142 Excellence in Schools
Education UAE: What has been your proudest moment on the journey to achieving this award? Joseph Gerassi: My proudest moments are rarely public ones. They are moments when a child who once doubted themselves begins to believe they can learn. When a teenager finds their voice. When a teacher rediscovers their love for teaching. Institutionally, I am most proud that we have held two ambitions together. To achieve world-class academic outcomes, and to protect the humanity of childhood. In today’s pressured world, that balance is not easy. But I believe it is essential. Education UAE: What were the biggest challenges you faced in bringing this idea to life, and how did you overcome them? Joseph Gerassi: The hardest part was changing mindsets. Structures can be changed quite quickly. Beliefs take time. Families understandably worry when schooling looks different from what they experienced. Teachers need time and support to unlearn habits that no longer serve children well. We overcame this through trust, transparency and evidence. We listened carefully. We explained our thinking. And we allowed results and student wellbeing to speak for themselves. Over time, what once felt risky became a source of confidence and strength. Education UAE: How does this win influence your future plans? What can we expect next in 2026? Joseph Gerassi: This recognition strengthens our sense of responsibility, but it certainly does not suggest that our work is complete. In education, the moment you believe you have “arrived” is the moment you stop serving children well. In the years ahead, we will continue to experiment, reflect, adapt and learn. We remain very consciously a school in progress, always asking how we can do better for the next generation. Personally, I am increasingly committed to sharing this work more widely. Through conferences, collaboration and dialogue. The future of education is a shared responsibility, and we all learn by learning together.
In education, the moment you believe you have “arrived” is the moment you stop serving children well Education UAE: In your opinion, what is one trend shaping the future of education in Africa and the Middle East? Joseph Gerassi: The most important shift is from knowledge transmission to human development. Across Africa and the Middle East, there is growing recognition that the future belongs to adaptable thinkers, ethical leaders and collaborative problem-solvers. Not simply to those who perform well in examinations. Regions such as the GCC are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. With vision, investment and global connectivity, there is an extraordinary opportunity to shape education models that are both innovative and deeply humane. Education UAE: What advice would you give to other educators and leaders looking to make a meaningful difference? Joseph Gerassi: Never stop asking “why”. Why are we doing this? Is it still relevant? Is it still meaningful? Does it truly serve children? Begin with the child, not the system. Invest deeply in teachers. Protect curiosity. Remove unnecessary fear. Build cultures where learning is joyful, challenging and safe. And remain a student yourself. The most important quality in educational leadership today is humility. None of us has the final answers. The future will keep surprising us. Our task is simply to stay curious, reflective and brave enough to keep evolving for the sake of the children we serve. The most important quality in educational leadership today is humility
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