10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Shahad Obaid
Assistant Head - Student Experience and Progress (Primary) - Beech Hall School Riyadh
My name is Shahad Obaid. I identify as an educator by choice, and proudly so. My journey into education wasn’t as straightforward as most. I actually got my bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, but my life and purpose had other plans. It wasn’t long before I realized that my passion was in the classroom rather than the clinics. That led to me earning my Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and I am soon hoping to earn my Master’s in Education and Leadership to deepen my impact and continue learning.
At the root of my education practice is my true commitment to inclusion. I pride myself on being an advocate for inclusive education. I believe as educators it is our duty to try to ensure that every child has access to high-quality and meaningful learning experiences. This cause is one that is near and dear to my heart, as I am a mom of a brilliant, bold boy with ASD who inspires me every day to champion equity in education.
Outside the classroom, I’m a certified yoga instructor with credentials recognized by Yoga Alliance. I am huge on mindfulness, wellbeing, and the magic of slowing down. I try to bring these practices into both my personal life and teaching career. I value creating space for wellness in all areas of life.
To add to the many faces of this curious, creative Gemini, I always like to try something new, whether it’s a new venture, a course, or a quirky DIY project.
Lifelong learning isn’t just something I teach in the classroom, it's how I live.
Speaker Sessions
Sustainability & Wellbeing
1610
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Walking the Line: Between a Passionate Mother, Inclusion Advocate, and a Well-Meaning Educator
Session Summary:
This talk will be mostly around the my personal journey of navigating the education system as teacher and a mother with a child with ASD and an advocate for inclusive education. I will explore the unique challenges and the dual roles and responsibilities of working with the system as teacher while also advocating for my child with ASD and other neurodiverse children like him.
Through honest reflection, from real life experience. I’ll speak about the moments of frustration many parents feel when faced with the limitations. Even when well-meaning intentions are there there is some areas of disconnect to address. I will address how being an educator gives me a unique insight to understanding the system from within and how this perspective has shaped the way I support, speak up and push for better practices. I will share my humble top tips which is drawn from both roles of a parent and an educator that have helped me to advocate and teach while most importantly keeping the children at the center of it all.
This talk will be ideal for anyone who is interested in the power of a different perspective how personal experience can inform and transform professional practice.
Speakers:
Shahad Obaid
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Assistant Head - Student Experience and Progress (Primary) - Beech Hall School Riyadh
Categories:
Special Education Needs (SEN)
Wellbeing and Mental Health
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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