Rebecca has lived in the UAE for seven years. She comes from a small town in South Yorkshire, England.

Rebecca started her teaching career in 2013 after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a BA (Hons) in Early Years Education. She has held leadership posts in the Early Years for the past four years and fully appreciates, values and understands the learning journey young children are embarking upon.

Early Childhood Education is Rebecca's passion and she considers it a privilege to be involved in a child’s first experiences of school. As an Early Years Specialist she believes that positive relationships sit at the core of a successful and joyful learning experience.

Rebecca creates a child centered learning environment, developing the whole child to feel safe and confident, to explore and take risks. She encourages creativity and inquiry-based learning to support children to become innovators and problem solvers. She aims to set each and every child up for a lifetime of learning, and build a foundation, from which your child can grow and succeed.

Outside of school Rebecca is very family orientated, she enjoys outdoor activities, travel and messy play with her husband and son. Together with the Early Years team, Rebecca looks forward to working closely with BWA students and families on this exciting journey together.

Melanie Mager is originally from South Africa, where she grew up and studied. She has been teaching in the UAE for 8 years where she has also completed a CACHE Early Years course. Her teaching passion lies in creating a learning community where each child feels comfortable, is able to express themselves and their learning, and has a multitude of opportunities to shine.

She loves to travel, play the piano, and takes a keen interest in permaculture and the natural environment. One of the people from whom Melanie takes inspiration is Dr Brad Johnson, who can be quoted as follows: “Every child has genius potential. The key is bringing or drawing out of them their passions, talents, and gifts that make them genius. That should be the process and product of education.

Eileen has been living and teaching in the UAE for the last 16 years and is thrilled to be continuing her journey in education in the UAE with the team at BWA. Eileen comes from Ireland and has been living and teaching in Al Ain.

Eileen holds a Bachelor of Science from Ireland and completed her PGCE in the UK. Her entire adventure in education has been in Early Childhood Education.

Together with her background in Science, she is passionate about inspiring inquiring little minds. “Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson. With this, Eileen believes it is important to nurture play, inquiry, and curiosity.

Eileen has two children and recognises the value in this approach to learning. In her spare time, Eileen loves to read and hopes to ignite a love for reading with our young learners. Eileen enjoys going for walks with her family and seeing new places. Eileen looks forward to meeting the BWA Community and hopes the year ahead brings lots of joy, learning and laughter.

Maria Odeleye is a British national with over 10 years of teaching experience in both the Curriculum for England and the International Baccalaureate. She has lived in the UAE for over 12 years and is looking forward to even more years embracing the sun, sea and sand in a country that has adopted her as one of its own. She is a learning facilitator who is a firm believer in lifelong learning and self-development.

Maria is a fully qualified learning facilitator with a bachelor’s degree from North London University, Masters Degree from the University of Huddersfield, and a PGCE from the University of Nottingham.

Her personal aim is to continue to be an inspirational change facilitator who uses her initiative to make any environment a learning environment, recognising teachable moments and using these instinctively. Her personal inspirational quote is “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” — B.B. King

Conal Gorman is from Ireland, and is passionate about travel, music and food. His favourite place in the world is Mexico due to the amazing food and beaches. Conal has a range of teaching experience in Primary, Secondary and the Special Educational Needs environment.

He has a background in humanities as well as specialising in Early Years Education. Conal has been working for the past three years as a Reception Class Teacher at the British School of Barcelona. Conal believes a child's early years are the foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development. Conal looks forward to moving to Dubaí and being part of building a community within Bloom World Academy

Rachel Smith is a primary teacher who received her education from Ireland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Trinity College in Dublin. She has three years of teaching experience in a large and diverse school in Ireland. Rachel has a passion for education and takes pride in delivering tailored learning experiences for the students in her class.

Her classroom will be a creative and dynamic learning environment in which each child will have the opportunity to blossom and grow at their own pace. She has a passion for yoga, sport and music and believes every child should have the opportunity to share and grow their passions in the classroom. Rachel bases her teaching philosophy on endorsing kindness and inclusivity in every classroom.

