Additional Programs – Ali Ben Abi Talab College

YES Program Scholarship exchange for Grade 11 study in the United States, administered in Lebanon by AMIDEAST.

Model United Nations Annual academic initiative introducing diplomacy, international relations, and global affairs.

Teacher Induction Multi-stage support for newly appointed teachers since 2017, including mentoring and coaching.

Professional Development Minimum of 20 PD hours each year through workshops, coaching, research, and mentoring.

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES)

A.B.A.T. encourages students to participate in scholarship and exchange programs in Lebanon and abroad. One of our Grade 10 students, Fahed Abou Shaer, received a scholarship through the YES Program to spend an academic year in the United States.

Administered in Lebanon by AMIDEAST, the YES Program enables students to attend Grade 11 at an American high school and participate in activities that introduce them to American society and culture. Students also represent Lebanon, share its culture with host families and communities, and develop intercultural communication and leadership skills.

Model United Nations Program (MUN)

A.B.A.T. students participate annually in the Model United Nations Program (MUN), an academic initiative that introduces them to diplomacy, international relations, global affairs, and the work of the United Nations.

Through MUN, students strengthen their research, public-speaking, negotiation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They also learn how to discuss complex issues thoughtfully, collaborate with others, and propose practical solutions to global challenges.

Teacher Induction Program

The A.B.A.T. Teacher Induction Program is a comprehensive, multi-stage process designed to welcome, train, support, and retain newly appointed teachers. Established at the school in 2017, the program provides new educators with a structured introduction to Makassed’s educational system, school culture, policies, procedures, and professional expectations.

The program begins with the Makassed induction session delivered by ERDC during the initial orientation day. New teachers are then welcomed to A.B.A.T. and introduced to the school’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures, routines, and instructional practices.

Experienced teachers lead sessions on advanced teaching approaches, including differentiated instruction and blended learning. Classroom procedures and routines are modelled and practised to help new educators establish organized, engaging, and effective learning environments.

During the third stage, new teachers participate in mentoring sessions designed to help them address challenges that may arise throughout the academic year. Ongoing guidance, coaching, and professional support continue during their first year.

The program aims to:

Reduce anxiety among newly appointed teachers.

Increase engagement and confidence.

Strengthen professional knowledge and teaching skills.

Support adaptation to the school culture.

Improve classroom practices.

Increase teacher retention.

The program is supported by an instructional toolkit that provides practical guidance and resources for new teachers.

Professional Development Program

A.B.A.T. is committed to the continuous professional growth of its teaching and administrative staff. In accordance with the Makassed Professional Training Policy, teachers complete a minimum of 20 professional development hours each academic year.

The A.B.A.T. Annual Professional Development Plan aims to empower every teacher and staff member with the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required to create effective learning environments and improve students’ academic achievement.

Professional development may include

Internal workshops

External workshops

Conferences and seminars

Engagement reviews

Induction sessions

Individual or collaborative research on topics of professional interest

Peer observation and instructional coaching

Mentoring and professional learning activities organized by the school