In 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 personal ..read more

In this podcast episode, we talk with Dr. Steffen Sommer, Director General of Misk Schools in Saudi Arabia, about his journey from working in the automotive industry to leading in education in the Middle East.  He shares his experience with Misk Schools, a project initiated by the Saudi Crown Prince to combine international educational standards with Saudi cultural values. Dr. Sommer discusses his career shift, the role of multilingual education, and the strategies used to prepare Saudi students for global engagement. We also look into the development of what makes Misk Schools unique a ..read more

Join Jenny Mollon in this podcast episode as we examine classroom design and how it can improve student engagement. We also discuss the impact of layout and atmosphere on learning and emotional well-being and the transformation of classrooms from traditional learning environments to spaces that develop adaptable skills for future careers. Jenny provides insights into creating environments that support both individual concentration and group collaboration, helping students feel connected and focused. Listen in as we explore how to maximise every part of a school, including halls and libraries ..read more

Have 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 the dynamic interplay that ..read more

Join 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 to our roots. These conversations highlight how different h ..read more

Grab 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 commu ..read more

Every 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 life of a top educator; it ..read more

This 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 p ..read more

From 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 the heartbeat of the English College, Dubai, where confidenc ..read more

This 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 ..read more