She emphasises the importance of treating all as equals and fosters a warm and kind learning environment in which each child feels safe and valued. As Aristotle said, "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all". She is looking forward to meeting her students and guiding their learning at Bloom World Academy.

Jackie Johnson is an Irish teacher from a little village in Cork. Her desire to teach was sparked at a young age. She left home after graduating from university to pursue her ambition of becoming a primary school teacher.

Jackie has been teaching in the United Arab Emirates for the past seven years. She graduated from the University of Sunderland with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and an Early Childhood Education degree from Ireland.

Jackie is committed to teaching pupils to be lifelong learners and to nurturing children's development on both a pastoral and academic level. Teachers, she says, need to create strong relationships and community in order to provide child-centered education. Her interests include; practicing Yoga, hiking, and spending quality time with her family and friends when she is not teaching. 'When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too' - Paulo Coelho

Stéphie Latchan joins the school as a Grade 4 homeroom teacher and holds a Bachelor of Education with 5 years of experience in the education sector. As well as a homeroom teacher, she has previously taught sports, dance and languages, making her adaptable to diverse contexts and learning styles. Born in Mauritius, Stéphie moved to Australia as a young teenager.

Hence, she speaks both English and French fluently. Stéphie believes in creating a positive and inclusive environment where students are able to learn, be happy and feel supported, regardless of their individual needs or backgrounds. Her enthusiastic and collaborative nature enables her to establish good rapport with students, parents and the wider community. Having recently relocated to Dubai in 2022, Stéphie is delighted to continue sharing her passion for learning at Bloom World Academy during its founding year.

Sarah is a passionate educator with 16 years of experience. Sarah has overseen the Mathematics Department at leading schools in Dubai and has been appointed by the International Baccalaureate as a Mathematics Analysis and Approaches consultant, a content author for IBDP digital channels and an IB-examiner for IBDP AI Mathematics. Her philosophy of education is to make a difference in her student's life, knowledge, and skills. Her favourite quote is ''Students also retain knowledge longer when there is an emotional response to learning” (Erickson 2007). This inspired her to implement the first MYP /DP Mathematics inquiry-based exhibition across all MYP and DP classes at her former school.

Sarah has also completed her Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Her passion towards education made her extend her education at the American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she received her Master's Degree in International Education with Curriculum Design as a major. She studied for her PGCE in Developing Mathematical Thinking at the University of Dundee in Scotland. Sarah is currently working towards gaining her CSML from Harvard University. Sarah started her career as a High school IGCSE Mathematics teacher in British schools in Egypt. She then joined the Qatar foundation institution as an IB educator teaching high school extended classes. Her passion towards the International Baccalaureate world made her continue her journey as an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme educator in Dubai. Sarah has been a team leader representing the American International Accreditation Association of Schools and Colleges (AIAASC), promoting school improvement for international schools through accreditation. She has conducted educational workshops, the latest was through Classcipe's teach-meet, where she facilitated a workshop on curriculum review in MYP Mathematics. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading and yoga

Bridgette Doyle comes from Ireland and is an English teacher with 6 years of experience teaching in international schools in the UAE. She holds a B.A in English and History along with a Master’s Degree in post-primary education. Bridgette is a passionate educator who believes education is the key to progressively transforming both the individual and the world around us.

Bridgette uses her positive outlook on life to install confidence in her students and cultivate a dynamic environment in each lesson. Her attitude to life and teaching is simple and can be summed up by Colin Powell “There are no secrets to success.

It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” Bridgette aspires to bring this mantra to her work at BWA as she seeks to ensure that all her students understand the value and benefit of hard work and determination as they pursue their individual goals.

Aside from education, Bridgette’s interests include reading, yoga, health and fitness, painting, horse riding, traveling, politics and current affairs.

Doaa is an experienced school educator with more than 14 years’ experience teaching in international schools in Egypt and Dubai. Doaa has been teaching Arabic as a first and second language as well as Islamic Studies since completing her Bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Islamic Sciences from Cairo University, Egypt in 2007.

