29 September - 1 October 2026
|
The Arena, Riyadh | Saudi Arabia.
Rizvana Abdul Reman
Head of Maths & Science Departments - Nun Academy Primary School
Rizvana Abdul Reman, CTeach, is an educational leader, Chartered Teacher and Head of Maths & Science at Nun Academy Primary School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with more than 16 years of experience across UK and international education.
Her work focuses on educational leadership, teacher development, curriculum, assessment and evidence-informed school improvement. Having worked as both a teacher and school leader across different educational and cultural contexts, Rizvana is particularly interested in how culture, leadership and professional development shape the experience of teachers working internationally.
She is a published education writer and speaker, and has received the Education Leadership Impact Award 2026 and Transformational Education Leader Award 2026. Her writing and speaking explore the challenges and opportunities within international education, with a particular focus on helping teachers and schools create environments where both educators and pupils can thrive.
Speaker Sessions
GESS Talks Live
1525
-
When Great Teachers Move Abroad: Why Culture Matters More Than Curriculum
Session Summary:
Recruiting talented teachers internationally is only the beginning. What happens after they arrive can have a significant impact on whether they simply work in a school or genuinely thrive within it.
Drawing on more than 16 years across UK and international education, including her experience teaching and leading in Saudi Arabia, Rizvana Abdul Reman explores the often-overlooked cultural and leadership factors that shape an international teacher’s experience. The session considers belonging, expectations, relationships, professional development and opportunities for growth, and asks what schools can do to support teachers as they navigate a new educational and cultural context.
The session offers a practical leadership perspective on how schools can create environments where international teachers feel supported, valued and able to contribute fully — ultimately benefiting both teachers and pupils.
Speakers
Rizvana Abdul Reman
|
Head of Maths & Science Departments - Nun Academy Primary School
Categories
Leadership and Professional Development
-
When Great Teachers Move Abroad: Why Culture Matters More Than Curriculum
Session Summary:
Recruiting talented teachers internationally is only the beginning. What happens after they arrive can have a significant impact on whether they simply work in a school or genuinely thrive within it.
Drawing on more than 16 years across UK and international education, including her experience teaching and leading in Saudi Arabia, Rizvana Abdul Reman explores the often-overlooked cultural and leadership factors that shape an international teacher’s experience. The session considers belonging, expectations, relationships, professional development and opportunities for growth, and asks what schools can do to support teachers as they navigate a new educational and cultural context.
The session offers a practical leadership perspective on how schools can create environments where international teachers feel supported, valued and able to contribute fully — ultimately benefiting both teachers and pupils.
Speakers
Rizvana Abdul Reman
|
Head of Maths & Science Departments - Nun Academy Primary School
Categories
Leadership and Professional Development
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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