Leaders in Education Conference

Cultivating an environment that nurtures innovation at every level is essential for every educational organisation that wants to thrive. Discover how to foster a mindset that embraces risk, encourages collaboration, and rewards creative thinking. Explore 8 pillars for effective innovation in any organisation to build a resilient culture that not only adapts to change but drives it, inspiring teams to push the boundaries of what's possible. Ideal for educators, leaders and change-makers looking to spearhead innovation and inspire continuous growth.

Language : English

Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching

Building sustainable leadership pipelines is essential for ensuring long-term success and resilience in schools but education faces challenges like leadership turnover and increasing complexity. Developing leadership pipelines involves identifying talent early, providing structured professional development, creating clear career pathways, and embedding equity. Current leaders play a vital role in mentoring and inspiring future leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. At Misk Schools, valuable experience has been gained in implementing leadership development programmes, including mentorship schemes, professional coaching, and practical leadership training projects. These insights will be shared and attendees will workshop actionable strategies, such as how to identify potential leaders among educators, design professional growth pathways, and create a supportive culture for emerging leaders.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

In this presentation, we will explore the journey of alignment and continuous improvement at Alforsan International Schools. We will begin by providing a history of our alignment process, understanding its origins, and how it has laid the foundation for consistent academic improvement. Following this, we will introduce the Alforsan Improvement Cycle, a structured framework designed to drive ongoing growth and address key challenges. Through detailed case studies, we will break down each step of the improvement cycle, showcasing real-world applications and successes within our schools. Finally, we will equip you with the skills to apply this framework universally, enabling you to adapt it to your own contexts and address assessments, challenges, and broader academic goals effectively.

Language : English

Topic : Curriculum

Ever wanted to make your wildest leadership dream happen ...in fact, make it a reality whilst the world is watching? An exploration  (so far!) of leadership opportunities beyond the boundaries of everything that most of us know or have ever imagined. From leading in a brand new giga city ... opening brand new schools and building on from first 'Proof of Concept' schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

This presentation empowers educators to embrace their roles as educational disruptors—innovators committed to challenging outdated practices and reshaping education to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Attendees will explore the core principles of the educational disruption movement, a global call for equity, innovation, and learner-centered practices that prioritize student agency, creativity, and real-world relevance. Through stories of impactful disruptions, practical strategies, and an inspiring call to action, this session challenges participants to disrupt the status quo, rethink traditional systems, and lead transformative change in their schools and communities. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable steps to join this vital movement, fostering environments where every student thrives, and education evolves to shape a better future.

Language : English

Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching

As national government strategies place more and more emphasis on empowering and educating their indigenous populations across the GCC, international schools are seeking to become more inclusive and cater for children of a wider range of academic abilities. This session explores how inclusive education is evolving in the GCC, what it truly looks like in practice at Blenheim Schools' flagship inclusive international school - Beech Hall School Riyadh - and how schools can move from well-meaning platitudes to meaningful, measurable impact for all learners.

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

Language : English

Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

In SEL That Works: Building a Contextualized Program That Fits Your Community, school leaders, counselors, and faculty will engage in a hands-on workshop designed to create a meaningful, adaptable SEL program tailored to their schools unique needs. Participants will explore strategies for aligning SEL initiatives with their school culture, student demographics, and community values. Through collaborative discussions, case studies, and actionable planning, attendees will leave with a clear framework for developing an SEL approach that is both impactful and sustainable. Whether starting from scratch or refining an existing program, this workshop will provide the tools and insights needed to foster a thriving SEL environment.

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

In this talk, Dr Helen Wright, former Head and now executive coach and consultant to schools across the world, will draw on her experience of coaching leaders in schools across the world to explore what really works in focusing staff wellbeing. She will seek to ignite ideas and insights and emphasise the importance of wellbeing starting with the individual, before the systems and structures needed to evolve in school can take root.

Language : English

Topic : Wellbeing

In this keynote session, Tracey will explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence (EI)  a vital component in the workplace, especially in educational settings, where teachers face unique challenges and stresses. We will discuss how cultivating EI can lead to improved conflict resolution, stronger relationships, and a more positive school culture, ultimately empowering teachers to thrive in their roles and positively impact their students’ learning experiences. Join us as we uncover how prioritising emotional intelligence can support the educational landscape!

