Teach Middle East Podcast

Hosted by Teach Middle East

Education

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Episodes

149

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 7, 2026Episode 2021 min

Teaching in Dubai: The Reality Check With Adrianna Rose

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Adrianna Rose about teaching in Dubai, building a life in the UAE, and how content creation can help other teachers make an informed move. We compare UK and UAE schools, unpack day-to-day routines and wellbeing, and share honest thoughts on moving during uncertain news cycles. • documenting UAE teacher life through content creation and why representation matters • Abu Dhabi versus Dubai for lifestyle, pace, and choosing the right area • settling in during COVID and how the first six months can feel • key differences between UK schools and UAE private schools, including scale and expectations • diversity in international schools and how it changes classroom experience • a realistic day-to-day routine in Dubai, including early starts and planning time • managing fear and pupil reassurance during regional conflict and shifts online • advice for teachers holding an offer letter and weighing up the move • Adriana’s book I Take Up Space Two and her long-term writing goals • hobbies, friendship groups, wellbeing activities, and travel opportunities from Dubai People, if you want to buy the book or connect with Adrianna, see below, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatexpatteacher?igsh=MTExdmV2N2I2MTl5eQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrLink to Adrinna's book:https://www.amazon.ae/I-Take-Up-Space-Too/dp/1917846819/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Support the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

May 31, 2026Episode 1939 min

What Does the Data Miss? Seeing the Whole Child with Matthew Savage

Send us Fan MailMatthew and Leisa Grace explore what it means to truly see students as whole people, not just as attainment points on a dashboard. Matthew Savage helps us rethink data and assessment as relational knowledge that supports equity, belonging and wellbeing. • the equity problem behind performative data cultures • the Mona Lisa Effect as what personalised learning should feel like • how conformity and “being weird” shapes students’ school experience • assessment as the process of getting to know another human being • making space for uncertainty and co-discovery with students • meeting regulatory demands without letting them drive school values • being held to account for inclusion, wellbeing and belonging • permission and courage as the conditions for real change • the “even if” clause as a test of priorities • practical liberating data use through observation, conversation and products • moving from deficit language to a strengths-based approach and student agency They reach out to me via LinkedIn or they send me an email or they contact me via my website and we have a an initial conversation Connect With Matthew Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonalisaeffect/Support the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

May 17, 2026Episode 1841 min

AI That Works In Real Classrooms With Stephanie Holt

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Stephanie Holt about using AI in schools in ways that genuinely improve learning, from early years self-regulation to GCSE revision and teacher planning. We argue for purposeful screen use, better homework design, fairer assessment, and a school culture where curiosity and research are safe. • introducing AI early with supervised, age-appropriate routines • using tools like Alexa to support self-regulation and emotional language • balancing school device use with unregulated screen time at home • challenging the idea of screen-free schools as a blanket solution • improving lesson planning and teacher development with AI-supported platforms • practical AI study workflows for older students, including rapid feedback • supporting creativity and student agency through multiple modes of production • redesigning homework around metacognition, choice, and reflection on prompts • questioning whether high-stakes exams measure what matters and who they disadvantage • moving beyond AI detection tools with drafts, dialogue, and targeted vivas • prioritising process skills, communication, and pivotability for the world of work • leadership creating time, resources, and psychological safety for research and change Visit our website, teachmiddleeast.com, and follow us on social media. The links are in the show notes. Get Stephanie's book at this link: Ebook: https://www.belgraviaeducation.co.uk/ai-for-learning-101-assessmentsAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/AI-Learning-Assessments-Unlocking-Mastery/dp/B0F3DH6KTPSupport the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

April 26, 2026Episode 1730 min

How To Build Resilient Teams Under Pressure With Neal Oates

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Neal Oates, Principal of Star International School in Mirdif, Dubai, about leading with kindness while still holding the line on standards. We explore how resilient school teams are built long before a crisis, and why human connection matters more than any tool. • Neal’s route into education from industry and why fulfilment matters • Growing into leadership in the UAE through visibility, impact and persistence • Kindness as a non-negotiable leadership value • Trust as the foundation for high-performing teams • Accountability with kindness and why clear expectations reduce conflict • Staff resilience during uncertainty and what support actually helps • Cohesion in leadership teams and aligning around shared direction • Returning to school after disruption with wellbeing and emotional regulation • Pushback on overhyped edtech and concerns about data and motives • Protecting face-to-face learning and community as the core of schooling Visit our website, teachmiddleeast.com, and follow us on social media. The links are in the show notes.Support the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

March 22, 2026Episode 1639 min

Parents vs Teachers vs AI | Who's Really in Control? With Yasir Naveed Riaz

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Yasser Naveed about the growing AI divide between students and the adults meant to guide them, and why the real danger is not AI but ungoverned use. We share clear guardrails for home and school, so children gain the benefits of AI without losing trust, judgment, or independence.• AI as a “Ferrari with no brakes” when there is no governance • hallucinations, false confidence and the need to verify outputs • data privacy risks, scams and deepfakes hitting families • the new divide between teachers and students, plus parents and kids • “control without controlling” through co-learning and daily check-ins • classroom benefits like faster quizzes, differentiated materials and support with marking • avoiding brain shortcut dependence by keeping routines and principles • Why relationships matter when kids seek comfort from chatbots • the age question after Covid and why exposure is unavoidable Connect with Yasir Naveed Riaz on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasirnaveed/Support the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

