Shows
Teach Middle East PodcastWhy Your Moral Compass Matters More Than School Politics With Evelyn Forde MBE and Zoubiya Ahmed at MESLC2025Send us a textLeadership 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 networks and keeping your eye on long-term goals• Return consistently to your school's vision and values when managing stakeholder demands• Know which battles are worth fighting and where your ethical "red lines" are• Recognize when...
2025-03-0724 min
EdufuturistsEdufuturists #275 Building a Community with Leisa Grace WilsonIn this episode of the podcast, we engage in a lively conversation with Leisa Grace Wilson, an educator and leader based in Abu Dhabi. We discuss Leisa's journey from the UK to the Middle East, the challenges and opportunities of leading in a culturally diverse environment, and the rapid pace of educational reform in the region.
Leisa shares insights on the importance of community for educators, the role of her platform Teach Middle East, and the impact of her podcast. The conversation also touches on the significance of using LinkedIn for professional growth and the courage it...
2025-01-131h 05
Teach Middle East PodcastReflections on Growth and Resilience With Leisa Grace WilsonSend us a textIn 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 COVID-19 and facing profound loss, while discussing the future of education in an AI-driven world. She shares insights on balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship and her vision for...
2024-12-1632 min
Teach Middle East PodcastEmpowering Women Leaders in Education: Breaking Barriers and Building BridgesSend us a textAre you ready to shatter the glass ceiling in education? In this powerful episode of the Teach Middle East Podcast, Leisa Grace is joined by trailblazing women leaders Hannah Wilson, Rebecca Annand, and Tracy Moxley to unpack what it really takes for women to rise to the top in educational leadership. As we gear up for the Women in Educational Leadership Conference at Heartland International School in Dubai on September 28th, this conversation dives deep into breaking barriers, building bridges, and the importance of intentional networking and mentorship for women leaders....
2024-09-1533 min
Teach Middle East PodcastStrategies for Continuous Professional Development With Matt TiplinSend us a textHave you ever wondered how to truly empower teachers in an ever-evolving educational landscape? Join Leisa Grace Wilson on the Teach Middle East podcast as she sits down with Matt Tiplin, Vice President at ONVU Learning. In this compelling episode, they uncover key strategies for continuous teacher development that align with both personal and professional aspirations, creating a vibrant and effective learning environment for students. Matt shares his insights on guiding teachers toward focused, bite-sized professional learning, providing relevant information without overwhelming them.Reflecting on her own journey as a novice...
2024-06-1229 min
Teach Middle East PodcastNurturing Staff Wellbeing in Schools With Hayley LambSend us a textLeisa Grace is joined by Hayley Lamb, Vice Principal of Ranches Primary School in Dubai and a well-being and performance coach. Together, they explore crucial aspects of educator welfare and discuss strategies for creating a supportive school environment. Hayley brings her unique perspective as a school leader and coach, highlighting the importance of understanding nonverbal cues and fostering a culture where educators feel truly supported. The conversation delves into the subtle art of nurturing teachers and ensuring they feel valued and respected.The episode covers their journey toward improving well-being within...
2024-05-1332 min
Teach Middle East PodcastVision and Legacy: Fiona Cottam's Educational Leadership JourneySend us a textIn this episode of the Teach Middle East Podcast, host Leisa Grace sits down with Fiona Cottam, the principal of Hartland International School. They reminisce about the Middle East School Leadership Conference and delve into Fiona's journey into school leadership. The discussion also touches on the resilience and challenges faced along the way, reflecting Fiona's personal experiences and career path in education.As they look to the future, Leisa Grace and Fiona explore the evolving landscape of education in the digital and post-pandemic era. Offering a mix of leadership insights and...