Language : English

Topic : Recruitment and Development

In this session, we will explore the concept of Immunity to Change, which refers to the hidden resistance that can prevent both leaders and staff from embracing new practices. We’ll dive into why this resistance exists and, more importantly, how to break through it! You’ll walk away with practical strategies to help your team thrive during change, encourage growth, and build a culture of continuous improvement. These takeaways will provide you with insights and tools to support your leadership through resistance and make progress toward sustainable, transformative change in your school.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

Think Again: Overcoming Unconscious Bias in Schools is an interactive workshop aimed at helping educators recognise and address unconscious bias in the classroom. Participants explore how bias affects teaching, learning, and student outcomes, particularly in areas like behaviour, curriculum representation, and disciplinary practices. The session includes real-world case studies, strategies for reducing bias (such as culturally responsive teaching and bias-aware assessment), and tools for fostering inclusive school cultures. Educators leave with practical strategies to mitigate bias, create equitable learning environments, and develop personalised action plans to continue their growth in promoting inclusion. The workshop encourages ongoing self-reflection, dialogue, and professional development to support all students’ success.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

Every teacher’s goal is to inspire their students and ensure that all of them make progress. My session will focus on a few simple tweaks that can help you take the next steps. Cian Salleh Matta Vice Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Riyadh Schools

Language : English

Topic : Recruitment and Development

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

In this talk we will review the current global evidence on school improvement and effectiveness. The discussion focuses on the critical relationships between learning, teaching, leadership and government policy.  It will signpost participants to a wide range of reading materials that they may wish to access.  We will also explore what that latest evidence from the science of learning is pointing us to and the central importance of considering cognitive architecture at school and policy levels.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

Through this talk, we will explore something at the core of every successful classroom: effective communication. Teaching is more than just delivering content—it’s about connecting, inspiring, and guiding students toward their full potential. As teachers are leaders in their classrooms, the way they communicate shapes students' learning experiences and overall success. In an age where AI and chatbots assist in communication, softening the tones of emails and helping us interact, I firmly believe that human connections and effective communication remain essential in overcoming educational challenges. Our motivation is often driven by our achievements—imagine how discouraging it would be to fail simply because instructions were unclear. This talk is based on a quantitative research study grounded in Austin's Speech Act Theory (1962) and highlights the positive impact of clear, empathetic, and effective communication on students' performance.

Language : English

Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching

In this session, Dr Helen Wright, former Principal and now executive coach and consultant to schools across the world, will draw on her experience of coaching leaders in schools across the world to explore what coaching is really like in practice, why leaders and teachers should have a coach, and what they will gain from the relationship.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

Language : English

AI is already reshaping schools, but are leaders adapting in the right way? In this eye-opening session, discover how purposeful, self-aware leadership can become your greatest advantage in an AI-driven world. Explore how to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact without losing what makes leadership deeply human.

Language : English

Topic : VR / AI / Robotics

Leadership starts from within. Over the past decade, working in Saudi Arabia and the U.S, I’ve learned that before we lead others, we must lead ourselves. Self-leadership means being self-aware, committed to growth, and emotionally intelligent. It’s about setting clear goals, managing priorities, and leading by example. Resilience and adaptability are also crucial to face challenges and inspire others. Equally important is knowing what kind of leader not to be. Avoid being authoritarian; leaders who lead by fear harm trust and collaboration. Don’t be inauthentic; people respect leaders who act with integrity and transparency. Lastly, never be non-inclusive; great leaders embrace diversity and fairness. By focusing on self-leadership and avoiding these pitfalls, we can inspire and lead effectively, making a positive impact wherever we are.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

Transforming Minds: The Role of Deep Learning in Vision 2030" explores how innovative educational strategies can redefine learning experiences to prepare students for the future. This session emphasizes the power of deep learning to address complex challenges, foster critical thinking, and develop global competencies such as citizenship, creativity, and collaboration. Participants will engage with thought-provoking concepts, including transitioning from teacher-driven to student-led learning, integrating real-world problem-solving, and cultivating meaningful connections among students, teachers, and communities.

Through interactive activities and reflective discussions, this presentation aligns deep learning practices with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, inspiring educators to reimagine classrooms as dynamic spaces for creativity, innovation, and growth. Whether you're an educator or policymaker,

Language : English

Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching

This workshop focuses on guiding employees on how to transition from being an ordinary employee to a professional by acquiring high-performance skills and adhering to professionalism standards in the workplace. It will address strategies for self-development and enhancing personal and professional skills, contributing to improved performance, increased efficiency, and creativity.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

Public speaking and leadership are fundamentally connected, as both are centered on communication, influence, and vision. Effective leaders rely on strong public speaking skills to articulate their ideas, inspire action, and build credibility. Through compelling speeches and presentations, leaders motivate teams, drive change, and foster a shared sense of purpose. Public speaking enhances a leaders ability to convey their message with clarity and conviction, making it a vital tool for successful leadership. In essence, mastering public speaking is key to becoming an influential and impactful leader, capable of guiding others towards achieving common goals.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

Based on the work of Peps McCrea (2018) / will talk through how research can accelerate our practice to maximise students outcomes. We will explore what is expert teaching and how it might look when captured in a classroom?

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

Provide educators with actionable strategies to support children as they transition into higher education and prepare for life beyond the classroom. The talk could include: - Building Academic Foundations - Emotional Resilience - Practical Skills for Independence - Future-Focused Perspectives

Language : English

Topic : Higher Education / Vocational

Language : English