At the heart of our organization is our Community.
NESA NEWS is our organization's news blog, published four times a year online in our continuing effort to keep our carbon footprint small but our educational impact large.
NESA Executive Director Maddy Hewitt explores Strategic Design – NESA’s shift toward inclusive, challenge-rich learning built on UDL and the NESA-AERO Weave. Explore the New Excellence era, where inclusion isn’t a retrofit, but the blueprint for purposeful, rigorous pathways for all learners.
We’re thrilled to welcome our newest Affiliate School: GEMS American International School Riyadh!
Join Data in Schools Abu Dhabi: "Learning, Wellbeing & Belonging: Using Data to Know Every Student", at NESA member American Community School of Abu Dhabi, February 13-14, 2026. Collaborate in a small group setting at practical workshops with experienced educators and data specialists.
Join NESA Affiliate TieTax for a no-cost online seminar for American international school teachers. The session offers clear explanations of key filing requirements and a live Q&A to support your 2025 tax planning.
NESA school leaders gathered in Istanbul October 16-19 for the 2025 Fall Leadership Conference, where they stepped into the story of learning to co-create and reimagine education as a story of flourishing, identity, innovation, and interconnection. Take a look back at the experience in our gallery!
The NESA community mourns the passing of Gail Seay on October 20, former Chair of NESA's Professional Development Advisory Committee, educational leader at many NESA schools, and one of NESA's greatest supporters, contributors, and friends.
At the recent NESA Digital School Project meeting in Istanbul, technology leaders discussed operational challenges and explored how to harness the potential of AI while thoughtfully responding to calls to scale back student device use.
NESA science educators met October 30-31 at the Attica Zoo near Athens, Greece, to enhance the NESA Virtual Science & Engineering Fair – updating rubrics, aligning with NGSS, and expanding student access – while immersive wildlife experiences fueled inspiration for an even stronger 2026 NVSEF.
Discover how your school can participate in the Collateral Repair Project's Reading4Refugees initiative – connect your students with refugee communities in Jordan, inspire action through reading, and support CRP's life-changing programs supporting Jordanian and refugee families.
Join SENIA, a NESA Affiliate, for their in-person"Transformative Power of Belonging" conference April 10-12, 2025, featuring full-day workshops, networking, and an educator-led program centered on inclusive practices. Venue: NESA Member American School of Dubai!
Join the"Evolving School Sports" conference at NESA member Al-Bayan Bilingual School, January 17, 2026. Get inspired through expert sessions and interactive workshops for PE teachers, athletic directors, and coaches.
NESA Affiliate Babson Academy Youth Impact Lab new immersive, six-week live online experience helps school leaders embed entrepreneurial thinking and craft future-ready strategies. Join the December 2 information session to see how your team can spark meaningful, schoolwide innovation.
From our NESA Affiliates 9ine: an in-person event November 26, 2025, for UAE school leaders focused on safeguarding and compliance with key regulations and introducing best practices. Features keynotes, panels, and sessions on managing AI, protecting data, and enhancing cyber resilience.
We are delighted to welcome our newest Member School: Future Bilingual Schools!
We’re very pleased to welcome our newest Affiliate Organization: Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)!
We are excited to welcome our newest Affiliate School: Jeddah Private International Schools!
Join NESA Affiliate CCS Fundraising for a free virtual International School Roundtable on November 13, 2025 (1:00–2:00 pm GMT). School leaders will discuss balancing affordability and sustainability and integrating fundraising into financial planning. Speakers include ACS Abu Dhabi Superintendent Monique Flickinger!
This year, NESA explores “The Story of Learning” – a shift from Old Excellence, defined by achievement and standards, to New Excellence, centered on belonging, agency, and relevance. Discover how schools are embracing this transformation across our Seasons of Learning.
Cairo American College, proud Platinum Sponsor of the NESA 2025 Fall Leadership Conference, equips students with adaptability, creativity, and empathy through its CAC 2050 program – blending inquiry, emerging technologies, and real-world problem solving.
From Braille gloves to renewable energy prototypes, NESA Virtual Science & Engineering Fair winners showcase ingenuity and impact. Discover last year's winning projects and learn how your students can take part in NVSEF this year.
