Teach Middle East Podcast

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We trace a candid journey from Wall Street to Riyadh, exploring how a family‑owned school group opened Saudi Arabia’s first international Reggio‑inspired preschool and a trilingual K‑12, while building bridges between global classrooms and responsible AI. Practical stories mix with philosophy, policy, and culture to show how human‑centred schools grow in a fast‑changing Kingdom.

• why Saudi Arabia’s education...

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We explore how a flexible online and hybrid model supports anxious and neurodivergent learners, elite athletes, and mobile families, while helping schools expand subject options without new hires. Hugh Viney shares a student’s journey from school refusal to Oxford and outlines a GCC hub for trips, meetups, and community.

• Why some students thrive outside traditional classrooms
• Asynchronous and live tea...

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We sit down with Dubai College headmaster Tomas Duckling to explore how a top school stays kind, rigorous, and human. From Watford roots and boarding school leadership to distributed decision-making and no emails after hours, Tom shares how he protects culture while moving forward.

• DC’s calm culture, high standards, and strict boundaries on after-hours email
• From Brunei and Switzerland to Dubai: lesso...

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Salma and Leisa explore how to build classrooms in the UAE where every student feels seen and valued, and where local culture is integrated alongside global learning. Practical steps, candid reflections on bias, and clear guidance on using AI as a co-creator make this a toolkit for real change.

• agreeing on a shared definition of culturally responsive practice
• recognising and reflecting on bias through...

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What does it take to rise from teaching assistant to Director of Education? In this candid conversation, Nikki Williams shares her remarkable journey through international education to her current role leading Taleem's educational vision across multiple schools and curricula.

Born into a nomadic life across Southeast Asia and the Middle East due to her father's career in oil and gas, Williams confes...

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Dan Fitzpatrick returns to discuss the rapid evolution of AI in education since our last conversation in 2023, exploring how generative AI has moved from simple text-based tools to diverse applications creating music, videos, software and more. We examine the complex balance between embracing AI's educational potential while addressing growing concerns about safety, screen time, and the future of work.

•...

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Rosemary Campbell-Stevens, veteran educator and decolonisation advocate, shares her journey from the Investing in Diversity programme to her current work reimagining education systems worldwide through a decolonial lens.

• How the "Investing in Diversity" programme transformed leadership for global majority educators from 2003-2011
• The powerful shift from identifying as "ethnic minority&q...

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Nick Hart, Principal of Horizon English School in Dubai, shares his journey from aspiring footballer to educational leader and unpacks how school leadership must evolve beyond industrial models to embrace complexity and meaningful interactions.

• Nick's unconventional path to education began with a sports science degree and a semi-professional football career
• Horizon English School ranks among Duba...

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Barry Cooper, founding principal of The Global College in Madrid, explores what educators should prioritise in the new academic year, with particular focus on navigating AI challenges and fostering critical thinking.

• Barry's journey from considering priesthood to banking to finding his true calling in education
• The Global College's vision of internationalism with at least 50% overseas studen...

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, but are school leaders ready to guide this transformation? Veteran educator Ann Palmer, with over 35 years of leadership experience, shares her journey from headteacher to AI advocate, revealing a striking contrast between the UK's cautious approach and the Middle East's enthusiastic embrace of educational technology. 

After recognising how time-strapped adminis...

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Bloom World Academy in Dubai has implemented a pioneering AI qualification program, reflecting their innovative approach to education while maintaining a balance between technology and traditional values.

• School starts at 9 AM rather than earlier, respecting students' sleep needs and family time
• Offers flexible schedules (8 AM-5 PM) with optional enrichment activities
• Creates a family-first...

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What shapes resilient educational leaders? Sue Aspinall's remarkable journey reveals how personal challenges can forge professional strength. Growing up in northern England, Sue watched her widowed mother raise four children with unwavering determination, a powerful example that instilled independence and resilience from an early age. This foundation propelled Sue to become the first woman in her family to pursue...

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Akansha, founder and CEO of yourdailyreset.com, shares her journey from political journalism to championing teacher well-being in the UAE, drawing inspiration from growing up with educator parents and experiencing burnout firsthand in her media career.

• Growing up with educator parents who encouraged critical thinking and supported her early interest in journalism
• Pursuing journalism through education ...

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What makes a great educational leader, and how can coaching support those in challenging leadership positions? In this conversation with former school head turned leadership coach Caz Jude, we dive deep into the transformative power of leadership coaching in education.

Leadership can be isolating, especially in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. Caz shares how coaching provides school leader...

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Rehab Shahbal, Founder and CEO of DYStinct Learners, shares her journey from financial executive to dyslexia advocate after her son's diagnosis. She discusses how we can better support students with unique learning needs by recognising their differences rather than disabilities.

• Dyslexia should be viewed as a learning difference, not a disability or disease
• Early identification of dyslexia is pos...

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Tyronne shares his journey from actor to educator, creating a leadership legacy focused on respect, creativity, and empowerment that transforms both student learning and staff development.

• Started career as an actor before finding his calling in education after a supply teaching job
• Created a school culture centred on respect with simple practices like emphasising "please" and "thank yo...

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Steve Lupton, Principal at Repton Abu Dhabi, shares his journey from teaching in Australia and challenging schools in London to leadership roles in the UAE, highlighting the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of school leadership.

• Growing up in rural Australia with a multicultural background shaped Steve's perspective on diversity and inclusion
• Reconnecting with his father at age 33 after years o...

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Leadership in education requires vision, authentic relationships, and an unwavering focus on serving children above all else.

• Scan your school to identify talent and tap potential leaders on the shoulder
• Maintain authentic leadership while balancing accountability and relationships
• Lead with grace and empathy even when delivering difficult messages
• Build resilience through supportive netwo...

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Discover the challenges and rewards of school leadership through the personal journey of  Daniel Mchugh, a former corporate professional. We delve into topics ranging from the importance of work-life balance to effective delegation and systematic change in educational institutions. 

Guest hosted by Zoubiya Ahmed

Connect with Zoubiya at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoubiya/

- Transitioning from corpora...