
• Adapting the Curriculum to Modern Skills
  As the world evolves, education must adapt to focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. Balancing these with traditional subjects and shifting from rote learning to real-world applications prepares learners for the future.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing of Learners and Educators
  Mental health challenges, including stress and burnout, affect both learners and educators. Schools must expand services, reduce stigma, and train staff to create a supportive environment that promotes well-being.
• Teacher Retention and Professional Development
  Burnout and insufficient support impacts teacher retention. Offering competitive salaries, meaningful professional development, and fostering supportive environments can attract and retain skilled educators.
• Equity and Access
  Disparities in access to quality education remain a significant challenge. Policymakers, schools, and communities must collaborate to ensure all learners receive equal opportunities, regardless of their backgrounds.

4. How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

Building relationships is first and foremost. Reflecting on our own school days, we remember how supportive teachers made a difference. When learners feel valued and understood, they engage more. Taking the time to understand their interests and challenges helps build these connections. Recognising and celebrating achievements boosts confidence and motivation, whether through praise, rewards, or kind words.

At SIA, we encourage a growth mindset. We want our learners to view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles. By praising effort over results and normalising mistakes as part of the learning process, we foster resilience and a love for learning.

We personalise learning by tailoring lessons to individual needs and interests, using interactive, hands-on activities such as experiments and real-world projects to make learning engaging and relevant. Access to tutoring, counselling, mentoring, and career guidance ensures every learner has the resources they need to succeed at SIA.

5. How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

SIA is an inclusive school, and I am incredibly proud of this. Our policies include anti-bullying measures, support for learners with additional needs, and cultural celebrations that foster a sense of belonging. We prioritise cultural competence, ensuring every learner feels respected through inclusive facilities, diverse materials, and active participation in committees, surveys, and projects.

At SIA, we provide robust support systems, including counselling, mentoring, and peer support groups, to help learners navigate challenges. Access to mental health resources is a top priority. Strong partnerships with families enhance the support network for learners, and regular communication with parents, coupled with their involvement in school activities, creates a truly inclusive environment. As a High-Performance Learning School, we set ambitious goals and provide the necessary support to help learners succeed and realise their full potential.

6. How proactive is the school in matters of student stress and bullying?

At SIA, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, with clear procedures communicated to learners, parents, and staff. Our counsellor provides individual and group sessions, workshops, and resources to help learners manage stress.

Our teachers are trained to recognise the early signs of bullying and to intervene promptly. Awareness campaigns and open discussions with parents help establish a consistent support system for learners. These initiatives include assemblies, posters, and social media campaigns.

We encourage a reporting system that allows learners to report bullying or stress-related issues without fear of retaliation, empowering more learners to seek help. Regular check-ins through surveys or one-to-one meetings enable us to address challenges early, fostering trust and strengthening relationships between staff and learners.

7. How do you help students build the skills they need for life after graduation?

Career education at SIA equips learners with insights into various pathways through counselling, job shadowing, internships, and workshops on CV writing and interview skills. We prioritise critical thinking and problem-solving through project-based learning, debates, and case studies, helping to prepare learners for real-world challenges.

Financial literacy is an essential component, with lessons on budgeting, saving, and investing. During Global Entrepreneurship Week, learners gained key insights into financial management through Verity workshops. Fostering civic responsibility, we encourage learners to engage in community service, social issue discussions, and teamwork activities, guided by our SIA Learner Leaders. Collaboration and teamwork remain vital skills that we actively cultivate.

Our learners benefit from a seamless transition to prestigious universities, guided by our dedicated career counsellors. Alumni have excelled at institutions such as the University of California, Boston University, McGill University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Cambridge, NYU, The London School of Economics and Political Science, Stanford University, the University of Toronto, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, Oxford University, Imperial College London, Georgetown University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, and many other notable institutions.

