Meet the team

Matthew completed his degree and PGCE in the UK, and has nearly 20 years’ teaching experience. Matthew has been at Bateen World Academy since 2014 and is the Director of Student Affairs. His primary focus centres around leading comprehensive pastoral care and facilitating the development of students' character within the framework of the IB Learner Profile. He is also the schools Child Protection Coordinator and responsible for supporting the continued development of inclusion provision across the school. 

Matthew has also completed Penta School Inspection training during his time as Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. Presently, Matthew is in the final stages of completing his National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), which will further enhance his leadership skills. 

I have now been a member of staff at Bateen World Academy for eleven years and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute working at the school. Prior to living and working in the UAE, I worked as a PE teacher in the UK. I have completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL) and am currently working towards completing the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH). I believe it is vital as an educator to role model lifelong learning and to stay abreast of educational changes and reform. I strongly believe in the power of a collaborative working environment and regard it as fundamental for continual improvement. 

I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this wonderful primary school and support teachers in implementing inquiry based learning for our children. Originally from Dublin Ireland, it has been my privilege to live in the UAE for the past 23 years with my husband and three children. I graduated from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland with a BA in Classical Civilization and Theatre Studies and hold an MA in International Education from University of Bath, UK. Currently I am undertaking a Doctorate in Education.

Over the past fifteen years I have held various roles in IB schools including Deputy Head of Primary and Early Years and PYP Coordinator. Part of this work included leading teams through IB evaluations and ADEK inspections. I am certified as a Concept Based Curriculum and Instruction Trainer and both a CIS and NEASC accreditation evaluator. This allows me to participate in school visits to support their development. I really enjoy working with schools who are committed to a progressive education and I am very happy to work with Neal and the rest of the team to ensure our children have the best possible education.

Born in London, raised in Toronto, Paul begain his teaching career in Tokyo before settling in Abu Dhabi. The University of Toronto started him on his journey as a life-long learner, where he developed his craft for teaching before moving into leadership and completing a Master’s degree at the University of Bath. 
 
Paul has been working for IB World Schools for the past twenty years, with experience in teaching and leading in the Primary, Middle and Diploma Programmes. He is also a qualified school evaluator with the Council of International Schools which allows him to further his learning, working with colleagues from around the world.
 
When not in school, you can find him exploring the UAEs best camping spots and beaches with his family or trying to stay fit on the running and cycling tracks around Abu Dhabi.

Penny is from the United Kingdom and has 11 years of experience in international education, complemented by six years of teaching in a London school. Throughout her career, Penny has emphasized continuous learning and skill development within the education sector. This dedication motivated her to earn a Master's (MA) in Education with a specialization in Leading Innovation & Change from St. Mary's University, London. Additionally, she holds the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and is currently pursuing her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Penny has always had a passion for teaching and learning and for providing students with innovative and challenging learning experiences that develop their individual strengths and passions, enabling them to continuously grow and learn.

Penny sees this as an exciting time for education, offering an opportunity to embrace rapid technological changes and provide students with the skills and knowledge to navigate an ever-changing technological world.

Tagreed received her bachelor's degree from Syria and obtained her professional educational diploma from ADU. With an extensive 18 years of teaching experience in international schools.

Since joining Bateen World Academy in its founding year of 2011, Tagreed has been driven by her passion for educational advancement. This dedication impelled her to pursue a Senior Educational Leadership Diploma from QRTA, further empowering her to lead and inspire others in the field of education.
Tagreed has a great passion for developing the Arabic language, inspiring its love, deepening the National Identity among the students and making it a source of pride for them to cherish and strive to represent its value and preserve its foundations. In an environment full of life and confidence empowering them with opportunities for creativity and innovation to shape their own future.

Chris is from the UK, and joined Bateen World Academy at the beginning of 2024, bringing a wealth of experience gained locally and internationally through various industries, including Aviation, Logistics, Retail and Telecommunications.

Chris has an eye for detail which ensures that every student, visitor and staff member feels safe and welcome whilst in the school environment.

Working closely with our internal and external stakeholders, Chris ensures the continual evaluation of our facilities to elevate the student and parent experience.

In his spare time, Chris loves to travel and immerse himself in various cultures, having visited more than 100 countries so far.