2024-04-1446 min
Teach Middle East PodcastBreaking the Class Size Myth for Enhanced Learning with Prof Dr Ger Graus OBESend us a textHave you ever wondered if smaller class sizes always translate to better learning? In this episode, we challenge that assumption with our guest, Prof Dr Ger Graus OBE, a seasoned educator and educational advisor. Ger brings a wealth of experience from traditional and non-traditional learning environments, and he's here to shed light on the benefits of larger classrooms.This episode goes beyond the simple notion of "less is more." We'll explore the value of diverse learning dynamics and how quality teaching can truly shine, regardless of class size. Ger will reveal...
2024-03-1840 min
Teach Middle East PodcastHow Did a Journalist Become a Principal in Dubai? Inside Chandini Misra's Journey.Send us a textJoin us as we get to know Chandini Misra, the principal of Repton Al-Barsha, and hear about her journey from India to leading a school in Dubai. Starting as a science lover and becoming a journalist, Chandini eventually found her calling in education. Her story shows how following your passion can lead to making a real difference in students' lives.In this episode, we also dive into our shared interests in podcasts, music, and food. We explore Dubai's food scene, talk about our cooking adventures, and how these experiences connect us...
2024-03-0436 min
Thinking Deeply about Primary EducationBecoming a teacher who writes with Leisa Grace WilsonEpisode 164: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Leisa Grace Wilson, a Languages Teacher, school leader and (currently) Editorial Director of Teach Middle East. We sit down to explore the importance of teachers writing about their craft and how they can get their work published in magazines and periodicals. As part of the chat we discuss...
How teachers can get a foot on the publishing ladder.
How teachers can balance their time and energy between teaching and writing.
How teachers can balance their own voice and style with the expectations and preferences of their...
2024-02-1738 min
Teach Middle East PodcastHow to Lead With Authenticity: A Conversation with Hannah WilsonSend us a textGrab a cup of your favourite beverage and join us for a heartfelt conversation with Hannah Wilson, the inspiring mind behind DiverseEd. This episode is tailor-made for school leaders eager to navigate the complexities of educational leadership with authenticity and resilience.Hannah opens up about the power of inclusivity, the journey from WomenEd to DiverseEd, and the critical role of staff well-being in fostering a thriving school environment. We'll share strategies for embracing feedback constructively, balancing leadership demands with personal well-being, and building a supportive community that celebrates every individual's unique...
2024-02-1130 min
Teach Middle East PodcastEmbracing Vulnerability and Self-Awareness in School Leadership With Matthew BurfieldSend us a textEvery educator has a story, but few are as riveting as the narrative Matthew Burfield, Principal of GEMS Founders School, Dubai, and Senior Vice President of GEMS Education, shares with us. From his humble beginnings in Norfolk to the corridors of leadership in one of Dubai's most prestigious schools, Matthew's journey is a testament to resilience and vision. As he unveils the layers of his professional ascent and the driving force of his mother's influence, we explore the intersection of personal growth and career milestones. This episode isn't just a look into the...
2024-02-0439 min
Teach Middle East PodcastEducating with Heart: Nargish Khambatta's Vision for Joyful, Holistic LearningSend us a textThis enlightening episode explores Nargish Khambatta's remarkable journey from a quaint Indian town to leading Dubai's Gems Modern Academy. Her deep-rooted passion for learning and dedicated pursuit of 'Ikigai' – where profession meets passion – forms the crux of our conversation. Nargish shares her experiences of adapting to life in Dubai, her rise to educational leadership, and the guiding principles of her educational philosophy.Delving into her personal life, she reveals how yoga, beach walks, and family intertwine with her professional responsibilities, emphasising the harmony between personal well-being and professional ambition. Nargish also...
2024-01-2432 min
Teach Middle East PodcastLeading Through Learning: Mark Ford's Journey from Yorkshire to DubaiSend us a textFrom the windswept moors of Yorkshire to the sun-kissed sands of Dubai, Mark Ford's journey as a principal is as extraordinary as it is enlightening. Please pull up a chair alongside Leisa Grace as we traverse Mark's fascinating voyage through the world of education and leadership in our Behind the Principal's Desk series. His story is filled with insights on how education is flourishing in the Middle East and peppered with tales of his own competitive spirit that once aimed for tennis stardom and rocked the music scene.Feel t...
