In a significant step towards enhancing the quality of higher education in Sharjah, the Sharjah Academy for Education has entered into a strategic partnership with Advance HE, a leading UK organisation dedicated to advancing the standards of higher education. This collaboration aims to establish the first Centre for Academic Professional Development and Teaching Excellence in Sharjah, which seeks to obtain accreditation from Advance HE, thereby providing internationally recognised professional pathways.
Strategic Partnership for Educational Excellence
The agreement was signed by Dr. Khawla Al Hashimi, Deputy Director of the Sharjah Academy for Education, and Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Advance HE. This partnership aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to invest in human resources and build a distinguished educational system centred on quality and innovation, while enhancing the region’s stature as a centre for educational excellence.
Empowering Institutional Capacity and Development
Dr. Khawla Al Hashimi described the partnership as a pivotal step in developing the higher education framework in Sharjah. She noted, “We believe at the Sharjah Academy for Education that excellence in education begins with empowering those who lead teaching and learning processes. Through our partnership with Advance HE, we aim to construct a comprehensive system for academic professional development, enabling faculty members to elevate their practices, gain international professional recognition, and benefit from global best practices.”
She further added, “Our ambition extends beyond individual capacity development; it encompasses creating sustainable local expertise that establishes Sharjah as a hub for teaching excellence and academic professional development, capable of serving higher education institutions and enhancing the quality of education and its impact on students and society.”
Fostering Professional Development and International Recognition
The agreement focuses on enhancing the professional capabilities of faculty and higher education specialists through various programmes and pathways. This includes the ‘Advance HE’ Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, structured professional development programmes, professional mentoring, assessor training, and support for obtaining internationally recognised professional fellowships.
The academy will collaborate with Advance HE to develop its professional programmes and meet accreditation requirements, paving the way for accredited professional development pathways that grant qualified participants professional recognition through Advance HE fellowships, in line with applicable accreditation standards.
This initiative is expected to contribute to building sustainable institutional expertise, enhancing teaching practices, and providing broader opportunities for professional and academic advancement within the Emirate of Sharjah.
International Collaboration to Enhance Teaching Excellence
In a statement, Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Advance HE and a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), expressed, “We are pleased to support the Sharjah Academy for Education in its commitment to fostering teaching excellence within its higher education programmes, benefiting both academic staff and students alike. Adopting Advance HE fellowships and working towards accrediting the professional development programme will be key factors in achieving this goal.”
He added, “This move will enhance international recognition of teaching excellence and help nurture local Emirati competencies in the long term by building expertise within Sharjah. This partnership represents a significant collaboration, and we look forward to advancing this initiative with our colleagues in Sharjah.”
Broader Horizons for Collaboration and Impact in Higher Education
Beyond professional programmes, this partnership opens avenues for the academy to benefit from the international networks of Advance HE, which offer specialised research, knowledge resources, and opportunities for developing academic leadership through the exchange of pioneering practices. It also sets the stage for expanded collaboration in the future with universities and higher education institutions in Sharjah, aligned with relevant accreditation arrangements, thereby fostering integration among educational institutions and enhancing their professional capacities.
This partnership underscores the Sharjah Academy for Education’s direction towards transforming international collaboration into sustainable local expertise and solidifies its role in supporting the quality of higher education and preparing competencies capable of leading development and innovation in the educational sector.
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About the Sharjah Academy for Education
The Sharjah Academy for Education is a leading academic and professional institution focused on raising the quality of education in the UAE and beyond. Established in 2020, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the academy aims to empower teachers, school leaders, and researchers. It offers innovative, research-based programmes that support lifelong learning and educational excellence.
In 2023, the academy took over the supervision of government kindergartens in Sharjah, reinforcing its central role in enhancing early childhood education quality and operational efficiency, while unifying child-centered educational experiences across the emirate.
Through strategic partnerships with local and international institutions, the academy provides professional development opportunities, graduate programmes, and advanced research that contribute to building future educational environments that align with global transformations, from early childhood education through school stages to the ongoing professional development of teachers and school leaders. It plays a crucial role in educational policy dialogue, leadership development, and enhancing learner-centred practices across all educational stages. Committed to Sharjah’s vision of sustainable development and investment in human resources, the academy aims to create an impact that ensures a qualitative transformation in education through collaboration, innovation, and openness to global knowledge.
About Advance HE
Advance HE collaborates with higher education institutions worldwide to promote positive outcomes for academic staff, administrators, students, and society. As a membership-based organisation, Advance HE partners with higher education sector institutions to drive development, innovation, and quality performance.
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