Farah Manji

Farah, a STEP alumna (Cohort 4), received her BA Honours in International Development Studies and South Asian Studies from York University, Canada with an interest in Education, Humanities, Ethics and Mysticism. She later obtained a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Diploma in Toronto where she taught language skills to young adults from diverse contexts. Few years later, she received an MA in Education (Muslim Societies & Civilisations) and an MTeach (Masters of Teaching) with Distinction from Institute of Education, UCL. There she conducted qualitative research on Teachers as Curriculum Designers and inquired into the development of Professional Standards as a mechanism to professionalise and enhance the growth and practice of Religious Educators.

Prior to joining the Department of Graduate Studies, Farah served as a STEP Educator, Mentor and Teacher Lead with the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Canada for 7 years. In her role, Farah designed and delivered educational experiences that assist students in acquiring the skills necessary to navigate through the complexities of modern life and reveal ways in which faith, tradition and culture can speak anew. As Teacher Lead, she developed the curricular capacity of teachers to enhance conceptual understanding of the IIS secondary curriculum and its perspectives, aims and approaches while supporting pedagogical competencies through regular in class support, mentoring and collaborative inquiry. Her responsibilities included the supervision, management and pastoral care of Secondary Teachers in her region as well as building partnerships with the Local Board.

In her current role as the Teaching and Learning Tutor with the Department of Graduate Studies, Farah performs and coordinates multiple academic and administrative duties in support of the learning experience for students and faculty on STEP, with a particular focus on the MA. She acts as a first point of contact for students, supporting them in learning, providing general guidance and pastoral care while systematically analysing performance. She conducts seminars and tutorials and facilitates the faculty in the development of their teaching practice, particularly in regard to the connections between the MA and the IIS Secondary Curriculum. She is also responsible for the facilitation of teaching placements at Religious Education Centres (RECs) and teaching practice in students’ own country contexts, while in STEP, and liaises closely with ITREB UK and ITREBs internationally.