SUCCESS4ALL TO HOST THE FIRST UK ARABIC TEACHERS’ COUNCIL NORTH EAST
Success4All CIO is delighted to announce that they are establishing the first UK Arabic Teachers Council (ATC) in the North East of England in partnership with the Arabic Language Learning Clinic and with support from QFI.
Arabic Teacher Councils (ATCs) are networks of educators across the United States, UK, and Germany that professionalize the teaching of the Arabic language.
ATCs host workshops, webinars and professional development events, send educators to conferences, assist with licensing and curriculum development, and provide networking and community-building opportunities.
The ATCs are among QFI’s global initiatives to advance and profesionalise Arabic language teaching and learning. In the UK, three other ATCs have already been established: North West Teachers Council, West Yorkshire Teachers Council, and Arabic Teachers Council in London and Southern England.
Over 422 million people speak Arabic worldwide, making it one of the most prominent global languages. The British Council’s ‘Languages for the Future’ report named Arabic as one of the top ten most vital languages for the UK’s future. A recent RAND report, in partnership with the University of Cambridge, found that for every £1 invested in Arabic language education, the return yield for the British economy is at least £2. Despite the language’s significance, only five percent of schools in England offer Arabic language instruction. Providing access to Arabic language education enables students to gain a nuanced understanding of Arab societies, cultures and histories and equips them to become global citizens.
“The Arabic language is one of the most important languages for future job opportunities,” says Caroline Afolabi-Deleu, Founder of Success4All and one of the UK Arabic Teachers’ Council North East executive committee members. “As our region continues to strengthen its ties with the MENA region, it is crucial that we ensure that local children and young people are equipped with the tools that will enable them to unlock those opportunities in the future.”
This teaching council will regularly convene Arabic language educators across all levels for robust professional development workshops that cater to their needs, discussion of the latest research on Arabic language pedagogy, and evaluation and exchange of teaching strategies, curricula, and resources.
Tamader Hwaidi, Founder of the Arabic Language Learning Clinic, said: “We are looking forward to working with Success4All in setting up with the first UK Arabic Teachers Council for the North East of England and furthering our knowledge about running language clubs and accredited learning opportunities.”
If you are an Arabic language school teacher based in the North East, have an interest in starting your career in Arabic teaching, or would like to introduce Arabic teaching into your school curriculum, please get in touch with info@s4a.org.uk.