He didn’t choose teaching, teaching chose him

By:Larissa Chalouhi, Staff Reporter, The Pawprint

Mr. Ivan Forbes is a science teacher who has been teaching for 15 years, but as his first year in Dubai American Academy, he instantly felt the culture and kindness from this school and is positively looking forward to the years to come. As a member of the pawprint, I asked Mr. Forbes a series of questions to welcome him into the community. 

Q: Why did you pick teaching? And What is your favorite aspect of teaching?

A: To be honest, teaching picked me, and surprisingly as a kid I never enjoyed school and I would have never thought that I would end up here. But my passion for coaching sports teams allowed me to lead my students to success and work with a variety of students. That is how I knew I had to be a teacher. 

Q: How many years have you been teaching? 

A: This is my 15th year teaching.

Q: Why did you decide to move to Dubai?

A: My family has always loved the middle east and specifically Dubai. Before coming to Dubai I was in Saudi Arabia and we weren’t ready to leave the desserts. We have visited Dubai countless times for vacation and this seemed like a wonderful place to bring my family. 

Q: What are your first impressions of D.A.A?

A: I love it, I feel really welcomed by the staff and all the students. Dubai American Academy is super different from the other schools I have taught in, you feel a sense as if everyone is motivated to learn and reach their full potential.

Q: What is your favorite part of D.A.A?

A: I like the easy access to technology and how this school uses all the resources available to better improve learning and education as a whole to integrate diverse learning styles. 

Q: How is D.A.A different from your old school?

A: Personally, I feel as if this school individually cares for each student and how the staff does everything they can to make sure children succeed. 

Q: Why did you choose science?

A: I always had interest in biology and as I was applying for college they told me to take a course in science as well, it will become useful later in life and here I am using it. 

Q: What is a challenge you face while teaching and how do you overcome this?

A: There are learners here that know more topics than the teacher and this is something that I encourage because at the end of the day even us teachers are here to learn. I see this not as a challenge but as an opportunity to grow.

Q:  How do you keep your students interested/motivated?

A: I think that as long as I can bring humor to my lessons this results in students becoming more engaged. I also make it known that mistakes are not bad as long as you learn from them, they are a learning experience no matter the problem.