Zainab Saeed Salman

Zainab Saeed Salman is a pioneering educator from Bahrain, celebrated for her transformative teaching methods and commitment to community empowerment. Her career, shaped by an unwavering passion for education, has been marked by innovative practices and impactful initiatives that extend beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and social responsibility. 

With a strong academic foundation, Zainab has consistently overcome challenges faced by her students, many of whom struggle with academic, social, and environmental obstacles. By adopting the principles of positive education, she has created a happy and engaging learning environment that emphasises personal growth, resilience, and academic success. Her teaching approach integrates life skills such as perseverance, optimism, and adaptability, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of a 21st-century global society. 

Zainab's contributions are anchored in her dedication to innovation and community service. She founded the “With Our Will, We Excel” initiative to empower individuals with special needs in Bahrain. Additionally, she launched the "Lisan Arabi" initiative, which has successfully taught Arabic to dozens of expatriate workers, fostering cultural integration and communication. Her classroom is a hub of creativity, incorporating practices like the Tokatsu system from Japan, which emphasises holistic student development through balanced mind, body, and values education.   

Her achievements include the launch of the Positivity for Learning Academy, a programme that enhances students’ academic and personal strengths, resulting in measurable improvements in self-confidence and academic performance. She has also developed enrichment packages tailored to diverse student needs, collaborated with social counselling departments to address behavioural issues, and introduced writing programs to support emotional well-being. 

Zainab's influence extends to her role as a community leader. She has received numerous accolades, including the Mohammed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher and the Mahfouza Al Zayani Award for Humanitarian Work. She has been instrumental in establishing initiatives like the Digital Library and the Reading Club in Bahrain, and her leadership in the National Examinations Committee has contributed to raising educational standards nationwide. Beyond her local impact, Zainab has participated in international programmes such as the Arab Programming Week and has collaborated with global organisations to promote sustainable development goals. 

A strong advocate for global citizenship, Zainab emphasises the importance of fostering responsibility and awareness in her students that transcends borders. Her initiatives align with Bahrain's vision for sustainable development, promoting environmental awareness, cultural appreciation, and the development of innovative solutions to real-world problems. 

Through her relentless pursuit of excellence, Zainab has also contributed significantly to the professional growth of her peers. She has conducted workshops, published research on best practices in education, and shared her insights at international conferences. Her commitment to lifelong learning inspires students and colleagues alike, solidifying her reputation as a beacon of educational innovation and community development.