QU, Exxonmobil Host 11Th STEM Teacher Academy

Doha, Qatar: Qatar University (QU) and ExxonMobil Qatar are hosting the 11th edition of the Qatar University ExxonMobil STEM Teacher Academy (QUESTA) from yesterday, reaffirming their commitment to advancing STEM education locally. Established in 2012, the academy is the only international edition of the original ExxonMobil Teachers Academy developed in the United States. It continues to stand as model of educational innovation in Qatar, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and QU's National Center for Educational Development (NCED), the academy equips math and science teachers with integrative STEM approaches and instructional methods. Its overall objective is to inspire more students to pursue STEM careers, drive innovation, and contribute to a sustainable future for Qatar.

This year's academy will bring together 60 educators from grades 7 and 8 across 30 government schools, in addition to 10 Teach For Qatar (TFQ) fellows. Participants will take part in a two-phase learning experience that includes a 42-hour workshop, followed by hands on classroom-based field training during the 2025–26 academic year. They will also receive personalized mentoring and coaching to effectively apply STEM practices in their classrooms.

“Investing in teachers today is an investment in the future,” said Rashid Al Hajri, Vice President, Government & Public Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar“The academy goes beyond training; it's shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. We're proud to be part of this long-standing, renowned initiative, that has achieved remarkable outcomes over the years alongside our partners.” Since its inception, the academy has trained more than 550 teachers and 67 TFQ fellows, impacting over 22,500 students across Qatar. Looking ahead, the academy will develop select educators as master trainers and establish key schools as designated STEM learning hubs to increase its reach and impact across the country.

“Our support for the Qatar University ExxonMobil STEM Teacher Academy reflects our commitment to providing quality education that inspires students and contributes to the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy,” said Maha Al-Rowaili, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

“We greatly value the dedication and efforts of Qatar University and ExxonMobil Qatar who over the years have created this training program for teachers. Their efforts have contributed to provide educators across Qatar with the required skills to unlock student potential and shape the future of our nation. We're proud to be part of the academy's journey.”

“I would like to thank ExxonMobil Qatar for supporting QUESTA - a leading platform for raising awareness about STEM and empowering teachers. This is achieved not only through the academy's training workshops and interactive sessions, but also through mentoring and guidance in schools. Such efforts foster creativity and innovation, and support Qatar's aspirations for a brighter future,” said Dr. Huda Al-Kubaisi, Director of the National Center at Qatar University's College of Education.

A model for collaboration, capacity-building and forward-thinking leadership, the academy aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy and will continue to advance STEM education to support their objectives.

MENAFN04092025000063011010ID1110015647