
Sarah Benson
Head of Subject - Education
The Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs
Dr Sarah Benson heads the School of Education in Dubai and specialises in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs.


Delivered in partnership with Search Associates, this interactive, in-person event will provide practical insights into global teaching pathways, IB curriculum frameworks, and the professional development routes offered by the University of Birmingham Dubai to help you take the next step in your teaching career.
You will have the opportunity to:
Explore how Search Associates can support your international job search and help you strengthen your teaching profile.
Learn more about the IB PYP, MYP and DP frameworks, including key skills, qualifications, and how to build a career in IB schools.
Discover how the University of Birmingham Dubai can support your continuous professional development through programmes such as the PGCEi, MA Education, MA Inclusion and Special Educational Needs, and MA Education Leadership.
Network with peers, academic staff, and school partners to support your next steps.
15:00 - 15:30 pm
Registration and welcome refreshments
Check in at reception, followed by networking in the auditorium.
Welcome and opening remarks
University of Birmingham Dubai - School of Education Team
Search Associates Team
15:30 - 16:00 pm
Presentation 1: How Search Associates Can Support Your International Job Search
Overview of global teaching opportunities and tips for building a strong international teaching profile.
16:00 to 16:30 pm
Presentation 2: Introduction to IB PYP, MYP and DP
Learn about the IB pathways, the skills required, and how to position yourself for roles in IB schools.
16:30 – 17:00 pm
Presentation 3: How the University of Birmingham Dubai Can Support Your Professional Development
Explore our programmes and CPD opportunities designed to enhance your teaching practice and leadership skills.
17:00 pm
Closing Remarks
Meet with representatives of Search Associates and the University of Birmingham Dubai for further discussion and Q&A.
This event is ideal for:
Current teachers seeking international opportunities
Teachers exploring career advancement through specialist qualifications
Alumni working in or transitioning to the education sector
Please note: This event is particularly suited to experienced teachers looking to advance or transition into international teaching roles. The Search Associates and IB presentations are tailored specifically for qualified and experienced educators.
Search Associates is the leading global network connecting educators and schools worldwide.
It supports 750+ international schools in the Middle East and across the world in finding qualified/experienced international teachers. Schools have access to a rich database of 6,000+ candidates, over 3000 of whom find employment each year.
Each candidate is supported personally by a Senior Associate, each of whom has significant international school leadership experience.
Bill and Alison Turner, who run the Middle East office for Search Associates, were international school Principals/Headteachers in Dubai and Qatar for 11 years each, covering both Secondary and Primary phases, so they are very well placed to understand the needs of international teachers.
Search Associates runs job fairs around the world, including two in Dubai, in November and April each year.
