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
120 episodes
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 14
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24:47
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 13
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23:02
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 12
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27:42
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 11
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42:43
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 10
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42:59
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 ...
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Season 5
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Episode 9
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31:25
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 14
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49:41
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 13
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34:09
From Pharmacy to School Leadership: A Conversation with Gillian Hammond
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 ...
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Season 5
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Episode 12
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37:07
Reflections on Growth and Resilience With Leisa Grace Wilson
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 exp...
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Season 5
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Episode 11
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33:04
Navigating Education's Challenges and Triumphs With Sam Welbeck
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 ...
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Season 5
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Episode 10
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45:54
Fostering Positive Education and Well-Being: Insights with Katrina Mankani
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 ed...
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Season 5
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Episode 9
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27:55
Rhyming Science: How Matt Green Uses Rap To Make Learning Fun
What can a hip-hop beat teach you about photosynthesis? Join us as we uncover the story of Matt Green, the rapping science teacher whose educational rhymes are taking classrooms by storm. Matt combines his passion for science and his love for m...
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Season 5
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Episode 8
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17:58
AI's Role and Impact in Schools with Darren Coxon
Are you curious about transforming your approach to education with AI? In this episode, we sit down with Darren Coxon, who shares his journey from teaching English literature to becoming a pioneer in artificial intelligence for schools. Darren'...
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Season 5
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Episode 7
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31:22
Global Lessons from Dr. Saima Rana on Inclusivity, Leadership and Giving
Dr Saima Rana, CEO and Principal of GEMS World Academy, Dubai, and Deputy CEO of GEMS Education Global, shares her remarkable journey from a spirited upbringing in West London to leading global educational initiatives. Rooted in values from her...
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Season 5
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Episode 6
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54:41
Why School Leaders Must Rethink Mentorship and Self-Care With Nadine Powrie
In this episode, Nadine Powrie shares her journey from a French assistant to a leader in some of the UK's most challenging schools. Drawing on experiences from New Zealand and Australia, she discusses how research, collaboration, and continuous...
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Season 5
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Episode 5
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45:05
A New Approach to School Inspections: Insights From Amanda Spielman
In this episode, Amanda Spielman joins us to discuss a new, supportive approach to school inspections. We dive into how inspections can be reframed to help schools grow and improve rather than focusing solely on punitive measures. Amanda shares...
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Season 5
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Episode 4
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22:56
Empowering Women Leaders in Education: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
Are 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 tak...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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34:24
Balancing School Leadership and Family With Patrick Affley
Ever wonder how to navigate the world of international education while managing a busy family life abroad? In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Affley, Director of Ajman Academy, to uncover just that. Starting as a sports teacher in the UK...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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40:44
Navigating Change and Preparing Future Leaders With Mark Leppard MBE
In this insightful episode, we welcome Mark Leppard MBE back as he shares his transformative leadership journey. Mark delves into how the pandemic reshaped his outlook on life and work, fostering a deeper sense of empathy, toleranc...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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42:18
Balancing Tech, Arts, and Personal Growth at Dubai American Academy with Justin Reynolds Ed.D.
Sit back and join us for an inspiring discussion with Justin Reynolds, the principal of Dubai American Academy. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from his mother's teaching legacy to his early involvement in drug pre...
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Season 4
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Episode 30
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24:04
Adapting and Thriving in the Digital Classroom With Philippa Wraithmell
Join us for an engaging discussion with Philippa Wraithmell, founder of Edruption Education. From a teenager in Nottingham to a trailblazer in educational technology, Philippa's journey is remarkable. She shares how her father's inclusive value...
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Season 4
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Episode 29
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46:11
Empowering Future Leaders: Insights from Hazel Govender
What does it take to navigate the path from apartheid-era South Africa to becoming a school leader in UAE education? Join us as we sit down with Hazel Govender, Principal of GEMS Cambridge International School in Abu Dhabi. Hazel shares her com...
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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27:31
Leading with Heart: Albie Huyser's Journey in Education
Meet Albie Huyser, the new principal of GEMS Founders School in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Albie shares her inspiring journey from rural South Africa to becoming a prominent educational leader in the UAE. She discusses her global teaching career, ...
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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32:32
Strategies for Continuous Professional Development With Matt Tiplin
Have 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 epis...
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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29:55
