Azaan Akbar

Fulbright Distinguished Teacher

Azaan graduated with a BA in Philosophy from University College London and a MSc in International Social and Public Policy from the London School of Economics. Through his work as a teacher and debate coach, Azaan has developed an interest in developing students’ oracy and critical thinking skills. Since 2024, Azaan has transitioned into a hybrid consultant-teacher role, working with organisations across England to deliver teacher training, student workshops and curriculum writing on areas such as the humanities subjects, current affairs, debating and critical thinking. He has published academic journal papers on education and political theory, and given talks at conferences on his research. During his Fulbright, Azaan will research how educators can continue to develop students’ critical thinking skills in today’s challenging world of generative AI, social media algorithms and political polarisation.

Outside of the classroom, Azaan is a musician, and looks forward to experiencing the bustling music scene in the US. He also hopes to be able to learn and share new ideas with educators on how teachers can create a generation of young people who can think critically and confidently.