Nadia Iqbal

Educator/Teacher, Parent, Writer/Editor

I am a middle school educator who has been teaching in Dammam since 2010, and I believe that students are at the heart of everything we do. As the TEDx Licensee and Organizer at ISG Dammam, I have had the privilege of bringing TEDx to our school and creating a platform where students can share their ideas on a global stage. I am passionate about helping young voices be heard and guiding students as they discover, shape, and confidently present their ideas. I believe in building a relationship-centered classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and heard. I understand that each learner grows at their own pace, and I truly believe that with the right support and encouragement, every student will get there in their own time. Beyond the classroom, I lead the Debate Club, where I encourage students to think critically, speak confidently, and respectfully challenge perspectives. Whether in discussions or on stage, I strive to help students find their voice and use it with purpose. I am also a mother to a teenager and a devoted family person, which shapes my belief in being a friend as much as a parent. This perspective deeply influences how I connect with my students with empathy, trust, and understanding at the core. I see myself as a lifelong learner, always looking for ways to grow, challenge myself, and evolve as an educator. Each day, I aim to be a better version of myself while helping my students discover their strengths and true potential (and reminding them that their ideas are always worth sharing). For me, education is not just about teaching—it is about empowering students to believe in themselves and their place in the world.

I am deeply passionate about creating spaces where individuals feel safe, heard, and empowered to express themselves. Whether it’s in the classroom, through debate, in family gatherings, over simple dinners or on the TEDx stage, I strive to help individuals find their voice and true confidence in their ideas. With grades ruling goals, I wish to make a difference and understand kids, rather than judging them. As a teacher and a mother to a teenager, I strongly believe in connection over control. I see myself as a guide and a listener as much as an educator or parent. I am also passionate about continuous growth, both for myself, my family, and my students, and I value the journey of becoming over perfection.

Failure is heartbreaking, which leads to mental health issues, especially now, as we see kids getting into the vehicle of social media, catching depression and anxiety too quickly. Here is a solution-Gamifying Education, really wished it existed earlier, or rather, more people knew about it! Like in games, failing is often just part of the process. Players learn from their failed attempts (choked in Fortnite) or other mistakes, they try again, and eventually succeed. Perhaps applying this mindset to the classroom can help students see failure not as something negative but as a chance to improve their skills and understanding. By gamifying failure, we educators can encourage resilience, persistence, and a growth mindset in students while making the learning process more engaging and creative.

Assessment planning, Background & stage, Creation of learning resources, Curating speeches & texts, Curation, Debating, Delivery techniques, Organizing events, Training learners for speech &debate

My journey with TED began simply as a viewer, someone deeply inspired by powerful ideas and meaningful stories. Over time, my role as a Debate Club mentor strengthened that interest, watching students find their voice pushed me to think: why not give them a bigger stage? That thought became action when I brought TEDx to ISG Dammam. What started as admiration turned into purpose, curating, mentoring, and amplifying student ideas and voices in a way that extends far beyond the classroom. My “Why” For me, TEDx is not separate from teaching; it is the very essence of why I teach. I believe education is about empowering students to think, to question, and to express. TEDx allows me to bring that belief to life by giving students a powerful platform to share who they are and what they stand for. It all comes down to this: helping students realize that their voice matters and that it deserves to be heard.

People are often surprised to learn that I love writing quotes and poetry; it’s my quiet space for reflection. I’m also a bit of a dessert enthusiast (and a self- proclaimed toast specialist!). I like exploring new cafés and restaurants whenever I can; I like to call it 'restro hopping.'