Teacher of the Week: Colette Kelly, Regent International School, Dubai

COLETTE KELLY
HEAD OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
REGENT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, DUBAI

Why and how did you get into teaching?

From the age of 14 I was seeking out opportunities in school to help out the PE teacher. I also went on to coach sport to primary schools. From these experiences, I had no doubt that I wanted to go into teaching. I had to make the tough decision at 18 to move to a different country to follow my dream of becoming a PE teacher but it was worth it!


How long have you been teaching for? How long have you been in the Middle East?

I have been teaching for seven years: Manchester for two years and London for five years. I am new to the Middle East but teaching in Dubai has always been a goal of mine. I am excited to gain experience working in an exceptional international British school.


What is exciting about your role?

There is nothing better than seeing the face of a student who becomes successful at a new skill that they never imagined they could perform.


What's the biggest myth about teaching?

"All PE teachers do in lessons is give students a ball and they play games the entire time." PE teaching requires lots of organisation and prior planning to ensure that all students are physically and mentally challenged in lesson. Yes, they do play games but students need to learn and develop skills in order to participate to the best of their ability and progress in that particular sport.


Who has been your inspiration throughout your career? Why?

I feel like I have been my own inspiration. Every success in my career has been down to setting personal and professional challenges for myself. I would try to seek out every opportunity to meet or exceed these. If I failed, I would reflect on why and make the changes to try again and learn from the experience.


What would you say has been your greatest achievement over the course of your career?

My biggest achievement was becoming head of PE. On a daily basis, I get to lead and work with a fantastic team who all share the same goal and passion - that is to inspire the younger generation to be physically active through sport whilst having fun.