8. How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?

Volunteering: Parents actively contribute by assisting in classrooms, organising activities, and supporting school events. We are proud of our vibrant parent group, FOSIA (Friends of Scholars International Academy), who are incredibly proactive. They organise events, fundraisers, and initiatives that directly benefit the school community.

Cultural and Community Events: Our annual calendar of events celebrates the diversity and culture within our community, strengthening the bond between the school and the wider community. In Term 2, we will host our eagerly anticipated annual Fiesta event, which raises significant funds for charitable causes.

School Governance: Parental involvement in our school board or committees provides opportunities to contribute to important decisions that shape the school’s future. This includes policymaking, strategic planning, and offering constructive feedback as critical friends.

Workshops and Training: We offer workshops and training sessions for parents on topics such as supporting their child’s learning, mental health, and digital literacy, empowering them to be more effective partners in their child’s education.

Communication and Feedback: Regular communication through newsletters, conferences, surveys, and weekly coffee mornings ensures collaboration and continuous improvement. All feedback is valued and welcomed as we strive for continuous improvement.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

There are a multitude of answers to this! Culture-building is essential for teacher retention. A positive, collaborative environment that values teamwork and recognises achievements fosters a sense of belonging. Supporting work-life balance through manageable workloads, flexible schedules, and mental health resources is equally vital.

Empowering teachers with autonomy in classroom and curriculum decisions enhances job satisfaction. Providing professional development opportunities, recognising achievements, and offering competitive compensation further strengthen retention efforts. Finally, I believe strong, supportive leadership is crucial. School leaders should be approachable, listen to teachers’ concerns, and proactively provide the necessary resources and guidance for success.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

Yes! At SIA, we recognise that providing growth opportunities for teachers to take on leadership roles is essential for their professional development and the overall improvement of the school. Some of the best teachers I have had the privilege of working with began their careers at SIA, which is a testament to the strong culture we have established.

We have a robust professional development programme and, in addition, utilise a range of high-quality online resources to support it. Experienced teachers mentor new or less experienced colleagues, sharing their expertise and providing guidance. This not only benefits the mentees but also enhances the mentors’ leadership abilities.

Teachers can progress to leadership roles such as department heads, subject coordinators, or administrative positions like assistant principals and instructional coaches, enabling them to make a broader impact.

We have also recently launched our SIA Shark Tank initiative, where teachers can lead special projects or programmes, such as technology integration, diversity and inclusion initiatives, or community outreach efforts. This provides them with valuable experience in project management and strategic planning.

11. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?

The impact of after-school activities varies based on individual interests and goals, but certain activities offer particularly strong benefits. Personally, sports have had the greatest influence on me, instilling teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience—skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional life.

Activities such as arts and music enhance creativity and cultural awareness, while debating and public speaking develop communication skills, confidence, and critical thinking—essential for careers in fields like law, business, and politics. Academic clubs deepen subject knowledge and foster intellectual growth, while entrepreneurship programs encourage innovation, business acumen, and financial literacy. Robotics and coding clubs provide hands-on experience with technology, which is crucial in today’s job market.

The best activity aligns with a learner’s interests, fostering growth and developing valuable skills for the future. At SIA, sports are integral, starting from Year 1 with 36 Co-Curricular involvement (CCIs) and PE sessions across all levels. These are further enhanced by state-of-the-art swimming facilities, ensuring a well-rounded education.

12. As a Acting Principal, what is your definition of success?

Success is about creating a nurturing, inspiring, and dynamic learning environment where every learner feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential and thrive. It is about seeing the spark of curiosity in a learner’s eyes and knowing that our school is a place where we promote academic excellence, encourage personal growth, and prioritise the well-being of all.
It is about fostering a community where teachers are passionate, learners are engaged, and achievements are celebrated. Ultimately, success is measured by the happiness and well-being of learners and staff, and the lasting impact we have on their lives.

13. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be

Embrace the chaos, for within it lies the seeds of innovation and the power to transform the world!