2024-01-2325 min
Teach Middle East PodcastRevolutionising the Way We Teach and Learn with Eric SheningerSend us a textThis episode is an invitation to educators to question the status quo and envision a schooling experience that embraces competency-based learning, dismisses outdated structures, and designs spaces that inspire creativity and cater to student preferences. Eric doesn't shy away from the tough questions about the reality of our educational practices and the need for vulnerability and frankness in assessing and serving the needs of our students.Bio: Eric works with schools throughout the world, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve outcomes for learners. He is the founder and...
2024-01-1731 min
Teach Middle East PodcastConquering the Fear of Mathematics and Navigating AI's Role in Education with Vibeke Gwendoline FængsrudSend us a textHave you ever felt like math was an insurmountable mountain, no matter how hard you tried to scale it? Vibeke Gwendoline Fængsrud, masterful mathematician and educator, joins us on the Teach Middle East Podcast to recount her incredible transformation from math struggler to passionate teacher and how she now helps others conquer their maths fears. Through our engaging conversation, we dissect the critical importance of a solid mathematical foundation, pinpointing the common setbacks caused by overlooked learning gaps. Vibeke's approach to prioritising diligence in homework is not just about getting it done, b...
2024-01-0724 min
Teach Middle East PodcastExploring the Intersection of Education, Sports and Leadership with Simon O'ConnorSend us a textWhat happens when you combine a love for sports, a passion for education, and an unwavering commitment to integrity and honesty? You get a fascinating conversation with Simon O'Connor, the principal of Deira International School in Dubai. This episode peels back the layers of Simon, taking you on a journey from his early days teaching in rural Zimbabwe to his current vision for schools. We discuss his passion for education, his love for sports like rugby and cricket, and the books he'd pick to take on a deserted island. We also...
2023-12-0722 min
Teach Middle East PodcastChallenging the Traditional Curriculum: A Vision for the Future of Education with Meena WoodSend us a textWhat if we told you that the future of education lies in a radical departure from the traditional curriculum? This episode takes you on a journey through the innovative ideas of Meena Wood, an experienced school leader, author, and inspector, who challenges the status quo and envisions a future where curriculum puts students and their individual needs at the centre. We dissect crucial issues such as the disconnect between what students learn and what the job market requires, the transformative potential of career portfolios, and the influence of artificial intelligence on the workforce.
2023-11-2955 min
Teach Middle East PodcastLife, leadership and the pursuit of happiness: Behind the Principal's Desk with Steve GilesSend us a textWe are thrilled to bring you an intimate conversation with Steve Giles, the principal of Raffles International School in Dubai. Come along as he takes us on a journey through his life, sharing his profound love for the UAE and its people and giving us a glimpse into his personal and professional world. From his beginnings at a school in Al Ain to his current leadership role at Raffles, we discover what makes Steve an exceptional educational leader, husband and father.In our chat, we veer off the beaten track, discussing...
2023-11-2135 min
Teach Middle East PodcastJourney From Liverpool to Dubai: Behind The Principal's Desk With Jasmit Kaur KangSend us a textGet ready to be inspired as we kick off this episode with the effervescent principal of Glendale School in Dubai, Jasmit Kaur Kang. Join us on a journey from Liverpool to Dubai, delving into Jasmit's morning routines, her penchant for travel, and her love for 80s music. We'll also sip a cup of our favourite beverages together and embark on some fun quick-fire rounds that reveal a thing or two about Jasmit's fears.Not just about her personal life, Jasmit also shares her dreams and ambitions. We talk about the challenges...
