Khalid Fethi – High Up Academy co- Founder & FLEND Creator

With over 25 years of experience in education, Khalid Fethi is a visionary speaker, published author, and the creator of the FLEND approach—a forward-thinking educational model that integrates flipped and blended learning, digital fluency, leadership development, and core human values.

Khalid’s work is rooted in the conviction that the traditional classroom must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. His teaching philosophy centers on active learning, student agency, and the ethical use of technology to promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

He has presented his work at major international conferences, where his ideas have inspired educators to turn classrooms into spaces of transformation:

• Michigan – “Flipping Films for Better Student Engagement”
• Virginia (for iEARN) – “Flipping Films: From In-Class Activities to Community Service Projects”
• Harvard University (Imagining Education in 2030) – “Flipping Films for Better In-Class Engagement”
• Valencia – “FLEND for Better In-Class Engagement”
• Cambridge – “The Art of Taming AI and Digital Tools in the FLEND Class”

Khalid continues to mentor teachers and lead innovation in English language education, always with the aim of preparing students not just for exams, but for life.

Selected Publications:

• Flipping Films for Better Engagement. In Innovative Practices in Flipped Language Learning, Springer. Link
• FLEND Your Class for Better Student Engagement, IJISRT. Link
• FLEND for Better In-Class Engagement, IJISRT. Link

Laila Mellouki – Co-founder & Manager of High Up Academy

Laila Mellouki is the co-founder and manager of High Up Academy for English and Leadership, where she plays a key role in developing a learning environment grounded in youth empowerment, emotional well-being, and values-based education. While she does not teach in the classroom, her leadership ensures that the academy remains a nurturing, inclusive, and purpose-driven space.

Laila has participated in numerous professional development programs and international conferences in cities such as Oxford, Bournemouth, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Boston. These experiences have shaped her commitment to holistic education that supports both personal growth and global awareness.

n addition to her role at the academy, she serves as President of the High Up Association for Social Development, leading community service projects that encourage civic responsibility and real-world application of learning. Laila believes education should inspire not only academic success but meaningful contributions to society.