Allaa Gawish

Allaa Gawish – Special Educational Needs Specialist, Inclusion Expert, and Educator

Allaa Gawish is an experienced Special Educational Needs (SEN) Specialist with a strong passion for supporting diverse learners and fostering inclusive education within international school settings. Based in Cairo, Egypt, Allaa brings over six years of experience working in education, with roles spanning Montessori teaching, 1:1 support, and leadership in special education provision.

Currently serving as an Inclusion Specialist at GEMS International School Cairo and as an Education Specialist at Good Hope Psychiatry Clinic, Allaa combines her practical expertise with a deep understanding of the theoretical frameworks surrounding special educational needs. She has developed evidence-informed strategies to address learning disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, and social-emotional challenges in the classroom, ensuring all learners can thrive.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Allaa holds a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Leading Provision and Practice for Special Education Needs and Learning Disabilities from the University of Sunderland (UK). She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education at the same institution, with her thesis focusing on improving inclusive education in international schools in Egypt. Her academic work reflects her commitment to advancing inclusive practices and ensuring equity for all learners.

In addition, Allaa earned a CPD Certificate in Child Development and Teaching Strategies from the American University in Cairo. She has also participated in extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training, gaining expertise in areas such as:

• Play and Art Therapy
• Effective Classroom Management
• ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Dyslexia Support
• Anxiety Awareness

These qualifications demonstrate her dedication to understanding the multifaceted needs of students and equipping herself with tools to implement tailored intervention strategies that foster academic, emotional, and social growth.

Professional Experience

Throughout her career, Allaa has held various roles that have shaped her expertise in inclusive education and child-centered learning:

• Inclusion Specialist at GEMS International School Cairo – Leading initiatives to develop inclusive classrooms and provide targeted SEN support.
• Education Specialist at Good Hope Psychiatry Clinic – Bridging therapeutic interventions with academic strategies to support children with diverse needs.
• Freelance Writer for Structural Learning – Contributing to professional publications on the theoretical underpinnings of SEN and evidence-based practices for teachers.
• SEN Specialist at EBISE – Delivering individualized interventions and supporting curriculum adaptations for SEN learners.
• Previous roles as Support Teacher and Montessori Educator have strengthened her skills in building trusting relationships, facilitating early intervention, and implementing play-based learning approaches for younger children.

Passion for Inclusive and Holistic Education

Allaa’s professional philosophy centers on creating inclusive classroom environments where every learner feels valued, understood, and empowered. Drawing on both theory and practice, she helps educators develop differentiated strategies to support students with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and autism.

Her research-driven approach ensures that educational interventions are rooted in psychological principles, enabling students to access the curriculum effectively and build confidence in their abilities. Allaa firmly believes that holistic education—integrating academic, emotional, and social support—lays the foundation for long-term student success.

Through her teaching, consultancy, and written contributions, Allaa continues to advocate for inclusive education in Egypt and beyond, offering practical solutions to address the evolving needs of students and schools.