Teach Away has compiled a selection of trusted resources to help teachers in the Middle East stay informed and prepared. The guidance below draws on information from organizations including the Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE), the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Global Affairs Canada, and the U.S. Department of State.
Overview
| Task | Action | Resource |
| Personal Safety | Register with your national embassy | STEP / FCDO / LRO |
| Communication | Join your school’s emergency Signal/WhatsApp group | School HR |
| Classroom Support | Download trauma-informed teaching scripts | INEE Crisis Pack |
| Instruction | Prepare 72 hours of remote/offline materials | School LMS |
Prioritize Personal Safety
Register with Your Embassy Today
Official government notifications are the most reliable way to receive real-time alerts regarding travel, shelter-in-place orders, and border status.
U.S. Citizens: Enroll in STEP
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
Enroll here: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step
UK Citizens: Register your presence via the FCDO portal as advised by COBIS
UK’s FCDO issued travel advice for British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates. Nationals must register their presence to receive direct updates from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Register in Bahrain | Israel | Kuwait | Palestine | Qatar | UAE
Canadian Citizens: Register through LRO (Registration of Canadians Abroad)
The Registration of Canadians Abroad service enables government officials to contact Canadians to provide important information in preparation for urgent situations.
Register here: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
Prepare a “Personal Readiness” Pack
- Documentation: Keep a physical and digital folder of your passport, residency permit, and school contract.
- Communication: Ensure your phone is always charged and you have downloaded the International SOS app or relevant embassy app for active-threat push notifications. Download here: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
- Check-In Protocol: Follow your school’s internal communication tree (WhatsApp/Signal) and notify your Lead or HR immediately if your contact details change.
Lead Your Classroom with Resilience
Reinforce a Safe Space While Answering Sensitive Questions
When students ask difficult questions about regional events, the goal is to provide a “Safe Space” that prioritizes facts over fear.
- Use the INEE Toolkit: The Conflict Sensitive Education pack provides resources to facilitate age-appropriate discussions.
- Remain Professional and Predictable: Acknowledge students’ feelings, provide historical context where appropriate, and redirect to the day’s learning objective. Predictable routines are the best psychological defense for children.
- Media Literacy: Following UNICEF guidance, encourage students to limit exposure to distressing social media content and rely on verified local ministry updates.
- Read UNICEF’s report on Childhood in a Digital World
- Read UNICEF’s report on Guidance on AI and Children
- The Media Literacy Guide published by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) offers practical tips
Prepare for Learning Continuity
If your school transitions to remote learning (as mandated in several Gulf regions on March 2nd), ensure you have:
- Digital Backups: Cloud-based access to your grade books and curriculum.
- Offline Packs: A 72-hour supply of “low-tech” assignments for students in case of internet fluctuations.
- Exam Coordination: If you manage exam-year students (IB, GCSE, AP), stay in close contact with your Coordinator regarding “Special Consideration” windows.
Take Care of Your Well-Being
Living and working in a conflict-affected area is inherently demanding. You’re often acting as a counselor and community leader while processing your own experience of the events.
- Access Professional Support: Use the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) resources for educator self-care.
- Peer Support: Participate in school-organized check-ins. Sharing logistical tips and emotional support with fellow expats is vital for morale.
- Monitor Your Stress: Acknowledge “compassion fatigue.” A resilient teacher creates a resilient classroom; prioritize your rest and mental health where possible.
We recognize the vital role you play as an anchor for your students. Teach Away is proud to support you as you maintain a safe and stable environment for your community.