Doaa is passionate about teaching and believes that education is not preparation for life but education is life itself. Learning may begin in the classroom, but it certainly doesn’t end there. Teachers set up the foundations for the road ahead by inspiring students to learn wherever life may take them.

Outside of work Doaa likes to read, cook and spend time with family and friend

Soha Elokda is an Arabic second language teacher from Egypt. Soha enjoys working with children and helping them reach for their dreams through their education. Soha holds a diploma in education with a major in Arabic language. Soha has been teaching for the past 18 years, with 5 years experience in Egypt and 13 years in Dubai. Soha enjoys being outdoors, cycling, hiking and travelling.

Kholoud is a professionally qualified educational bilingual leader with more than thirteen years of experience in teaching and leadership. Kholoud was born and raised in Dubai, she is an artist by education and has achieved M-Ed. from the American University in Dubai (AUD), in addition to a Higher Diploma in Education from the same university. 

Kholoud has worked closely with international educational faculties where she assisted in implementing and reviewing many innovative projects such “Artful thinking,” “Design Thinking” and Project Zero with Harvard University. 

Prior to Kholoud’s appointment as a Head of Art at Bloom World Academy, she worked for thirteen years as a Head of Arts, Preforming Arts as well as an Innovation Leader (from K-12) for several premium schools in Dubai, where she has raised students' artistic and innovation skills to outstanding levels. 

Kholoud has an ethos for ensuring that every child is provided with outstanding opportunities to participate in Art and creative activities. As a head of the Art Department, Kholoud will provide students with a wealth of opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity. Other than education, Kholoud is a designer and contemporary artist, she spends her free time reading, painting, and supporting special needs students through art. Kholoud believes that “Art is a place for children to learn how to trust their ideas, themselves, and to explore what is possible." This is something that she is looking forward to implementing at BWA.

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world” Angelina Steinberg is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher of the German language. She holds a dual Master's Degree in German Language and Literature Studies as well as Communication Science from the University of Essen (Germany).

Angelina strongly believes that, through the right approach towards the learners and understanding the needs of the students, a teacher will always succeed in helping the individuals to develop new skills. During the last two years Angelina has taught German A and B courses across different grades at IB international schools in Dubai, where she guided grade 10 students through their MYP on-screen examination, as well as grade 12 for their final IB Diploma exams. Angelina is originally from Georgia. After graduating in Germany and moving to Dubai in 2007, she began to explore teaching at Eton Institute.

Moving to the position of Head of the German Department, gave her the opportunity to influence and develop the curriculum of German studies based on the internationally recognised CEFR (Common European Framework of References) for Languages and to help students achieve their goals efficiently. Beside teaching, Angelina is a devoted yoga practitioner, she has been a Hatha and Yin Yoga certified instructor since 2015. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and exploring nature around the world

Ilham Najibi knew she wanted to be a language teacher from an early age. Languages have been her life passion. Throughout middle school and high school, Ilham pursued many outlets to develop her linguistic skills as an educator through a variety of schoolsbased volunteer opportunities, as well as spending many summers taking numerous courses to learn new languages in her hometown Marrakech, Morocco. Her educational degrees include a Bachelor’s Degree in English and French literature and a Master’s Degree in Linguistics from Cadi Ayyad University. After graduating and mastering five languages, Ilham moved to the UAE in 2012 to start her journey as a language teacher. During the last 10 years, Ilham has taught in different International, American and British schools, gaining a wide knowledge and experience in different curricula. Currently Ilham is an IGCSE, IB French/Spanish teacher & examiner and DELF examiner with L’alliance Française, The French Ministry of Education. As Frank Smith says: “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” Ilham’s work is rooted in the belief that learning a new language is the key to any new culture or new world. Her goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, difference, practice, principles and kindness. Committed to sharing her passion for teaching new languages and being a mother of 3 little kids, Ilham is passionate to work with children of different ages. She has also undertaken roles including Head of year 9,10 and 11 as well as careers advisor for Year 12 and 13. Having worked on both the academic and pastoral sides of education, Ilham is looking forward to combining these in her new role of teaching in BWA

