School of Education - Beaconhouse National University (BNU)

School of Education (SE)

Since 2005, the School of Education (SE) at BNU has developed educators and leaders, enhancing teacher education in Pakistan. As a leading institution, SE is dedicated to positively transforming individuals, institutions, and society through quality education, leadership, and innovative practices, addressing the critical need for educational improvement.

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“We aspire to be the leading faculty of quality education in Pakistan by creating a rich academic and research environment that draws on sound theoretical knowledge, best practices and latest research techniques. The School of Education at Beaconhouse National University will contribute to enhance quality teacher education by providing advanced research.“
DEAN’S MESSAGE

Inspiring excellence,

Education should be progressive, inclusive, and transformative, both in terms of content and pedagogy with students as meta-critical participants in the learning process. The experience of Education as a subject, discipline, and process must accommodate diversity, safeguard human rights, enrich understanding and produce responsible global citizens, as well as sustainable societies.

Come join us for a phenomenal experience of self-development, linguistic exploration, and empowerment.

Prof. Dr. Amra Raza

Dean & Professor School of Education Beaconhouse National University

SE PROGRAMS

Empowering Lives Through Diverse Programs of Study

Department of Linguistics & TESOL

The Department of Linguistics & TESOL provides rigorous programs emphasizing language structure, acquisition, and teaching methods, preparing graduates to excel as educators and language specialists in diverse global contexts.


Department of Educational Leadership and Management (ELM)

The Department of Educational Leadership and Management (ELM) specializes in developing transformative leaders in education through innovative strategies and research-supported practices, preparing graduates to navigate complex educational administration effectively.


SE-EDx

SE-EDx is a new initiative under the School of Education designed to deliver a wide range of general and specialized training programs to educators and leaders. This platform will offer training in diverse formats, addressing the needs of both national and international audiences. By leveraging the vast expertise available within the university, SE-EDx aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and professional development on a broader scale.


FACULTY AND STAFF

Our team,

Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahman

Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahman

Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahman got his first doctorate in English literature from the University of Sheffield in 1985. Subsequently he got interested in language politics in Pakistan and took the degree of linguistics from the University of Strathclyde in 1989. After this he wrote the books which have made him an authority on the linguistic history of the Muslims of South Asia namely Language and Politics in Pakistan (1996); Language, Ideology and Power: language-learning among the Muslims of Pakistan and North India (2002) and From Hindi to Urdu: a Social and Political History (2011). Besides these and other books he has published about a 100 articles in scholarly journals contributed entries to encyclopedias and chapters to edited books. On examination of his published work the University of Sheffield conferred a higher doctorate (D.Litt) on him in 2014. He was the first Pakistani to be honoured by one of Germany’s highest awards for academic research called the Humboldt Research Award. The National Institute of Pakistan Studies at The Quaid-i-Azam University, where he served most of his life and of which he was director (2007-2011), made him a professor emeritus in 2010 and the Higher Education Commission (Islamabad) conferred upon him the title of Distinguished National Professor in 2004 and also gave him the lifetime achievement award in 2009. The President of Pakistan conferred upon him the Pride of Performance in 2004 and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2013. He was a Senior Fulbright Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin (1995-96) and the first incumbent of the Pakistan Chair at the University of California, Berkeley (2004-05). He was also a research fellow at the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies (2010) and a fellow at the University of Heidelberg several times from 2010 till 2012. He has been a visiting professor in Denmark and Spain and has lectured or read out papers in conferences in Korea, Nepal, China, the USA, Singapore, Thailand, India, Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Switzerland. He is presently working as Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Acting Dean, School of Education, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore.

ALUMINI

Straight from the Source

SE TODAY

Breaking limits:

NEWS | All News
Exploring AI’s Role in History Education: Ismat Riaz at Expert Edge Series

Riaz delved into the transformative role of AI in history education, highlighting tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot. She emphasized AI’s potential to move beyond traditional rote learning by making historical narratives more engaging and immersive. Through AI-powered visualizations, she traced key moments in history—from the advent of Islam (570–632) to Mehmed II’s conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and Pakistan’s creation in 1947. The session also explored the journeys of Ibn Battuta, Ghalib’s reflections on the events of 1857, and the symbolic architecture of Minar-e-Pakistan, illustrating how AI can bring history to life. Concluding with a thought-provoking Q&A, Riaz discussed AI-driven storytelling and its role in preserving and interpreting history with innovation and awareness. She reinforced the timeless principle that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” underscoring the responsibility of educators and technologists in shaping historical narratives for future generations.

