Teach Middle East Podcast

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...