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
137 episodes
From Wall Street To Riyadh: Building Schools That Put Children First With Ng Yi-Xian
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 resp...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 8
•
28:43
Rethinking School For The Students Who Don’t Fit with Hugh Viney
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 scho...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 7
•
35:21
Inside Dubai College: Culture, Leadership, And Kindness With Tomas Duckling
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 ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 7
•
41:02
Building Classrooms Where Every Student Belongs With Dr Salma Waly
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 a...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 6
•
27:57
What Does It Take to Rise in Educational Leadership? With Nicki Williams
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...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 5
•
28:28
AI in Education: How To Navigate the Future Together With Dan Fitzpatrick
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....
•
Season 6
•
Episode 4
•
56:26
Beyond DEI - Decolonizing Education with Rosemary Campbell-Stevens
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 "Inves...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 3
•
1:01:18
Breaking School Leadership Myths With Nick Hart
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....
•
Season 6
•
Episode 2
•
38:58
The AI Conundrum: Navigating Technology While Preserving Critical Thinking With Barry Cooper
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 fr...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 1
•
46:13
What School Leaders Really Need to Know About AI With Ann Palmer
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 22
•
34:46
.png)
Future-Proofing Students: Bloom World Academy's Bold AI Initiative With John Bell
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 t...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 21
•
39:48
Why Great School Leaders Stay: Navigating Career Longevity in Education With Sue Aspinall
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 det...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 20
•
28:48
The Hidden Cost of Teacher Stress and How to Address It With Aakanksha Tangri
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 19
•
22:36
Navigating School Leadership: A Conversation with Caz Jude
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 leadersh...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 18
•
21:54
Dyslexia: Reframing Learning Differences With Rehab Shahbal
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 di...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 17
•
25:08
From Actor to Educator: Leading with Creativity and Empowerment With Tyronne Lewis
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 ...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 16
•
25:51
From Classroom Teacher to School Leader: Steve Lupton's Journey
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.• Grow...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 15
•
42:17
Why Your Moral Compass Matters More Than School Politics With Evelyn Forde MBE and Zoubiya Ahmed at MESLC2025
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 leaders...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 14
•
24:18
The Hidden Cost of Leadership: Money vs. Fulfilment With Daniel McHugh and Zoubiya Ahmed
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 sys...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 13
•
22:34
Building a Leadership Legacy Through Coaching With Dr Helen Wright and Zoubiya Ahmed at MESLC 2025
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 th...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 12
•
27:14
Why Every Child Deserves a Champion in School With Zoubiya Ahmed and Priya Mitchell
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 student...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 11
•
42:14
The Teacher Effect: Why Expertise Trumps Class Size- Zoubiya Ahmed and Rob Coe at MESLC 2025
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 r...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 10
•
42:31
Embracing Neurodiversity Among Staff In Education With Shona OCallaghan
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 ...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 9
•
30:56
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Research With Rob Coe
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 im...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 14
•
49:13
Shaping the Future of Education in Abu Dhabi: Inside ADEK’s New Policies with Sylvie Wald
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 13
•
33:40
