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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 compelling journey, revealing the motivations that brought her to Abu Dhabi in 2015, including the quest for financial stability and a safer environment for her children. Discover the numerous benefits of living in the UAE, from enhanced safety and financial freedom to rich cultural diversity. Hazel also reflects on her love for South Africa and her dreams of retiring in Durban while emphasising her dedication to inspiring others within the education sector.

Explore the theme of future school leader succession planning, as Hazel highlights the importance of early identification of leadership qualities and investing in current staff for sustained business continuity. She discusses her philosophy on trust, delegation, and turning failures into valuable learning experiences. On a lighter note, Hazel shares her passion for cooking, favourite recipes, and kitchen routines set to 80s music.

We also delve into her travel dreams, from magical moments in the Serengeti to aspirations for future trips to Greece and Egypt. Hazel wraps up with a heartfelt message to educators and parents, encouraging perseverance and community support throughout the school year and promising rejuvenation during the summer break. Tune in to be inspired by Hazel’s incredible journey and insights.

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.

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Hosted by Leisa Grace Wilson

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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, including her impactful tenure in the UK and the hurdles and triumphs along the way.

Leadership, as Albie sees it, is about relationships, teamwork, and a commitment to growth and well-being. Reflecting on her transition from GEMS Cambridge in Sharjah to Masdar City, she highlights the importance of fairness, respect, and resilience in fostering an excellent learning environment for students, teachers, and parents.

Albie also candidly addresses the challenges of navigating the educational landscape in the UAE, balancing personal and professional life, and her unique experience of being married to another principal. Discover her vision for academic excellence and building a supportive community with a diverse team of teachers. Tune in to hear Albie's plans for making top-tier education accessible and her ambitious goals for the new school in Masdar City.

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/

Send us a Text Message.

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 episode, they uncover key strategies for continuous teacher development that align with both personal and professional aspirations, creating a vibrant and effective learning environment for students. Matt shares his insights on guiding teachers toward focused, bite-sized professional learning, providing relevant information without overwhelming them.

Reflecting on her own journey as a novice teacher and in leadership roles, Leisa highlights the trials and triumphs of teacher training, from ineffective, unguided observations to the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all assessment strategies. Together, they emphasise the necessity of tailored, consultative approaches, ongoing support, and follow-up. They delve into whole-staff inset sessions and the importance of actions taken afterwards, offering practical steps for integrating professional development into a school’s structured plan.

Finally, they tackle the often overlooked aspect of teacher self-care and personal development, advocating for a balanced approach that enriches professional skills and personal growth. Packed with inspiration and practical strategies, this episode will transform your approach to teacher development. Tune in and be inspired!

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/