Micaela Teixeira Graça
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Strategic Director, Aspire International School
With over 12 years of experience in early childhood education, bilingual learning, and school leadership, Micaela Teixeira Graça plays a pivotal role in shaping Aspire International School’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. As the Strategic Director, she is dedicated to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and multicultural learning environment where every student thrives.
Educational Background & Professional Expertise
Micaela holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Language Therapy from the University of Aveiro and has further enhanced her qualifications with specialised diplomas in leadership and education. Her credentials include:
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (Dubai, UAE)
- CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care & Children and Young People’s Services (Dubai, UAE)
- International Professional Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice (Liverpool Hope University, Dubai)
Her extensive training has enabled her to implement innovative teaching strategies, promote bilingual education, and introduce individualised learning approaches tailored to students’ unique needs.
Background & Expertise
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (Dubai, UAE)
- CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care & Children and Young People’s Services (Dubai, UAE)
- International Professional Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice (Liverpool Hope University, Dubai)
Career & Leadership Roles
Micaela has held several teaching and leadership positions across prestigious institutions in Dubai and Portugal. Her journey includes:
- British Orchard Nursery, Dubai, UAE – Nursery Teacher (2011-2013)
- Kidville Nursery, Dubai, UAE – Nursery Teacher (2013-2015)
- Little Gems International School, Dubai, UAE – Early Years Practitioner & Lead Teacher (2015-2018)
- Academy School, Algarve, Portugal – Preschool Teacher (2018-2020)
- Aspire International School, Algarve, Portugal – Year 1 Teacher, Preschool & Primary Coordinator (Founder, 2020-2022), Head of Preschool & Primary (2023-2024), Strategic Director (Present)
In her current role, Micaela oversees curriculum development, parent engagement, and the school’s growth strategy, ensuring Aspire remains a leading institution for international education in the Algarve.
Contributions to Education Community Initiatives
Beyond the classroom, Micaela has spearheaded multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing student learning, cultural awareness, and community involvement:
- Academic & Curriculum Development: Leading the implementation of bilingual education and small-class-size learning to maximise student engagement.
- Parent & Student Engagement: Overseeing learning journals, student reports, and parent communication.
- Community & School Partnerships: Strengthening ties with local preschools and organisations to create a supportive educational network.
- Special Educational Support: Developing intervention programs for students with speech and language challenges.
- Institutional & External Relations: Collaborating with international institutions and local government bodies to enhance educational opportunities.
Her leadership in organising the Multicultural Fair at Aspire has been recognised by The Portugal News, further highlighting her commitment to inclusivity and global citizenship.
Teaching Philosophy
Micaela believes in the transformative power of education, advocating for student-centred learning that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and confidence. She champions:
- Bilingual & Inclusive Education: Ensuring students learn both Portuguese and English fluently.
- Individualised Learning: Adapting teaching methods to support diverse learning styles.
- Creative & Experiential Learning: Integrating arts, music, and hands-on activities to enhance student engagement.
Personal Insights & Achievements
Micaela’s inspiration to teach stems from her early experiences with education, where she sought a learning environment that valued individuality and creativity. Some of her most cherished teaching moments include helping shy students build confidence and introducing hands-on activities that transform traditional subjects into exciting learning experiences.
She has also been actively involved in community projects, such as Carnaval Quarteira 2025, reinforcing the importance of cultural immersion in education.
Get in Touch
For professional enquiries, Micaela can be contacted via WhatsApp.
Read more about Aspire International School’s initiatives and the Multicultural Fair:
The Portugal News – Aspire International School
Connect with Micaela on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn Profile
Micaela’s passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication make her an integral part of Aspire International School’s success, shaping the next generation of global learners.
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