SE Hosts Punjabi Language Seminar on International Mother Language Day

The seminar opened with a warm welcome to the guests in Punjabi, followed by a musical video featuring the Sufi kalam of Baba Bulleh Shah, setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking discussions. Prof. Dr. Nabila Rehman, Principal of Oriental College, Punjab University, and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jhang, spoke on "Promoting Education and Skill Development through Punjabi." She emphasized the need for a 'language policy' and 'cultural policy' in Pakistan. Dr. Rehman highlighted institutions like the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture and the Institute of Punjabi and Cultural Studies at Punjab University, along with various universities offering BS Punjabi programs. She stressed that integrating Punjabi into education enhances learning outcomes, preserves cultural identity, and supports Punjab’s socio-economic progress. Mr. Amjad Saleem Minhas, a prominent Punjabi language activist, publisher, and cultural advocate from Pakistan, discussed "An Overview of the Struggle for Mother Tongue Rights in Punjab: Past, Present, and Future." He traced Punjabi’s journey from colonial suppression to current advocacy efforts, underlining the necessity for a comprehensive language policy in Pakistan. He pointed out that while education policies exist, language policies have been largely overlooked. Mr. Zubair Ahmed, a celebrated Punjabi author and two-time Dhahan Prize winner (2014, 2020), shared his insights on "The Importance of Mother Tongue in Education." He challenged the narrative of 'one religion, one nation,' asserting that true progress lies in embracing linguistic and religious diversity. He emphasized that without mother tongue education, meaningful national progress remains unattainable. The seminar concluded with an engaging panel discussion and Q&A session, reinforcing the School of Education's dedication to promoting linguistic diversity and fostering an inclusive academic environment, while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Punjabi.

Dr. Shahbaz Khan Speaks at Trainers’ Moot 2025

Dr. Khan explored the significance of recognizing cultural diversity in classrooms and adopting inclusive teaching practices. His session focused on addressing gender representation, language differences, and evolving gender roles, providing trainers with strategies to create more equitable learning environments. The discussion fostered valuable exchanges between trainers from the North and South regions, emphasizing the need for culturally inclusive education. Participants were encouraged to implement these practices within their respective regions, reinforcing the commitment to excellence and diversity in education.

Dr. Shazia Humayun Represents BNU at International Conference on Education

In her role as panel moderator, Dr. Humayun facilitated a thought-provoking exchange of ideas among leading education experts, emphasizing the need for innovation and inclusion in educational policies and practices. The discussion explored strategies to create accessible and impactful learning environments for diverse student populations. Additionally, Dr. Humayun chaired a research paper presentation session, providing critical insights and fostering meaningful dialogue on groundbreaking educational initiatives. Her contributions underscored BNU’s commitment to academic excellence and progressive education, reinforcing its role as a key player in shaping the future of equitable learning.

BNU

SE International Advisory Council

Dr. Hywel Coleman

Honorary Senior Research Fellow, School of Education, University of Leeds

Dr. Hywel Coleman is an Indonesian citizen and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the School of Education, University of Leeds. Based in West Java, he conducts research in the fields of Sociolinguistics, Language Policy & Planning, and Language & Development. His current research projects include analyzing the use of local languages in households through Census data and examining literacy levels using OECD PISA data. Additionally, Dr. Coleman has a keen interest in researching and collecting traditional Indonesian textiles.

Web: Leeds Academia Web: ResearchGate

Dr. Alison Fox

Associate Head of School for Research and Knowledge Exchange, The Open University, UK

Dr. Alison Fox is an accomplished academic and educational leader at The Open University, UK, where she serves as Associate Head of School for Research and Knowledge Exchange in the School of Education, Childhood, Youth, and Sport. She is also the Chair of the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee. Originally trained as a secondary school science teacher, Dr. Fox transitioned into teacher education, focusing her research and teaching on supporting beginning teachers.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Fox has led research initiatives on professional learning, networking for educators—including the impact of social media—and recently partnered with a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training provider to develop evidence-based practices aimed at reducing new teacher attrition and enhancing retention. Currently, she is an Ethics Advisor for a three-year EU-funded project, using arts-based education to foster cultural literacy and social inclusion.

Dr. Fox is an active member of the Council for the British Educational Research Association (BERA), where she plays a key role in reviewing ethical guidelines for educational research, edits the BERA blog, and serves on the Publications Committee. Additionally, she is a fellow of CollectivED, the Centre for Mentoring, Coaching, and Professional Learning at Leeds Beckett Carnegie School of Education..

