TEACHERS & STAFF

Nadia Dakkouri

EY-C class teacher

Nadia earned her Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion from the University of Northampton, UK. She graduated with distinction and was awarded the university’s Academic Excellence Award for her dedication to inclusive practices.

Nadia has spent over 18 years teaching young learners across both the UAE and Singapore. For the past thirteen years, she has been teaching 4- to 7-year-olds at United World College South East Asia (UWCSEA) right here in Singapore. During her time there, she focused closely on early childhood development, building warm, child-centered spaces where every student feels a clear sense of belonging.

At the core of Nadia's teaching is an inquiry-led, concept-driven approach that encourages children to ask big questions, make real-world connections, and build real independence. Her classroom is deeply influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, following specialised training she completed in Italy. She values child agency and collaboration, using flexible layouts and natural materials to set up a beautiful environment where the children’s own voices are completely visible. By blending Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with regular outdoor play, she ensures that all students—including those navigating English as an additional language—feel safe, capable, and supported.

Nadia strongly believes that children learn best through meaningful relationships and hands-on experiences. She prioritises Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to help children grow into empathetic, confident individuals who know how to collaborate with others. She also guides children to become reflective thinkers, introducing a simple "plan, do, reflect" cycle so they can take genuine ownership of their daily learning journey and progress at their own comfortable pace.

Outside of school hours, Nadia loves connecting with the wider community. She is a trained guide and active participant in Running Hour, a Singapore initiative that pairs volunteers with individuals of all abilities to exercise and run together.

Nadia is a lifelong learner who loves travelling, walking, exploring new cultures, and experimenting with spicy global flavours in her own kitchen. She enjoys keeping up healthy habits, spending time outdoors, and is incredibly excited to partner with you and welcome your children into the Dover Court community this August.