In this episode, Alex is joined by two fellow Dubai educators — Drew Owen and Bodrris Jir — to kick off Season 4 of The International Classroom Podcast. From induction week highs and lows to the new Dubai school calendar, the conversation dives into what teaching life in the UAE really looks like.
Together, they reflect on what makes a good induction, the realities behind those viral Facebook teacher posts, and how schools balance leadership expectations with teacher well-being. As both teachers and parents in Dubai, they also share the challenges of navigating new roles, raising young families, and adapting to big policy changes that impact classrooms across the region.
This episode is honest, unfiltered, and full of real-life stories that capture the spirit of international teaching in Dubai today.
Key Takeaways
Induction Week Reality: Why striking a balance between information overload and purposeful preparation matters.
The Dubai School Calendar Shift: What a four-week winter break really means for teachers, students, and families.
Teacher Life in the UAE: From setting up classrooms to marking loads, how educators adapt year after year.
Leadership vs. Teaching: The hidden workload of middle and senior leadership — and the surprising joy of lesson planning.
Parent–Teacher Perspective: When your own children are starting school in Dubai, the professional and personal worlds collide.
The Importance of Community: How strong teacher friendships sustain resilience through challenges like COVID and beyond.
Best Moments
“If those induction sessions were graded as lessons, how many would really be outstanding?”
“Dubai announced the calendar on social media before schools got the memo — imagine the chaos for families already booking flights.”
“Teachers love their subject. But at the end of the day, it’s the students — and the community — that keep us here.”
“You wouldn’t think he runs one of the biggest education podcasts in Dubai… he still can’t get his microphone working.”
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