![Strategic Design: Inclusion, Challenge, and Universal Access in the New Excellence Era]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755010392/nesa/np5cfeiicd3dblxlodsp/StS_Logo_1080x1080.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755010392/nesa/np5cfeiicd3dblxlodsp/StS_Logo_1080x1080.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755010392/nesa/np5cfeiicd3dblxlodsp/StS_Logo_1080x1080.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755010392/nesa/np5cfeiicd3dblxlodsp/StS_Logo_1080x1080.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755010392/nesa/np5cfeiicd3dblxlodsp/StS_Logo_1080x1080.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755010392/nesa/np5cfeiicd3dblxlodsp/StS_Logo_1080x1080.jpg","width":2200}]){kind=logo}
![Welcome New Affiliate School: GEMS American International School Riyadh]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768396048/nesa/ftfb66ce9jicja4ltyzl/GAISRGEMS_Riyadh_shield.jpg","width":225}])
![Data in Schools Abu Dhabi Conference]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768212504/nesa/rxkcgbli1ck5us8jyoye/AbuDhabiDatainSchs.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768212504/nesa/rxkcgbli1ck5us8jyoye/AbuDhabiDatainSchs.png","width":500}])
![Your 2025 Expat Tax Guide Made Simple: A Free Seminar for NESA American Educators Abroad]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765359412/nesa/yw2lituwihqk5nkeabka/TieTaxSeminar_THUMB.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765359412/nesa/yw2lituwihqk5nkeabka/TieTaxSeminar_THUMB.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765359412/nesa/yw2lituwihqk5nkeabka/TieTaxSeminar_THUMB.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765359412/nesa/yw2lituwihqk5nkeabka/TieTaxSeminar_THUMB.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765359412/nesa/yw2lituwihqk5nkeabka/TieTaxSeminar_THUMB.png","width":1280}])
![In Review: The NESA 2025 Fall Leadership Conference]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763637834/nesa/tq0ffwtdio3s5v4kbzvf/FLC25_group_00593_thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763637834/nesa/tq0ffwtdio3s5v4kbzvf/FLC25_group_00593_thumb.jpg","width":511}])
![A Tribute to Gail Seay: A True NESA Friend]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762434436/nesa/ya05rlmweirrbmwdhl4f/GailSeay_thumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762434436/nesa/ya05rlmweirrbmwdhl4f/GailSeay_thumb.png","width":450}])
![Navigating the Digital Dilemma: AI’s Promise Meets the Device Backlash]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763641892/nesa/qyafzmd5v8drhgeq90rf/NDSP_FLC25_thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763641892/nesa/qyafzmd5v8drhgeq90rf/NDSP_FLC25_thumb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763641892/nesa/qyafzmd5v8drhgeq90rf/NDSP_FLC25_thumb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763641892/nesa/qyafzmd5v8drhgeq90rf/NDSP_FLC25_thumb.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763641892/nesa/qyafzmd5v8drhgeq90rf/NDSP_FLC25_thumb.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1763641892/nesa/qyafzmd5v8drhgeq90rf/NDSP_FLC25_thumb.jpg","width":2200}])
![NESA Science Teachers Collaborate to Enhance Virtual Science Fair]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763641986/nesa/hovtg850ntqtuevxtzgu/NVSEFZoo_nov25_thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763641986/nesa/hovtg850ntqtuevxtzgu/NVSEFZoo_nov25_thumb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763641986/nesa/hovtg850ntqtuevxtzgu/NVSEFZoo_nov25_thumb.jpg","width":700}])
![Join CRP's Reading4Refugees Initiative]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763643301/nesa/g9a9g1czgrwjfwijtoom/CRP_R4R_thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763643301/nesa/g9a9g1czgrwjfwijtoom/CRP_R4R_thumb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763643301/nesa/g9a9g1czgrwjfwijtoom/CRP_R4R_thumb.jpg","width":708}])
![SENIA Dubai 2026 – The Transformative Power of Belonging]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763638949/nesa/umj9yovukwjhu75ptsl0/SENIADubai2026_thumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763638949/nesa/umj9yovukwjhu75ptsl0/SENIADubai2026_thumb.png","width":372}])
![Evolving School Sports Conference at BBS Kuwait]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763648756/nesa/kznhwu7dudlesnycmifv/BBSSports_THUMB.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763648756/nesa/kznhwu7dudlesnycmifv/BBSSports_THUMB.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763648756/nesa/kznhwu7dudlesnycmifv/BBSSports_THUMB.jpg","width":605}])
![Babson College's Strategic Innovation by Design: Leading Future-Ready Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763648683/nesa/ym7pli02fpg37wcnvu20/BabsonStrategic_Thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763648683/nesa/ym7pli02fpg37wcnvu20/BabsonStrategic_Thumb.jpg","width":292}])
![Join 9ine for their AI & Cyber Security Forum Dubai]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762178784/otzglznsb0xjnutly3kr/9ineAIForum_THUMB.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762178784/otzglznsb0xjnutly3kr/9ineAIForum_THUMB.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762178784/otzglznsb0xjnutly3kr/9ineAIForum_THUMB.jpg","width":709}])
![Welcome New Member School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763639859/nesa/jq8qmflnziy1cpqjanbx/FutureBilingualSchs_thumb.png","width":256}])
![Welcome New Affiliate: WASC]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763639995/nesa/fpykldavcdjpprqsui3d/WASC_thumb_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763639995/nesa/fpykldavcdjpprqsui3d/WASC_thumb_1.png","width":486}])
![Welcome New Affilate School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758803436/nesa/phncwvsswjpqzqwsfk67/JPIS_thumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758803436/nesa/phncwvsswjpqzqwsfk67/JPIS_thumb.png","width":317}])
![Join CCS Fundraising's International School Roundtable]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762183990/nesa/zrsuytgwukciiqfif1ak/CCSFundraisingRoundtable_thumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762183990/nesa/zrsuytgwukciiqfif1ak/CCSFundraisingRoundtable_thumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762183990/nesa/zrsuytgwukciiqfif1ak/CCSFundraisingRoundtable_thumb.png","width":612}])
![School Profile: Cairo American College]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758816677/nesa/msb9h0ttdoh74luhh81p/CAC_thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758816677/nesa/msb9h0ttdoh74luhh81p/CAC_thumb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758816677/nesa/msb9h0ttdoh74luhh81p/CAC_thumb.jpg","width":800}])