Jason Adams is an experienced educator with over eleven years of experience teaching with the last six being within the IB framework. Jason completed his BA in History followed by a MEd in Education from the University of Georgia, USA. After briefly working in corporate America, he returned to the classroom. He is certified to teach Middle School Social Studies, Language Arts, and High School History in the US. He has also completed several IB workshops including MYP I&S, DP History, DP Business Management and Inquiry. Jason has served as a middle leader and teacher in the USA, Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE for the last three years. He has served as Head of Year, Service as Action Coordinator, and Head of Department. He is also an IB MYP e-Assessment examiner for I&S, IDU, and the Personal Project. Jason has also been a Global Issues Network supervisor, Model United Nations supervisor, served on Academic Honour Committees, and has coached girl’s and boy’s football. He is currently working towards earning an Educational Leadership Certificate from the US, seeking his High School English Teacher certification, and is in the process to become an IB MYP I&S Workshop Leader. Jason believes in the importance of building strong relationships through transparency and equity in order to enhance the learning and skills building necessary to succeed in the IB programme. 

Rosa Mendoza completed her Bachelor´s Degree in Music at the University of Havana, Cuba. She has completed her accreditation as a teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language from the well-known Cervantes institute in Salamanca, Spain.  

Rosa has been teaching in the UAE for the past eight years bringing to different school’s individual instrumental lessons as: Piano, Voice, Oboe, Saxophone, Theory, Ukulele and group lessons for different ages. 

Rosa Mendoza has been an active member of music festivals and community orchestras in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Her diverse musical background includes Samba ensembles, Woodwind Quartets, Latin music, African Drumming, and European Folk ensembles. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sports, learning France, and exploring UAE's heritage.

Rosa Mendoza completed her Bachelor´s Degree in Music at the University of Havana, Cuba. She has completed her accreditation as a teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language from the well-known Cervantes institute in Salamanca, Spain.  

Rosa has been teaching in the UAE for the past eight years bringing to different school’s individual instrumental lessons as: Piano, Voice, Oboe, Saxophone, Theory, Ukulele and group lessons for different ages. 

Rosa Mendoza has been an active member of music festivals and community orchestras in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Her diverse musical background includes Samba ensembles, Woodwind Quartets, Latin music, African Drumming, and European Folk ensembles. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sports, learning France, and exploring UAE's heritage.

Samuel Baldwin is a British National who was educated in the UK, obtaining a degree in Psychology and Sports Science from the University of Liverpool. Samuel has been living in Dubai for one year and has taught in England, Thailand and Italy over the past fifteen years. Samuel’s teaching experience includes teaching all forms of PE from Core PE to A-Level, as well as coaching top performers in a variety of sports including Cricket, Football, Badminton, Athletics, Swimming and Basketball.

Samuel is a very keen sportsman, playing football and golf regularly. Samuel is a keen photographer and traveller, always trying to experience and see new things. 

“A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” Mary Lou Retton (American Gymnast). What sums up school sport for Samuel is winning isn't everything; having fun, learning something and taking part to best of your ability are the most important attributes. 

Stephen has been teaching for the last twenty-eight years, with the last three years in the UAE. He was educated at Dover Grammar School and studied at Liverpool and Newcastle Universities. He taught in Newcastle upon Tyne for twenty-one years. During his time, Stephen has served as a Head of Year, Head of Humanities and Head of Careers. From 2014 to 2019 he, taught near London and was Head of History, Head of Careers and a Data Manager. Since 2019, he has been Head of History at a school in Al Ain. Apart from teaching he has worked in the Merchant Navy, as well as on a farm in Queensland, Australia. Stephen’s hobbies include travel, sport (especially Football, Cricket and Rugby) and reading. A message that he continually repeats to students is “Aim high, be respectful and never give up.”

