The American University in Dubai (AUD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DYStinct Learners to strengthen inclusive education through teacher preparation, professional learning, and applied research.

Dr. Kyle Long, AUD President, and Ms. Rehab Shahbal, Founder and CEO of DYStinct Learners, signed the agreement, which brings together the AUD Graduate School of Education (GSE) and DYStinct Learners’ specialist expertise in supporting neurodiverse learners and addressing learning differences through evidence-based practice. The partnership will support the co-development and co-delivery of M.Ed. courses, microcredentials, professional development programs, research, workshops, and other initiatives in inclusive education.

For AUD teacher candidates, the collaboration provides a direct connection between academic preparation and professional practice. This work already included Sherry Maher, Head of Learning at DYStinct Learners, Dyslexia Specialist, and Assessor, who contributed her specialist expertise to the co-development and co-delivery of graduate coursework in literacy instruction for students with disabilities. The partnership also supports the UAE’s national commitment to inclusive education by preparing educators with the knowledge and practical skills to respond to learner diversity and create more accessible and inclusive classrooms.

Dr. Nadera Alborno, Dean of AUD’s Graduate School of Education, noted that
“this partnership brings specialist expertise directly into teacher preparation. Working with practitioners such as Sherry Maher enables our candidates to connect what they learn at AUD with the realities of supporting diverse learners, helping translate inclusion from principle into everyday classroom practice.”

(Left to Right: Dr. Nadera Alborno, Dean of AUD’s Graduate School of Education and Professor of Education, Dr. Kyle Long, President of AUD, Rehab Shahbal, Founder and CEO of DYStinct Learners, and Dr. Fariha Hayat Salman, Associate Professor of Education)

Ms. Rehab Shahbal, Founder and CEO of DYStinct Learners, added that the “partnership with AUD creates an important bridge between specialist expertise and teacher preparation. By sharing evidence-based practices and our experience working with diverse learners, we can help equip future and practicing educators with practical approaches that make inclusion more effective in schools.”

The MOU further establishes a framework for collaborative research and publications, professional development events, seminars and conferences, and broader engagement with schools and educators across the UAE.