Teach Middle East Podcast
Welcome to the Teach Middle East Podcast, the ultimate audio hub where educators find inspiration, share innovative ideas, and grow together! Brought to you by Moftah Publishing—the minds behind the premier Teach Middle East Magazine—this podcast is your gateway to the latest research-based practices, cutting-edge classroom strategies, and the heartwarming stories of educators from the Middle East and around the globe. As the only podcast that interviews school leaders from across the Middle East and beyond, we offer unparalleled insights into the challenges and successes that shape educational landscapes in diverse settings. Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of education, where every episode promises a treasure trove of insights designed to connect, develop, and empower the brilliant minds shaping our future. Whether you’re seeking fresh perspectives, practical tips, or a dose of inspiration, the Teach Middle East Podcast is your must-listen resource. Tune in and transform the way you teach!
Episodes
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
This episode explores the powerful relationship between coaching and leadership legacy with Dr Helen Wright and Zoubiya Ahmed at the Middle East School Leadership Conference 2025. They discuss how coaching can transform leaders while helping them create a collective legacy that impacts their communities.
• Introduction to the theme of building leadership legacy
• Role of coaching in personal and professi...
A profound discussion on the importance of safeguarding in education unfolds at the Middle East School Leadership Conference ( MESLC) with Zoubiya Ahmed and Priya Mitchell, highlighting how legacy and relationships between educators and students can shape a safe, nurturing environment. Our guest's experience showcases how collaborative efforts empower both educators and students.
- Exploring the theme of...
This episode centres on the critical importance of professional development and leadership in education. It discusses the need for schools to prioritise teacher expertise as a means to improve student outcomes and addresses the ongoing debate regarding class sizes and effective teaching.
Guest hosted by Zoubiya Ahmed
Connect with Zoubiya at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoubiya/
• Overview of conference themes a...
This episode explores the often-silent experiences of neurodiverse teachers and the barriers they face within the education system. Shona OCallaghan shares her journey, illustrating the importance of inclusivity for both staff and students and the need for greater awareness about neurodiversity in schools.
• Discussion on the hidden neurodiversity among teachers
• Shauna's personal journey with dysl...
This episode focuses on bridging the gap between educational research and classroom practice. Professor Rob Coe offers insights on effective professional development and the challenges faced by teachers and school leaders. Rob emphasises the importance of making research accessible and actionable to improve teaching quality and student outcomes.
• The journey from teacher to researcher informs Rob’s approach ...
The episode explores ADEK's introduction of 39 new policies aimed at enhancing education in Abu Dhabi. These policies focus on collaboration, student well-being, and cultural relevance.
Sylvie Wald discusses the comprehensive approach to policy-making that incorporates feedback from schools, ensuring that the new guidelines meet the needs of both educators and students.
• Introduction to the gue...
Gillian Hammond’s journey from a rural childhood to becoming the principal of Repton in Dubai exemplifies the twists and turns of a fulfilling educational career. The conversation delves into her personal and professional development, focusing on creating an engaging and supportive school environment.
• Early creative influences from family and nature
• Transitioning from pharmacy to teaching
• Exp...
In this reflective solo episode, Leisa Grace shares the remarkable journey of the Teach Middle East podcast since its launch in 2021. From hosting major educational conferences to creating a global platform for professional development, she explores how the podcast has grown into a vital resource for educators across the Middle East and beyond.
Leisa opens up about her personal path, including her transition during COV...
What happens when a dream of flying aeroplanes leads to an unexpected career in education? In this episode of the Teach Middle East Podcast, we chat with Sam Welbeck, principal of Qatar Academy, Doha, about his incredible journey from aspiring pilot and doctor to becoming a leader in education. Sam shares how the 2011 Egyptian revolution changed his path, bringing him to Doha, where he thrives in a culturally rich env...
In this episode, Katrina Mankani, Director of Jumeirah International Nurseries, Board Member of Fortes Education, and Director of Innovation and Positive Education at Fortes Education, shares her remarkable journey from teaching assistant to educational leader.
She reveals how implementing positive education and the PERMA model has transformed her school's culture, improving the well-being of both stude...
What can a hip-hop beat teach you about photosynthesis? Join us as we uncover the story of Matt Green, the rapping science teacher whose educational rhymes are taking classrooms by storm. Matt combines his passion for science and his love for music to create captivating rap videos that make learning both fun and effective.
By meticulously editing his content using the CapCut app, Matt ensures that each video ...
Are you curious about transforming your approach to education with AI? In this episode, we sit down with Darren Coxon, who shares his journey from teaching English literature to becoming a pioneer in artificial intelligence for schools. Darren's AI journey began with an encounter with ChatGPT, sparking the founding of Node Education—a venture dedicated to helping schools develop AI strategies. He offers firsthand...
Dr Saima Rana, CEO and Principal of GEMS World Academy, Dubai, and Deputy CEO of GEMS Education Global, shares her remarkable journey from a spirited upbringing in West London to leading global educational initiatives. Rooted in values from her close-knit, community-focused family, Dr. Saima reflects on how her passion for the arts and a practical career in economics led her to transform Westminster Academy, igniting ...
In this episode, Nadine Powrie shares her journey from a French assistant to a leader in some of the UK's most challenging schools. Drawing on experiences from New Zealand and Australia, she discusses how research, collaboration, and continuous learning have shaped her approach to education and school inspections.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Nadine's development, especially her relationship ...
In this episode, Amanda Spielman joins us to discuss a new, supportive approach to school inspections. We dive into how inspections can be reframed to help schools grow and improve rather than focusing solely on punitive measures. Amanda shares her vision for making the process more constructive and beneficial for educators and students alike.
Whether you're a school leader, teacher, or policymaker, this conversat...
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