My name is Rachel MAWUENA Dabla I am Beninese and Togolese, born and raised in Togo. I have been working in the education field as a classroom French teacher since 2008. This blog was created to share my numerous passions with you: My love for education and education teacher tech tools, for Africa, for fashion for singing, for travel etc
I used to believe that a well-written lesson plan was the backbone of great teaching. It had structure. Objectives. Assessments. Everything I was taught to include. But one day—not during a training, not during a professional development session, but right in my classroom—I had a moment that shifted everything. And it had nothing to do with the lesson. It Was Just a Regular Day… Until It Wasn’t…
We were reviewing vocabulary in French. I had my slides ready, my questions typed out, and my pacing perfect. I noticed one student—usually quiet—fidgeting and staring at her desk. I called on her gently. No response. I smiled and moved on. But five minutes later, she burst into tears.
I paused the lesson. I didn’t ask, “What’s wrong?” I just sat beside her and said, “I’m here.” After class, she whispered: “I didn’t eat this morning.”
That’s when it hit me—my perfect lesson plan didn’t matter at all in that moment. What she needed wasn’t vocabulary practice. She needed compassion. She needed care. She needed someone to see her.
In my classroom, many students are carrying more than bookbags. They carry family stress, hunger, language barriers, trauma, and self-doubt. Some are caretakers. Some are newcomers. Some are already exhausted before 8 AM.
No scripted curriculum prepares you for that.
That moment with my student taught me that being an effective teacher is equal parts heart and content. Yes, we need to teach skills. But we also need to see the whole child—especially in communities that are often overlooked.
I still write lesson plans. But now, I plan for the human parts, too. I check in, not just check off. I build trust before I build rigor. I create space for emotions before expecting performance. I use AI tools to save time—so I can use more of it connecting with students.
Some days, that means pausing a lesson to let someone cry. Other days, it means celebrating a tiny win for a child who usually shuts down. That’s not in any pacing guide. But it’s more powerful than anything on a worksheet.
The truth is: a lesson plan doesn’t teach. A person does. And the best educators don’t just transfer knowledge—they see people, they listen, and they show up fully. That moment in my classroom reminded me: content without care is noise.
My students still learn vocabulary. But now, they also learn that their voices matter. That someone sees them. That their humanity comes first.
And honestly? That’s the lesson I hope they never forget.
I’m an educator, curriculum designer, and advocate for transformative learning. My journey began in the French classroom, where I focused not just on language but on using it as a bridge to culture, identity, and critical thinking. Today, my work reaches beyond one classroom; I now support educators globally in building engaging, inclusive, and tech-forward learning environments.
I’m passionate about creating content and training that are rooted in care, creativity, and connection. Whether I’m coaching teachers, designing resources, or leading workshops, I’m committed to making education more equitable, responsive, and inspiring.
For over a decade, I’ve taught French IB MYP, IB DP, Honors, French Immersion, and designed curriculum that centers students’ voices and identities. I started in French instruction, creating thematic units that connected language with global issues—from Le Petit Prince to lessons on climate migration and African democracy. My classroom was always a place for real-world conversations.
Now, I still teach French Immersion but I also focus on empowering teachers with tools and strategies to do the same. I design inquiry-driven, culturally responsive units that help students think critically, engage globally, and learn with purpose.
I help teachers become confident and ethical users of AI. I lead training and coaching on tools like MagicSchool, Curipod, and Diffit, showing educators how to use AI not just to save time—but to deepen learning. I believe technology should serve pedagogy, not replace it.
My approach to AI is grounded in equity, accessibility, and intentionality. I focus on helping teachers use these tools to support multilingual learners, students with IEPs, and diverse learning needs—all while preserving the human heart of teaching.
Originally from Togo and now based in the U.S., I bring a global perspective to everything I do. With a Ph.D. in Educational Technology and Design in progress, years of classroom experience, and a deep love for languages and culture, my mission is simple: to help teachers teach smarter and lead brighter in the digital age.
At the core of my work is a belief that education should empower every learner and every teacher. I believe in teaching that’s creative, compassionate, and culturally grounded. I believe in lifting up voices, centering identity, and designing systems that are just and joyful.
Everything I do—from coaching to curriculum writing—is driven by this mission: to create meaningful, accessible, and impactful learning for all
I lead workshops, PD sessions, and coaching experiences for schools, districts, and educators around the world. Whether it’s a one-time session or an ongoing collaboration, I tailor every offering to your needs. I also design custom resources, from curriculum guides to AI coaching plans.
My sessions are known for being hands-on, practical, and empowering. I don’t just teach tools—I build capacity, community, and confidence.
I’m currently on a powerful journey retracing the footsteps of the Freedom Riders and other Civil Rights heroes across the
I used to believe that a well-written lesson plan was the backbone of great teaching. It had structure. Objectives. Assessments.
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Looking to simplify your planning, save time, and confidently use AI in your classroom? I’m offering summer coaching sessions for
By Mawuena Dabla As teachers, we’re always looking for ways to save time and bring fresh energy into our classrooms.
If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re an individual teacher, a school leader, or part of a larger education network, I’m always open to building together.
© 2025 Rachel Mawuena A. Dabla. All rights reserved.
