Karina Rodrigues

Karina Rodrigues

Karina-Rodrigues

What really stands out to me are the simple thank you notes and cards from students I have received over the years. I’m very sentimental and keep them all in a little box. Knowing that I’ve had an impact on their lives is extremely special to me. It’s what makes all the challenges and hardships in this career worthwhile!

About Me

At the beginning of the 2021/2022 academic year, I moved into a new role as an English inclusion teacher at Safa British School. It has been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of this phenomenal community.

I was born and raised in South Africa but my parents are Portuguese, so I identify very strongly with both cultures. I call the “UAE” home now, having lived here for nine years. I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon. There is so much to see and do, and I love exploring everything it has to offer – especially the beaches. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, listening to interesting podcasts on a wide range of topics, and watching good series, movies, or documentaries (especially true crime). I’m a creative soul and appreciate all forms of art. Pencil drawing is one of my favorite pastimes. I adore singing – so much so that I’ve had the karaoke mic prised out of my hand on more occasions than I’m willing to admit!

My Experience

BA Hons English Literature | PGCE

I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, majoring in Law and Literature. I had initially planned to continue my legal studies, but realised at the end of my undergraduate programme that my true passion lay in teaching. I went on to do my Honours degree in English Literature before completing my PGCE. I taught secondary school English in South Africa for 5 years, before moving out to Dubai where I worked at an Emirati private school for 8 years.