Teach Middle East Podcast

Teach Middle East

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!

  1. How International Teachers Can Build Real Wealth With Andrew Hallam

    3d ago

    How International Teachers Can Build Real Wealth With Andrew Hallam

    Send us Fan Mail A higher salary abroad can hide a brutal truth: many international teachers quietly fall behind on retirement cash flow. We unpack why with former teacher and financial educator Andrew Hallam, author of The Millionaire Expat, Millionaire Teacher, and Balance. From missing defined-benefit pension years to overestimating what “saving” can do against inflation, we talk honestly about the risks expats in the UAE and the wider Middle East face and what to do before another year slips by. We get practical about retirement planning for expats: how to work backwards to your real number, how to factor in state pension or Social Security forecasts, and why there is no universal target that fits everyone.  Andrew explains how lifestyle creep and “expatitis” can sabotage even good intentions, and why tracking spending is the lowest-effort habit with the biggest payoff. Bio: Andrew Hallam is a financial author, educator and speaker who taught high school and middle school English, as well as Personal Finance.  We are helping Andrew raise funds for the Al Jalila Foundation as he cycles across Europe. Please donate here: https://www.hopasports.com/en/andrewhallam Support the show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

    56 min
  2. How To Build Metacognition Into Everyday Teaching With Nathan Burns

    Jun 21

    How To Build Metacognition Into Everyday Teaching With Nathan Burns

    Send us Fan Mail Leisa Grace sits down with Nathan Burns, “Mr Metacognition”, to clarify what metacognition really is and why it improves attainment when it is taught deliberately and embedded across school life. We explore how leaders can move beyond vague “thinking about thinking” to build independent, resilient learners through curriculum, routines and staff development.  • Metacognition as planning, monitoring and evaluating learning  • Challenging information and checking ideas against prior knowledge  • Why research support is worldwide and linked to attainment  • Why teacher training and accountability can miss explicit metacognition  • Avoiding bolt on approaches and making it part of modelling, questioning and feedback  • What a metacognitive school looks like for all staff roles  • Designing staff training that starts with what is already working  • Evaluating impact at department or whole school level  • Using Perkins’ levels, surveys and stakeholder feedback carefully  • What gains schools see first in student resilience and better questions  “Drop Mr. Metacognition into any good search engine or pop Nathan Burns into social media, especially LinkedIn, um, and you will find me there.”  Purchase Nathan's Books here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Nathan-Burns/author/B0BQZ5N6FN?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Support the show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

    30 min
  3. Teaching in Dubai: The Reality Check With Adrianna Rose

    Jun 7

    Teaching in Dubai: The Reality Check With Adrianna Rose

    Send us Fan Mail We 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=qr Link to Adrinna's book: https://www.amazon.ae/I-Take-Up-Space-Too/dp/1917846819/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Support the show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

    21 min
  4. What Does the Data Miss? Seeing the Whole Child with Matthew Savage

    May 31

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

    Send us Fan Mail Matthew 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 show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

    40 min
  5. AI That Works In Real Classrooms With Stephanie Holt

    May 17

    AI That Works In Real Classrooms With Stephanie Holt

    Send us Fan Mail We 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-assessments Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/AI-Learning-Assessments-Unlocking-Mastery/dp/B0F3DH6KTP Support the show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

    42 min
  6. How To Build Resilient Teams Under Pressure With Neal Oates

    Apr 26

    How To Build Resilient Teams Under Pressure With Neal Oates

    Send us Fan Mail We 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 show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

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

    Mar 22

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

    Send us Fan Mail We 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 show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

    40 min
  8. Culture, Connection and School Leadership with Mike Gilmour

    Mar 2

    Culture, Connection and School Leadership with Mike Gilmour

    Send us Fan Mail We 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 remains Support the show Teach 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/teachmiddleeast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmiddleeast/. Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson Connect with Leisa Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leisagrace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

    30 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Teach Middle East
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Teach Middle East Podcast
  • Show Website
    Teach Middle East Podcast