Professional Teacher Collaboration Project: Sharing best practice across the globe
As part of its ongoing professional development for teachers, the Aga Khan Schools (AKS) hosted a five-day workshop in August 2026 for 30 AKS Kenya teachers as part of its annual Professional Teacher Collaboration Project (PTCP). The sessions were delivered in collaboration with the Aga Khan Education Board for the United Kingdom and The Institute of Ismaili Studies’ Secondary Teacher Education Programme.
Since 2018, the PTCP has been designed to foster continuous professional development and mutual learning. This is done by providing a platform for teachers to share their knowledge and experience with each other, explore new methods of teaching, and cultivate engaging learning environments that enrich student learning. So far, the programme has taken place across the Aga Khan schools in Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tanzania and Uganda, with this year’s programme being the second time it was hosted in Kenya.
This year’s PTCP, held at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa in Kenya, focused on social studies and humanities, guiding participants on how to create effective questions that stimulate critical thinking, encourage engagement and enrich conversations and learning. The sessions prompted the teachers to think about how they design tasks that empower students to take an active role in their own learning. The workshops were led by Fayyaz Ali, a teacher from Toronto, Canada, Nisha Dewshi, a teacher from London, United Kingdom, and Nadeem Hirji, Mathematics Lead Practitioner for AKS.
For Faith Wachira, a Grade 4 social studies teacher from the Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu, the workshop highlighted the importance of using a variety of teaching methods in the classroom to support all learners.
“We should come up with diverse methods of engaging [students] and using different strategies that can include all the learners in the classroom,” Faith said.
Similarly, Irene Wanjiru, a Grade 6 social studies teacher from the Aga Khan Primary School, Mombasa, noted that the use of hinge questions – a technique to gauge students' understanding of a concept – provided a meaningful moment of professional reflection.
“Teaching is not just about covering the syllabus, but ensuring learning is taking place,” Irene said.
The programme was two-way, with facilitators bringing different international experiences and perspectives while also gaining valuable context from the local educators.
“I got to experience in real life how dedicated teachers can contribute towards nurturing global citizens,” Fayyaz said. “I was fortunate to also contribute towards that by working with teachers who are invested in the craft of teaching.”
Following the workshops, participants will be provided with ongoing support, guidance and mentorship. This will ensure that the PTCP’s impact extends well beyond the sessions themselves.
Through this blend of professional exchange, reflection and shared expertise, the PTCP exemplifies AKS’ commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning. By creating opportunities for educators to learn from one another and adapt new approaches to their own contexts, the programme strengthens professional practices across schools and supports teachers in designing meaningful learning experiences for their students.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Group picture of the teachers who participated in this year's PTCP.
- Teachers engaged in a group discussion.
- Fayyaz Ali, a teacher from Toronto, Canada, leading a session.