March 2, 2026Episode 1529 min

Culture, Connection and School Leadership with Mike Gilmour

Send us Fan MailWe trace Mike Gilmour’s journey from Cape Town to Dubai, unpack how apartheid shaped his lens on inclusion, and dig into the daily mechanics of building a healthy school culture. We also explore AI’s pressure on old models and the human work that must endure.• early life in South Africa and university lessons on diversity• path from nonprofit sport to teaching and leadership• international moves, Singapore to Dubai, and why each mattered• What makes Dubai American Academy distinctive• leadership strengths: communication, organisation, presence• practical culture builders and boundary setting• autonomy, fewer meetings, no after-hours email norm• wellbeing habits, family life, and modelling balance• AI’s coming shock to education and the human edge that remainsSupport the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

February 15, 2026Episode 1438 min

How To Prepare Students For 2040: With Arpit Dugar

Send us Fan MailWe explore what a 2040 job market means for schools, teachers, and teens, and why AI will force a reinvention of curriculum, space, and pedagogy. Practical steps help educators shift from content delivery to coaching human judgment, collaboration, and focus.• Why 2040 serves as a clear planning horizon• AI ubiquity across roles and daily life• gaps between industry needs and school delivery• makerspaces over classrooms for hands-on work• teacher role shifting to mentor and orchestrator• jobs likely to fade and new roles emerging• four habits for teens: reading, tech literacy, events, soft skills• attention, wellbeing, and milestone-based motivation• role modelling and personalised interventions• how Lab of Future partners with schools and studentsIf you want to get in touch with Lab of Future , click this link: https://www.laboffuture.com/Support the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

February 8, 2026Episode 1335 min

From Classroom Teacher to Taaleem CEO: Lessons in Leadership at Scale with Alan Williamson

Send us Fan MailWe trace Alan’s path from rugby pitches and the Boys’ Brigade to classroom leadership and, later, stewarding one of the UAE’s fastest‑growing school groups. Along the way, we unpack Taaleem’s values, retention wins, Harrow’s authentic arrival in the UAE, and a balanced take on basics and AI.• Sport as a gateway to confidence and academic lift• relationships as the fourth R in teaching• shift from military ambition to classroom service• early career in languages and humanities• move to the UAE and founding leadership at King’s• Why multi‑curricula breadth led to Taaleem• growth via PPPs, charter and Dubai Schools• IPO with an education‑first mindset• values of care, respect, and inspiration guiding strategy• teacher retention, PD, and internal pathways• Harrow partnership built on authentic DNA• adapting heritage to UAE culture and policy• balancing core literacy and numeracy with AI• using technology to reduce teacher admin• personal rituals that keep leadership groundedSupport the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

January 24, 2026Episode 1237 min

Carl Hendrick On The Science That Actually Improves Learning

Send us Fan MailWe unpack what actually drives learning, why engagement is a poor proxy for understanding, and how to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment for long-term memory. Carl Hendrick challenges fads, makes a case for explicit instruction and retrieval, and explores where AI can help without doubling the workload.• Defining learning as change in long-term memory• Why learning styles and similar fads fail• Curriculum as the primary lever for improvement• Explicit instruction before independent tasks• retrieval practice that targets hinge knowledge• Aligning curriculum, instruction, assessment• Limits of lesson observations as evidence• Instructional coaching over grading teachers• Smart uses of AI for planning and feedbackPlease hit subscribeCarl will be in the UAE for our Middle East School Leadership Conference on January 29th in Dubai at Al Habtoor Grand Hotel and Resort. www.schoolleadersme.com. Please do register at schoolleadersme.comSupport the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

January 11, 2026Episode 1148 min

Redesigning Schools For A Faster World with Russell John Cailey

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when school moves from vague ideas about “reimagining” to the nuts and bolts of design? We sit down with Russell John Cailey, founder of Elham Studio and former, to map a practical path from traditional classrooms to living, place-based learning that actually works. From 90s Manchester to Hiroshima, Boston, and Botswana, Russell shares the hard-won lessons that turned curiosity into a curriculum architecture schools can implement now.We break down a simple but demanding blueprint: start with clear competences and learning objectives, run a transparent design cycle that students can follow, and capture growth through robust portfolios instead of one-shot tests. This triangle turns projects from theatre into craft and helps schools align inquiry to standards across IB, US credit systems, and even the rigid constraints of GCSE and A-level. We also get honest about “kayfabe” in education—when innovation is a performance—and highlight signals that a programme is the real deal, from authentic community partnerships to visible student work.AI takes centre stage as a tool that should walk beside us and behind us, not in front. Rather than ban it, we explore how to teach the journey to the prompt: scoping problems, structuring prompts, iterating outputs, and deciding what remains human. Paired with portfolios, AI can amplify research, reflection, and agency without outsourcing thinking. For listeners in the Middle East, we talk candidly about why the market keeps opening British schools and where micro schools, studio models, and mastery plus PBL could thrive next. Subscribe for more conversations that turn buzzwords into blueprints, and leave a review to tell us which part of the design triangle your school needs most.Connect with Russell here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-john-cailey/Learn more about his work here: https://www.elham.world/Support the showTeach Middle East Magazine is the premier platform for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools they need to function optimally in and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect and find inspiration, resources, and forums to enhance their teaching techniques, methodologies, and personal development. We connect education suppliers and service providers to the people who make the buying decisions in schools.Visit our website https://linktr.ee/teachmiddleeast.Tweet us: https://twitter.com/teachmiddleeastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/.Hosted by Leisa Grace WilsonConnect with Leisa Grace:Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

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