Teacher Talk
Featuring Ms. Emma Philip
Who we are...
Read on to see Ms. Emma's hidden talents that fall beyond just teaching in a classroom!
1. Your name and position in Ajman Academy?
Emma Philip and I am a Grade 5 teacher but also Assessment Leader in Primary and Deputy Child Protection Officer.
2. Where are you from?
This is a tricky question! I am British but I was born in Rome and have lived in 8 different places across 4 different countries. However, I always say I am from Sheffield because other than the UAE, this is where I lived for the longest!
3. Do you have a family?
I have two boys – Henry, who is 3 and comes to Pre-KG at AJAC and Zachary, who is 18 months old.
4. Your childhood nickname?
Emma Lemon. I have no idea why; it’s just something my grandfather always used to call me!
5. What's your favourite food?
Anything Italian!
6. What are your hobbies?
At the moment I am studying towards a Masters degree in Education so don’t have much time but I obviously enjoy spending time with my children. I love being outdoors and I used to enjoy running and team sports such as netball and rugby too. I also enjoy reading and making my own jewellery.
7. Where's your favourite place in the UAE?
There’s something special about the public beach in RAK. It’s quiet, peaceful and a reminder that it’s important to chill out once in a while.
8. Most memorable experience as a teacher so far?
I have been teaching for 12 years so there’s been a lot of memorable moments. I guess it’s hard to forget your first ever class, which for me was a small group of 9 Year 12 girls who didn’t think they would achieve much but ended up leaving the course in Year 13 with Merits and Distinctions. I still keep in touch with most of these students today although of course they’re grown women now (that makes me feel old!).
9. Can you share with us your funniest moment in your teaching career?
Oh wow I couldn’t pinpoint just one! There have been so many. But something did happen the other day which I thought was so genuinely funny that I can share. I was asked by a child the other day if eating soap could kill him so I said "no of course not!" to which he replied ‘Good, because I ate soap a year ago and I’m still not dead!’
10. How about your most challenging moment in your teaching career?
Definitely moving to the UAE 8 years ago! I didn’t really know what to expect, having left a perfectly good job in the UK, but needed an adventure. However, it turned out to be the best decision I ever made!
11. Who's your childhood hero?
I didn’t really have one to be honest, not that I can remember!
12. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
I’d probably be doing some kind of volunteer or charity work, but still something with children.
Thank you so much Ms. Emma for taking the time to have this interview with us!
Watch this space for another edition of "Teacher Talk" coming to you next week