With a humble demeanour and a gentle smile, she may come across as soft-spoken, even reserved. But beneath that docile exterior lies a formidable force in the world of education – a veteran teacher who has not only taught members of the UAE’s royal family but helped shape the leaders who are guiding the nation today.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times on Wednesday, Dr Mangala AlCherif, national identity specialist and educator at ADNOC schools, opened up about the profound and reformative role teachers play in their students’ lives, often beyond the classroom and far into their future contributions to society.
A recipient of the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Award and named Teacher of the Year by Aldar Education in 2021-22, Dr AlCherif has been in the profession for more than two decades.
Yet, for all the accolades, her pride lies not in trophies, but in her students. “I think my proudest achievements are really my students,” she said, choosing to speak with humility rather than name-drop. “I don’t want to name people here, but you know, lots of amazing students, Highnesses, leaders, people that I see now leading the country. I’m so proud of their achievement.”
While she remained discreet about many of the names she has mentored over the decades, the veteran educator did share her immense pride in one former student in particular: Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
“She’s very close to my heart,” she said warmly. “She’s the granddaughter of late Sheikh Zayed, and she’s now the CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators. She’s doing so much for the country in sustainability.”
Pausing to reflect, she added, “Whenever I look at her achievements, it fills me with pride. You feel, yes, you did something.”
Beyond the classroom, Dr AlCherif’s contributions extend into national heritage and education reform. Holding a PhD in Comparative Studies from Sorbonne University in Paris, she authored a book in collaboration with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the National Archives, focusing on the legacy and philosophy of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father, who led the country through a crucial time of evolution.
As a mother of two, she brings a deeply personal understanding of the evolving needs of today’s learners. Her son, a graduate of MIT, always had a clear path in mind. “He got the scholarship and he went there,” she added. Her daughter’s journey, however, required more guidance – a reality that many families and educators can relate to.
“Some students know where they’re headed, others don’t – both are valid. But with the right guidance, all of them can excel. This is where the role of teachers and counsellors becomes crucial. Some students require more guidance than others. While many excel academically, they may still struggle when it comes to choosing the right university or career path. Unfortunately, selecting a path that doesn’t align with their true interests can affect their entire life. Pursuing a career they don’t enjoy often means feeling stuck or constantly needing to make changes.”
Looking ahead, AlCherif envisions a future where educators are not just classroom instructors, but co-creators of innovation. “UNESCO has a framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Most of us are still at the foundational level. But we need to move toward innovation, not just using apps, but designing with purpose.”
She acknowledged that while AI holds enormous promise, it’s not without its growing pains.
“So honestly, as an educator, let me tell you about the landscape now – it’s changing fast. I see my colleagues navigating AI in very different ways. Some are thriving, while others are struggling under the weight of daily tasks and new expectations,” added the Lebanese expat.
Dr AlCherif took the initiative over four years ago to enroll in an intensive five-week AI course with the University of South Australia. The experience laid the foundation for what has now become a sustained effort to stay ahead.
“Not everyone is doing this, unfortunately, and those who are overwhelmed by their workload are the ones who could benefit the most. AI can actually ease their burden by helping with planning, worksheets, and routine tasks. That’s why, for the past two and a half years, I’ve been leading AI workshops with ADEK, working with leadership teams, staff, and students to shift mindsets and prepare our schools for the future,” she added.
© Khaleej Times
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