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MENA Region Success

The MENA education sector: A blueprint for success

We're pleased to announce this latest webinar featuring expert speakers who will share key insight and market data from the MENA education sector to help better inform your business decisions.

Taking place on Wednesday 14 July, 14:00 BST / UK, and in association with ISC Research, the discussion is designed to give companies providing educational supplies and solutions valuable insight into the MENA region's education sector. Find out key trends, market data and intelligence from ISC Research to help better inform your business decisions. You’ll also hear first-hand from experienced education consultants about their experiences working with schools in the market and find out from a school leader about the key takeouts from the past 18 months and the latest trends and shifts in priorities with regards to procuring educational resources. During the webinar you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and have access to an exclusive International Schools Market in the MENA Region report.

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The panel will include:

Chairperson: Diane Glass - Commercial Director, ISC Research

Diane Glass is Commercial Director and part of the Senior Management Team at ISC Research. Diane has been with ISC Research for many years and leads a team supporting education suppliers and higher education establishments that want to better understand the international schools market and how to develop business and successful relationships with international schools. Diane has over 20 years of global business consultancy and development experience and 9 years with ISC Research. She plays an integral role in the production of the ISC Research specialist reports which include the Wellbeing and Higher Education Reports. ISC Research is the leading provider of data and intelligence on the world’s English-medium K-12 international schools market. The company produces independent, primary-sourced market data, and also supplies trends and intelligence to inform school and business investment and development within this booming education sector. Products and services include a database platform and a comprehensive range of reports and data services. ISC Research was established in 1994 and has specialised in the international education sector since then.

George DeBakey - President, DeBakey International

George T. DeBakey has been involved in international business for 40 years in the private and public sector. Mr. DeBakey assists educational technology firms to expand and develop their business in the Middle East and other regions. Major focus in the education sector includes K-12 schools (mainly international schools) in the Middle East, Ministries of Education, and universities. He is involved in areas of Arabic language products, game-based learning, educational technology, languages, eBooks, reading, literacy, science, math, STEM programs, special needs, professional development programs and online courses. He has worked with firms from the U.S., UK, Australia, Estonia and the Middle East. George has attended the GESS event for the past seven years and has assisted firms to exhibit and participate in the program and develop business opportunities and partnerships.

Jim Stearns - Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary, Victoria International School of Sharjah

Jim has been Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School at VISS since August 2014. VISS is a collaboration between the Government of Sharjah and Victoria, Australia and is Australian Curriculum K-10 and then International Baccalaureate. Jim has taught in a number of UK state and independent schools in his 25+ year career, including over five years as Headmaster of Shoreham College, an all-through primary and secondary school near Brighton, England. A trained physics teacher, Jim has also specialised in the use of IT in education, serving on national advisory committees, writing articles and speaking at conferences on this and other topics. During his UK headship he has been an active member of the Independent Schools’ Association (ISA) serving on the national executive and chairing its Academic Policy Committee through a period of extensive curriculum change in the UK. He has worked with Apple as a trainer since 2015 and spoken at a number of conferences since moving to the UAE.

Nalini Cook - Head of Research EMEA, ISC Research

Nalini works with international schools, school groups, associations, investors and regulators across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. She collects both quantitative and qualitative data and compiles up to the minute market intelligence on the international school market. Nalini is an experienced public speaker and spends a significant amount of her time researching and writing content for publication and presentation within the sector. Nalini has an MA in Research and Consultancy from Lancaster University and has worked with international and independent schools for over a decade, building experience and an extensive network within both sectors.

Steve Whitley - Founder, EdTech Consulting

Steve has spent more than 36 years working in EdTech. Initially spending 9 years working within a local education authority, before moving onto commercial organisations selling products into the education sector. For 26 years, he managed worldwide sales, marketing and development teams within a vibrant EdTech company, that designs, manufactures & supplies products that enhance the STEM education of K-12 students, all over the world.

Steve is the founder of EdTech Consulting, offering a range of services, including: UK & International sales & marketing strategies, Mentoring for senior leaders, Company-wide CPD packages and product development project management; to both start-up and long-established Educational supply companies.

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