We recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer, Chief Education Advisor at CIRA Education and the Education Advisor to the President of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE). As the driving force behind CIRA Education’s academic vision, Dr. Shaymaa spearheads strategic leadership and leverages her in-depth understanding of the educational landscape to foster academic excellence and staff development.
Under her guidance, the CIRA Education team has successfully cultivated innovative learning environments that prioritize the success of students. With her commitment to educational leadership for Qatar Foundation, Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer is transforming complex challenges into opportunities for growth. With years of dedicated expertise, she expertly crafts initiatives that empower the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring a lasting impact on the educational ecosystem of the region.
Spark Behind The Journey
We were interested to learn how Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer started her journey in her current field. So, we asked, “How did you get started, and what led you to where you are today?”
Dr. Shaymaa shared, “My journey in education began nearly 25 years ago when I started as a teacher, driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of education. From the very beginning, I was inspired by the potential to make a lasting impact on students’ lives and the community at large. This passion led me to take on various leadership roles across the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar, where I focused on aligning educational systems with global standards while ensuring accessibility and quality for all students.
A turning point in my career came when I was headhunted by GEMS Education, the largest K-12 education provider worldwide, to serve as Vice President of Education. This role allowed me to realize my vision of creating a new, innovative educational model—Prime International Language Schools—that catered to the needs of students, parents, and educators in Egypt and the broader Arab world. This model emphasized accessibility and excellence, fulfilling my dream of transforming educational opportunities for a larger segment of society.
Currently, I serve as the Chief Education Advisor at CIRA Education and the Education Advisor to the President of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE). In these roles, I continue to expand and innovate educational offerings, integrating technology and advanced learning strategies to create dynamic and inclusive environments that prepare students for future challenges. My journey has been marked by a commitment to impact, transforming educational institutions to achieve excellence and empower the next generation of leaders. I believe my journey is a testament to the role of the Arab young generation in reshaping the future through education, deeply grounded in the belief that – we are, above all, building a nation.”
Leading The Change
To learn about Dr. Shaymaa’s role in her present company and the services offered by her, we inquired, “Can you share more about your current role and the business you lead? What are the core services/products you provide?”
She replied, “In my role as Chief Education Advisor at CIRA Education, I spearhead transformative educational strategies across 100 schools, ensuring we deliver excellence through innovative curriculum frameworks that align with global standards such as MOE National, IB, American, and British curricula.
I am dedicated to integrating AI-powered personalized learning systems, which allow us to tailor education to individual student needs and significantly enhance their outcomes. My work includes overseeing professional development programs that build capacity among educators and leaders, ensuring our schools maintain their accreditation and remain at the forefront of educational excellence.
Simultaneously, at my current job in Qatar, I advise on strategic academic projects, including the 2040 Strategic Education Provision Framework. Here, my mission is to elevate academic standards, foster global partnerships, and create opportunities that bring transformative education to all students, equipping them for a rapidly evolving world.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenges are a part of every business journey. To learn how Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer overcame the same, we asked, “What challenges have you faced as a business leader, and how have you overcome them?”
“One of my most significant challenges was taking over as the leader of one of Dubai’s oldest American international schools, which had been rated ‘Weak’ for over a decade. This situation demanded resilience, innovation, and a vision to turn the school around. Within just over 10 months, by implementing a comprehensive, data-driven school improvement plan and focusing on teacher development, I led the school to achieve a ‘Good’ rating. This transformation was not just about numbers; it restored hope among students, trust among parents, and built a collaborative, results-driven culture among staff.” She responded.
Impact Of Digital Transformation
We further asked, “How do you see technology, especially AI, impacting your industry? Are there any innovative practices you’re implementing?”
Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer mentioned, “Technology, especially AI, is truly transforming education in ways that allow us to rethink how we teach and support students. AI has the unique ability to make learning more adaptive and responsive, which has huge potential for personalizing education. For instance, as Chief Education Advisor, we’re using AI-powered systems to adapt the curriculum to each student’s learning pace, strengths, and areas that need attention. This level of personalization has led to measurable improvements in student engagement and achievement, which is incredibly rewarding to see.
In my capacity as the Vice President of education in Egypt, we were able to implement the Prime International Language Schools structure, which incorporates the elements of AI, coding, and STEM learning in all the grades starting from Pre-K to Grade 12. Such an initiative aims to integrate the national ICT standards with the most sophisticated technologies, ensuring that learners become inventors and builders. By integrating these skills directly into the school day, we’re giving students the tools to not just adapt to a tech-driven world but to shape it as innovators and creators.
Looking forward, the real promise of AI and other technologies is in equipping students to not only be skilled users but also imaginative developers of future technologies. We want our students to be prepared not only for the jobs of today but to lead in shaping the digital future, fostering a generation that is productive, creative, and ready to address global challenges head-on.”
Preparing For A Better Future
Eager to learn Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer’s visions for the growth of her industry in the upcoming times, we inquired, “What are your views on the future of the industry you’re associated with?”
She shared, “The future of education is an exciting frontier, marked by the integration of technology, values & global competencies, and inclusivity. I believe we are moving towards a world where Career Technical Education (CTE) and early entrepreneurship programs become critical components of the curriculum.
By equipping students with technical skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and the ability to navigate a globalized world, we prepare them to become innovators and leaders. The focus will increasingly be on adaptive learning models, AI-driven personalization, and partnerships with global organizations to ensure we remain responsive to the evolving demands of the world.”
Message To Beginners
Addressing the aspiring professionals, we asked, “What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or leaders looking to make an impact in your industry?”
“My advice to aspiring leaders is to stay true to the needs of their communities and adapt their strategies to serve them effectively. The power of education lies in its ability to uplift and transform, and it’s essential to prioritize innovative and inclusive practices that address real challenges. Embrace technology as a tool for growth and improvement, and build strong partnerships that amplify your impact. It’s also crucial to empower your team; a collaborative, motivated team is the foundation of any successful initiative. Lastly, resilience is key—view challenges as opportunities for growth and be relentless in your pursuit of positive change.” Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer shared.
Striking A Perfect Balance
We ended the session by asking, “How do you maintain a work-life balance while managing a business?”
“Maintaining work-life balance requires intentionality and delegation. I prioritize my responsibilities effectively, empowering my team and ensuring they have the autonomy and resources to lead initiatives independently. This delegation not only builds trust but also creates a sense of shared purpose. I also make it a point to set boundaries and dedicate time to personal development, family, and activities that rejuvenate me. For me, leading by example is essential, demonstrating that a balanced life is both possible and crucial for sustainable success and well-being.” Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer concluded.
Follow Dr. Shaymaa Tayseer on LinkedIn.
Find CIRA Education on LinkedIn and visit their website https://cira.com.eg/
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