Nicholas holds a B.Des (Hons) in Product Design & Digital modelling and a PGCE specialising in Design and Technology from John Moores University in Liverpool, England. Nicholas has taught Design and Technology for the past eighteen years and has held many different roles teaching the British Curriculum and has also successfully taught the IB curriculum at Diploma level.  Prior to working at Bloom World Academy, Nicholas has led various successful Design and Technology departments in the Northwest of England. A passion of his is to integrate modern technologies such as CAD and CAM into his schemes of learning but to also embrace more traditional craft and manufacturing skills, in order for students to produce successful real-world outcomes. Nicholas is passionate about sustainability and encourages his students to develop outcomes that have a positive influence on the environment.

Nithya Sankaran is a seasoned Digital Design/ IT teacher from India and has been living in Dubai for over fourteen years. She completed her Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas, Arlington. 

Having worked for corporates like Citigroup and Wells Fargo, she made the move to teaching eight years ago. She enjoys teaching and is passionate about technology. Nithya is a trained Indian classical dancer and has performed across countries in both classical and contemporary dance productions. Nithya will be based in our Lumos Innovation Centre and is excited to meet the BWA founding students for 2022/23.

“The right attitude can elevate every learning experience” 

Niveen Muhammad is an Islamic Education teacher who was born in Dubai. Niveen has thirteen years of experience as an Islamic teacher at various international schools in Dubai. Niveen holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Islamic studies and can memorise the Q’uran. Niveen’s classroom is a place where children are free to express themselves and explore the world around them. Niveen’s teaching philosophy is one based on mutual respect between teachers and pupils working together to achieve an individuals' potential and strive for success. Niveen loves travelling and exposing herself to new cultures and connecting with the world. 

Faridah Merchant holds a Master’s in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) from the University  of Birmingham and has extensive experience in the field of Special Education and Inclusion. Originally from India, Faridah has lived in Dubai for over 38 years. She brings a comprehensive knowledge base and understanding of working with students with various learning differences such as ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Cerebral Palsy and Downs Syndrome. She believes in delivering a child-centered needs-based approach to teaching and learning that enhances specific skills and enables student independence. Faridah immensely values parental involvement and supports strong partnerships between parents and teachers. She is a strong advocate of using positive behavior strategies and differentiation in the curriculum to make classrooms an inclusive learning environment. Her attitude to teaching is if children can’t learn the way we teach, then we should teach the way they learn.

Faridah enjoys leading groups of hiking enthusiasts on weekends to discover the beautiful hiking trails in the UAE.  An avid hiker herself, Faridah loves the mountains. She feels that experiences when shared create beautiful connections.

Connie was born in Sydney, Australia, and graduated from Macquarie University in New South Wales with a Bachelors in Primary Education and a Bachelor of Arts,  majoring in Music. Connie has a great passion for both music and student well-being and believes these are areas she can bring great energy and expertise to.

Connie’s experience includes teaching from Kindergarten all the way to through to Year 6 in Sydney, Australia. She wants to continue supporting students in reaching their full potential, encourage their creative thinking, and find enjoyment in learning which she is convinced she can effectively achieve at Bloom World Academy. Connie looks forward  looking forward to teaching the our Junior school students and embarking on a new journey teaching at Bloom World Academy, Dubai

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Amelia comes from Staffordshire, England and is a Science teacher with seven years of experience.  She holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Materials Science Degree from the University of Birmingham. Amelia strongly believes that making connections and building relationships is key to outstanding progress and mutual respect is essential for effective learning to take place. Her interests and hobbies are hiking, swimming and training her dog for agility competitions. Through this, Amelia has learned that passion, drive and determination are important qualities to have in order to reach your goals. Amelia has been in Dubai for 2 years and is a lifelong vegetarian and enjoys the variety of foods available in the UAE. Something that not many people know about Amelia is that she loves sewing and doing Sudoku puzzles to relax. Amelia tells her students, “Always do your best, I can’t ask for more than that” as this is what her mother says to her. Amelia enjoys seeing her students making progress and developing a lifelong love for learning.