Teachers not only share knowledge but also provide valuable life lessons that equip us to navigate the challenges of adulthood. They mould our character, instil important values, and empower us to face real-life situations. At Connector, we had the opportunity to hear from a distinctive educator, Sean Patrick Duffy, who boasts over a decade of experience teaching English.
With a 12-year teaching background, Sean Patrick Duffy, originally from England, and after having recently relocated to the UAE, is currently a leading teacher in English and an advanced practitioner at Bloom World Academy in Dubai.
Sean Patrick Duffy is a highly skilled educator with more than ten years of experience in English teaching. He holds a degree in Media Studies from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, along with a PGCE in English teaching, QTS, and NPQSL. Throughout his career, he has taken on various roles, including senior leadership positions where he oversaw curriculum development, safeguarding, pastoral care, and literacy programs, among other responsibilities.
He is passionate about reading and instilling a love of learning in his students. Sean is known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire young minds.
Sean Patrick Duffy shares with Connector what led him into the field of teaching, and what it is about teaching that he loves.
What inspired you to start teaching?
My English teacher played a crucial role in my journey, and it might sound a bit cliché, but it's the truth. She had a unique way of making things clear to me, unlike any other teacher. Truly an inspiration! Once I made that decision, it became my driving force for all the hard work that followed. I wasn't interested in anything else; I knew I would love it, and that became my ultimate goal. Fortunately, I had the chance to work with the teacher who inspired me, and I can genuinely say that I still have a passion for what I do.
How did you decide to teach your current subject?
Many teachers will tell you that they got into this for their love of the subject, but I knew that I would enjoy shaping the lives of young people, and therefore I would have taught anything I was asked to at the start of my career! I always enjoyed reading when I was a kid, and I enjoyed studying English later on. It fell into place and made sense. Now I couldn’t imagine teaching anything else.
Why do you love teaching?
In the end, it's all about the kids. They make sure each day is unique and remind us of the wonderful things in this world. Children possess little cynicism, and their eagerness to learn influences me daily. It's not just about loving teaching for me; I cherish every aspect of working in education. I've consistently sought to engage in every facet of the profession, from the classroom to leadership. My journey to master all aspects of this vocation is ongoing and will continue throughout my career.
Do you remember your favourite teacher from school?
Yes, as mentioned before, my English teacher was my favourite, but I had lots of teachers that I liked. As I grew older, I realised that the teachers I liked less were actually teaching subjects I was least interested in. As I grew older, I enjoyed more subjects, which allowed me to like more teachers!
How do you make everyday classes more interesting?
Starting with the IB curriculum, it has opened up numerous ways to make lessons captivating. It encourages granting students more freedom, promoting big thinking, critical analysis, debates, presentations, collaboration, and more. My approach is to consider what I would have enjoyed as a student. In my classes, we play games to learn the basics, listen to songs for understanding poetry, and read aloud with amusing voices, sharing laughs when accents go awry. Students are urged to make mistakes and bounce back repeatedly. Of course, all this is feasible once routines and rhythms are firmly established.
What is a unique part of the school?
The atmosphere here is unlike anything I've experienced in any other school. The school's values aren't just words on a wall; they're a vibrant, tangible reality. Not too long ago, when Dubai had an unusual rainy day, Mr. Bell (Principal) assured parents, "We stay open." While most schools in Dubai closed, we didn't. On that day, Mr. Bell humorously asked in a community forum with all the students present, "Why did you all come in today? Did you not get the message?" In the quiet, one student boldly responded, "Because we LOVE it here!" That's something truly special.
What would you do if you were not a teacher?
Teaching has always been my passion. If not in education, I might have pursued a career in politics. Over the years, I've cared deeply about the communities I've been part of, feeling a responsibility to advocate for those who can't speak out for themselves.
Sean Patrick Duffy
Leader of English and Advanced Practitioner
Bloom World Academy