2023-11-0627 min
Teach Middle East PodcastThe Transformative Power of STEM and STEAM Education: A Conversation with Annam ArifSend us a textDiscover the transformative power of STEM and STEAM education and how it is shaping our future as we engage in an enlightening conversation with our guest Annam Arif, the head of ICT and Innovation Technology at English Language Private School in Dubai. Through an insightful tour of what a robust STEM curriculum looks like, Annam takes us beyond the world of robotics, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach that fosters deep thinking and a keen interest in learning among students. We also dive into how the school's leadership played a pivotal role in bringing Annam's...
2023-10-1626 min
Teach Middle East PodcastLessons and Adventures From a Nomadic Educator With Michelle JacksonSend us a textGet ready for an enlightening journey as we sit down with the captivating Michelle Jackson, a seasoned educator with an insatiable wanderlust. Michelle shares her transformative experiences, moving from the United States to immerse herself in the rich Emirati culture in Al Ain, UAE. She speaks to the joys and trials of being an educator abroad and gives us a peek into the warm and welcoming community she helped foster. Her life in Al Ain paints a vibrant picture of a unique cultural tapestry and the profound impact it had on her perception...
2023-10-0124 min
Teach Middle East PodcastThe Delicate Balance: Trust, Well-being and Leadership in Education with Jan TaylorSend us a textJan Taylor, an accomplished education consultant and former school leader, shares her wisdom with us. This episode is a treasure trove of advice on how to strike a work-life balance, the significance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and the often-overlooked aspect of self-care for educators. Jan, with her rich experience, challenges the convention of an always open-door policy, advocating instead for a balanced approach to it.The episode concludes with an emphasis on the well-being of school leaders. Jan underlines the importance of reflection, averting burnout and how accessing coaching and...
2023-09-1736 min
Teach Middle East PodcastRedefining Inclusion in Schools: A Deep Dive with Daniel SobelSend us a textGet ready to be truly inspired as we sit down with the globally acclaimed advocate for inclusive education, Daniel Sobel. From his personal struggles in school to his significant contributions to the field of inclusive education, Daniel's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We delve into the fascinating world of inclusive classrooms, discussing how to meet each student's unique needs and foster a sense of belonging and the role of equity in education. Our conversation takes us down the path of effective communication techniques in teaching, with Daniel providing valuable insights i...
2023-09-1143 min
Teach Middle East PodcastBridging the Mathematics Skills Gaps : From Anxiety to Appreciation with Asma AkhrasSend us a textImagine a future where students are not just ardent learners of mathematics but are also expert problem solvers. That's what Asma Akhras, an experienced implementation leader for a curriculum nonprofit company, brings to our podcast table today. We delve into the disheartening cycle of math anxiety, and the root causes of the math struggles that our students face today - the lack of appreciation for math as a holistic body of knowledge and the inadequacy of teaching methods that present math as isolated skills rather than interconnected concepts. Asma brings her wealth of...
2023-09-0325 min
Teach Middle East PodcastA Fresh Perspective on Teaching and Learning With Clemmie StewartSend us a textClemmie Stewart, a seasoned educator and the Executive Principal at Beech Hall School, Riyadh, joins Leisa Grace on the Teach Middle East Podcast to talk about how to shake up traditional teaching and learning as we enter a new academic year. They stir the pot, traversing the delicate terrain between conventional and cutting-edge learning techniques while emphasising the critical importance of a fundamental knowledge base for efficient classroom technology use. Clemmie proposes how to introduce technology as early as kindergarten but in a safe way!The conversation does not stop at...
2023-08-2729 min
Teach Middle East PodcastEat Well, Learn Well: Discussing Student Nutrition Lauren HughesSend us a textEver wondered how much of a role nutrition really plays in student education and well-being? Together with Lauren Hughes, the well-being coordinator at Repton Abu Dhabi, we unravel the importance of this often understated factor in children's educational journey. Our conversation uncovers the explicit need to engage in dialogue about well-being, given the vastly different world our children are growing up in compared to past generations.We further explore the power of nutrition on children’s cognitive function, emotional regulation, and learning ability. As we uncover the crucial role parents play in...
2023-07-0340 min