Web: The Open University Profile

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Rama Kant Agnihotri

Dean, Faculty of Arts and Head, Department of Linguistics, University of Delhi, India

Prof. Dr. Rama Kant Agnihotri is the former Professor and Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Delhi. He has authored and published several books through renowned publishers such as Routledge, Oxford University Press, Multilingual Matters, Orient Black Swan, and Ratna Sagar. He also served as Chairperson of the National Focus Group on the Teaching of Indian Languages at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Currently, he is a Professor Emeritus at Vidya Bhawan Society, Udaipur.

LinkedIn: Rama Kant Agnihotri Web: Academia

Prof. Dr. Anvita Abbi

Visiting Professor at Universities across Europe, Australia, Canada, and America

Prof. Dr. Anvita Abbi is an internationally renowned linguist and social scientist, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in documenting indigenous languages. She identified a new language family, the Great Andamanese, which plays a crucial role in understanding the people of Asia and Oceania. Prof. Abbi has been at the forefront of research into unwritten languages preserved through oral tradition and has raised awareness about the link between biodiversity and the languages of South Asia. A former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), she currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. Additionally, she is a member of the Expert Committee for the UNESCO World Atlas of Languages. Prof. Abbi was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for her contributions to linguistics.

Web: Hyderabad Literary Festival Web: VRPP Goa Web: Wikipedia Facebook:Anvita Abbi

Dr. Shahid Siddiqui

Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Media Studies, Art & Design, Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan

Dr. Shahid Siddiqui is a renowned educationist, linguist, teacher, researcher, academic administrator, and prolific writer. He earned his PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Toronto, Canada, an M.Ed. in TESOL from the University of Manchester, UK, and completed postdoctoral research at Oxford University. He has held academic and administrative positions at prestigious institutions, including AKU, LUMS, GIKI, and NUML. Dr. Siddiqui served as Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) from 2014 to 2018 and is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Media Studies, Art, and Design at Lahore School of Economics.

His notable books include Dreams Don't Die, Pakistan, Education, and 21st Century (Urdu), Rethinking Education in Pakistan: Perception, Practices, and Possibilities, Education, Inequalities, and Freedom: A Sociopolitical Critique, Language, Gender, and Power: The Politics of Representation and Hegemony in South Asia, Education Policies in Pakistan: Politics, Projections, and Practices, Aadhay Adhooray Khwab (a novel), Zair-e-Aasmaan (Urdu), Toronto, Dubai aur Manchester, Mausam e Khush Rang (Urdu), Potohar: Khitta-e-Dilruba (Urdu), Ad Pora Khawab (Sindhi), and Neem Ghari Khaboona (Pashto).

Web: Wikipedia

Dr. Faisal Bari

Associate Professor of Economics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan

Dr. Faisal Bari is currently the Dean of the LUMS School of Education and an Associate Professor with a joint appointment in Education and Economics. His research covers various areas, including disability inclusion, gender representation in textbooks, the use of education technology for teacher professional development (TPD), teacher politics, the political economy of teacher recruitment and retention, and the private sector's role in education reform. He is a member of the Higher Education Commission and previously served on the Board of the Punjab Examination Commission, where he contributed to reforming Punjab’s examination systems, focusing on school-based formative assessments.

Dr. Bari has led performance evaluations for DFID’s PESP II program, collaborated with researchers from the University of Cambridge on inclusive education, and helped revise the Non-Salary Budget for Public Schools in Punjab. His contributions to social protection programs were pivotal in the development of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). He also writes a bi-weekly column for DAWN, a leading English daily.

Dr. Bari earned his Doctorate in Economics from McGill University and holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Punjab. Additionally, he has two Bachelor's degrees—one from the University of Oxford and another from Government College, Lahore.

Web: LUMS

SE International Advisory Council

The role of the SE International Advisory Council will be to:

  • review curricula and suggest innovations based on market trends
  • highlight areas of capacity building for SE faculty
  • guide SE faculty towards meaningful use of technology for teaching and learning
  • formulate procedures to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at SE
  • steer SE towards innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship
  • analyze educational policy and plans, and recommend improvements
  • assist in community outreach initiatives
  • share insights into innovative pedagogical approaches
  • provide strategic direction, in terms of mission, vision, and goals.
  • foster collaboration with global education leaders
  • inform about grants and other funded research and project opportunities
  • identify relevant gaps between academia and industry
  • provide a global outlook, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and international collaborations
  • advise on international best practices and ethics of research
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