Mariam Ali’s Journey: From UAE Classrooms to Teaching in the USA

This blog is inspired by an insightful video interview with Mariam Ali, where she shares her remarkable journey from being a passionate educator in the UAE to preparing for a teaching career in the USA with Suraasa’s PgCTL program.

‍“Teaching is not just about qualifications; it’s about learning, growing, and making an impact on others’ lives.”‍

These words embody Mariam Ali’s extraordinary journey. A passionate educator and lifelong learner, Mariam’s path has been shaped by resilience, commitment, and unwavering dedication to education.

For Mariam, the road to teaching excellence wasn’t straightforward. As soon as she stepped into her first teaching role, she realized something was missing. Despite her master’s degree and numerous certifications, she lacked a teaching license—a key requirement in the competitive education sector, especially in the UAE.

“I remember looking at my profile and feeling like something was incomplete,” Mariam shared. “The demand for qualified teachers in the UAE is high, and I knew I needed the right teaching certification to keep up.”

Suraasa entered her life at this crossroads in 2019. “Suraasa came to me at the right time. It was a blessing,” she said. This marked the beginning of her journey to transform her professional life and outlook.

Mariam’s decision to pursue Suraasa’s Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning (PgCTL) was challenging. Like many working professionals, she struggled to balance her job, personal commitments, and rigorous coursework.

Her journey wasn’t without moments of doubt. She recounted the panic attacks she faced while planning her academic pursuits and managing work. “Suraasa’s program didn’t just teach me—it supported me emotionally. It filled the gaps in my professional profile and gave me the confidence to move forward,” Mariam said.

The PgCTL program proved to be a turning point for Mariam. In addition to earning her certification, it equipped her with the pedagogical skills required to excel in diverse classroom settings.

“I realized how much I was missing when I started learning with Suraasa. It wasn’t just about meeting standards—it was about transforming into a better educator,” she shared.

Mariam highlighted how the program enhanced her ability to support her peers and students as an inclusion leader. “Sitting with teachers, discussing challenges, and sharing solutions became more impactful because of what I learned through PgCTL,” she added.

Watch Mariam Ali share her insights and experiences in this exclusive video interview:

After years of professional growth in the UAE, Mariam contemplated the next step—teaching abroad. While her family had discussed moving to another country, the idea remained a distant dream. That dream became a reality when she received a call from Suraasa offering her an opportunity to teach in the USA.

“At first, I didn’t take it seriously,” Mariam admitted. “But when I got the call for the interview, I realized this was real. It was like a miracle happening at the right time.”

Mariam described how Suraasa set up the interview and prepared her for it. “The support was incredible. They coached me, guided me through every step, and gave me the confidence I needed,” she said.

Mariam emphasized the human connection she felt throughout her journey with Suraasa. “It’s not just about brains—it’s about hearts,” she said, reflecting on the genuine care and dedication of the Suraasa team.

From setting up her interviews to helping with documentation, Suraasa stood by her side. “Every team member was patient, supportive, and proactive. Even when I felt like I was troubling them, they reassured me,” Mariam shared.

When she finally received the news of her selection, it felt surreal. “It was a dream come true,” she said. “From the UAE to the USA, Suraasa made this journey possible.”

Mariam’s success story inspired her family. Her sister followed in her footsteps, enrolling in the PgCTL program, and is now on the verge of completing her certification. “It feels like a ripple effect,” Mariam said proudly.

Her journey also deeply impacted her children. As a mother, Mariam often worried about their education and future opportunities. Moving to the USA now offers them a brighter horizon. “This isn’t just my journey—it’s my family’s journey, and it means the world to us,” she said.

Mariam’s story has invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and connecting with the right people. “I’ve learned that recognizing others and being recognized can change lives. It’s about creating a cycle of good,” she said.

Teaching isn’t just a profession for Mariam; it’s a calling. And with Suraasa’s support, she transformed her passion into a global opportunity.

Mariam Ali’s story exemplifies the transformative power of education, resilience, and the right support system. From feeling inadequate in her teaching qualifications to becoming a confident educator ready to teach in the USA, her journey is inspiring.

With the support of Suraasa’s PgCTL program, Mariam gained the tools, confidence, and opportunities to excel in her career. Her story proves that connecting with people at the right time can turn aspirations into achievements.

If you want to elevate your teaching career and open doors to global opportunities, let Suraasa guide you toward success.