29 September - 1 October 2026
|
The Arena, Riyadh | Saudi Arabia.
Dalal Hashisho
Social Emotional Learning SEL Coach - Makers Learning School International
Ms. Dalal is a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach at MLS, who is a devotee of teachers as well as students, and even the Heads of Department in creating a learning atmosphere that is emotionally safe, connected, and engaging. Ms. Dalal's primary aim is to help students acquire self-regulation, emotional awareness, and social skills, thereby giving them the opportunity to access learning in full measure and to flourish academically and socially.
She is also a member of the Conscious Discipline Action Team and her practice is deeply rooted in the Conscious Discipline framework. Ms. Dalal works hand in hand with the teaching staff and the departments to bring into action the application of brain-based, trauma-responsive strategies that support the students in processing their feelings, solving disagreements, and developing a sense of belonging. Her efforts are aimed at the setting up of consistent routines, developing a common language, and creating practical classroom structures that will promote student wellbeing and engagement.
In the Saudi Arabian educational context, Ms. Dalal adopts a culturally responsive SEL approach that respects local traditions while promoting the whole child. At GESS Saudi Arabia, Ms. Dalal’s intention is to provide the audience with not only practical strategies but also insights that together put student social and emotional development at the core of good teaching and learning.
Speaker Sessions
GESS Talks Live
1525
-
Wellbeing in Education: Building Resilient Communities for Students and Staff
Session Summary:
Educational institutions face an unprecedented wellbeing crisis affecting both students and staff. From rising mental health challenges and burnout to the lasting impacts of global disruptions, schools must reimagine their approach to creating supportive, thriving communities. This panel brings together diverse perspectives on implementing comprehensive wellbeing strategies that address the interconnected needs of all stakeholders. Explore evidence-based interventions, share successful case studies, and discuss practical frameworks for embedding wellbeing into institutional culture. The conversation will address both immediate crisis response and long-term preventative approaches that create sustainable environments for learning and growth. Join this session to:
• Examine comprehensive approaches that address mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing across the entire school community
• Explore strategies for supporting educator mental health, preventing burnout, and creating positive workplace cultures that enhance both staff satisfaction and student outcomes
• Discuss early intervention strategies, peer support programs, and collaboration with mental health professionals to create responsive support systems
• Share approaches for fostering connection, belonging, and emotional intelligence that strengthen institutional culture and community bonds
Dalal Hashisho
|
Social Emotional Learning SEL Coach - Makers Learning School International
Categories
Wellbeing and Mental Health
-
Building Leadership Qualities: Empowering Students and Educators Through Action
Session Summary:
This interactive session explores practical strategies and actionable elements that both students and teachers can implement to develop essential leadership qualities within educational environments. Leadership development extends beyond formal positions, encompassing everyday actions, mindset shifts, and skill-building activities that foster confidence, responsibility, and influence. Participants will discover how classroom practices, extracurricular engagement, and collaborative projects can serve as leadership development opportunities. The session provides concrete tools and techniques that educators can integrate into their teaching practice while simultaneously modeling leadership behaviors, creating a culture where both students and teachers grow as leaders together. Join this session to:
• Master practical classroom activities, project-based learning approaches, and peer collaboration methods that naturally build leadership skills in students
• Develop leadership model through teaching practice and instructional techniques that demonstrate leadership qualities while creating opportunities for student leadership growth
• Designing classroom cultures and school-wide initiatives that encourage risk-taking, decision-making, and responsibility-sharing among all community members and create leadership-rich learning environments
• Build student-centered leadership activities, peer mentoring programs, student-led conferences, collaborative problem-solving projects, and community service initiatives that build confidence and influence skills
Speakers
Georgios Kormpas
|
Director of Student Affairs - Al Yamamah University
Rubi Mahmood
|
Lecturer in Initial Teacher Training & International Education - University of Derby
