ISS EDUlearn: Ask Me Anything

Transitions for professionals, students & families can hurt from one school to another, but how do you make the experience smoother? 

In the episode, we have Pilar Cabeza de Vaca (a partner with Educators Collaborative), Ettie Zilbert ( a transition consultant), & Tom Hawkins ( the Vice President for school start-up management & operations at ISS) join us to share their experiences transitioning between schools and insights on the family’s role in the transition.

We kick off the episode with Pilar’s experience as a woman head of school in the ’90s, transition programs in the '90s versus now, and the culture shock that comes with transitions. Moreover, Tom shares the positives & downsides of transition for the kids and spouses, as well as opportunities that come along with transitioning from one school to another.

Ultimately, the panelists share the best advice for teachers & administrators going to new schools. Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[02:02] Introducing the panelists

[06:58] Defining transitions

[07:55] Pilar’s experience with transitions & what she does as a consultant

[12:11] Leadership/Hiring orientations in the 90’s versus nowadays

[14:40] Ettie’s experience with transitions & culture shock

[17:53] Tom Hawkins's experience transitioning with his family from one international school to the other

[20:55] Positives & downsides of transitioning with your family

[26:30] Transition challenges more so with spouses

[33:15] Navigating the transition with kids

[36:41] Pilar’s obstacles as the first Latin woman head of school in the ’90s in Paris

[42:13] The ideal time to go back to your home country

[46:45] Transition to university challenges for Third Culture Kids

[48:41] Advice for teachers going to a new school & for school administrators

[52:43] How to connect with the panelists

Quotes

●      “Transitions hurt.”

●      “Overseas assignments fall because of family issues. That’s the biggest reason for failure in foreign assignments in all industries. Not because of incompetency or making mistakes, but because of family issues.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Ettie Zilber on;

In this episode, we have a profound conversation with Sarah Putnam, the interim Head of The American International School of Algiers, and Matthew Holshouser, the Incoming Director, about the school culture and how it promotes diversity and inclusion among the students, staff, and parents. Sarah and Matthew also share the school's leadership transition and how it implements new technology as it comes out.

Tune in to learn more!

Timestamps

[01:22] Sarah Putnam and Matthew Holshouser’s background information

[02:23] The leadership transition from Sarah to Matthew

[03:23] The school culture at The American International School of Algiers

[04:09] What parents trust the most about any school

[05:11] Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice in The American International School of Algiers

[09:44] The implementation of new technology in the school

Notable quotes:

●      “If you are not having fun, then you are not going to learn.”

●      “A great school is where everyone is learning.”

●      “What parents trust the most about a school is a warm welcome environment where all adults know where their children are in their learning trajectory.”

The pace of AI's growth in education is a blend of hope and concern.  What is the effect of AI on our students?

Pieter Verduijn, a multilingual educator with over 18 years of work experience in Dutch, Aruban, and American education systems, joins us as we explore the impact of AI in education. Peter is also a maker space teacher obsessed with education & innovation.

In the episode, Peter discusses his first encounter with AI in his projects, using generative AI to automate report cards,  and why educators should make coding enticing for students. Moreover, he shares the benefits of AI in education and his fears, including students' declining math and language capabilities due to their over-reliance on AI.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[02:02] Introducing the Co-host, Kara Cogman, and her role at ISS

[02:47] Introducing the guest Pieter Verduijn

[03:14] Peter’s first time encountering and implementing generative AI in any of his projects

[04:13] Peter’s autodidact approach to learning new technologies and staying updated

[06:45] Making coding enticing for students and colleagues, focusing on tangible outcomes

[07:23] Using generative AI to automate report card comments, saving time and improving efficiency

[15:54] Practical aspects that educators can use to harness  AI for telemade report cards

[18:10] What excites Peter most about AI and how he envisions the future of AI

[21:40] Peter’s fears for AI in education

[25:14] Generative AI challenge with numbers  and its language translation capabilities

[28:05] How to connect with Peter

Quotes

●    “Over the years, with the use of AI, the math capabilities of children are declining. It gets harder for them just to do simple math. About 40% can not do simple multiplication anymore.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Pieter Verduijn on;

In this episode, Pascal Vallet, a School Principal at the United Nations International School and a keynote speaker specializing in EdTech Innovations with Generative AI, joins us as we explore the impact of generative AI in education.

In the session, Pascal shares his first interaction with Generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, its reception in schools, and how educators can incorporate the role of AI in education. Moreover, we explore why educators should familiarize themselves with AI rather than fearing losing their jobs to AI and the imperative for schools to guide AI's integration in alignment with educational values.

Ultimately, Pascal shares the potential impact of  AI on humanity and operational processes in schools.

Tune in for a more insightful conversation.

Timestamps

[02:08] Introducing the Co-host, Kara Cogman, and her role at ISS

[02:41] Introducing the guest Pascal Vallet

[03:30] Pascal Vallet's first use of AI, specifically ChatGPT, and its application in education

[05:57] The reception of ChatGPT in schools and the journey of incorporating AI into education

[09:05] Transformative impact of AI in education

[13:49] Recent advancements or trends that educators should be aware of

[17:47] The impact of AI on humanity

[21:40] Pascal’s insightful parting shot on the importance of focusing on critical aspects of education in the context of AI integration

Quotes

●     “AI is a much bigger transformation than a phone. We need to make sure we are going to design it and it will shape us in a way that will make our life better.”

●     “The limit of your world is the limit of your language.”

●     “If we can integrate AI in the school the way companies are doing it right now, we'll make our operations better, save time to support the student, and enhance curriculum and instruction.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Pascal Vallet on;

In education, identity has a profound impact on our students. It's not just about the curriculum; it's about nurturing who they are!

Daniel Wickner joins us in this episode as we explore identity matters and intricate ways educators can foster healthy identity development in the classroom.  Daniel is the founder of Identity Centered Learning, a framework supporting students' healthy identity in schools, and a consultant in areas of identity and DEIJ.

 In the episode, we discuss identity-centered learning (ICL),  why education and identity go hand in hand, and the importance of helping students become more confident with their identities.  Moreover, we discuss strategies for identity exploration and how to respond to the constantly changing student identities.

Ultimately, Daniel shares how he envisions the future of ICL and resources for educators interested in ICL.

Tune in for more!

Timestamps

[02:39] Introducing the guest Daniel Wickner

[03:33] About Daniel Wickner's ICL framework

[07:48] The inspiration behind creating the ICL website and the importance of supporting students' confidence in their identities.

[11:33] Tips to initiate the self-reflection process before you apply anything in the classroom

[15:28] Tweaks for broader identity exploration

[19:37] How to respond to the constantly changing  identities of your students

[21:40] Challenges faced by students dealing with multiple languages and cultures

[25:30]  The Future of Identity-Centered Learning

[27:17] Books, resources for educators interested in Identity-Centered Learning

[28:26] How to connect with Daniel Wickner

Quotes

●     “Education is the formation of identity. So much of who we are is formed, explored and exercised through education.”

●     “Having a reflective process in general is an essential part of being an educator.”

●     “The lessons that children learn from when they are younger about who they are informs the choices they make later in life.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Daniel Wickner on;

Recognizing inequities isn't enough. It's crucial to dig deep into the root causes and commit to systemic change to create truly inclusive educational communities. 

In this episode, Alysa Perreras, an education professional skilled in anti-bias and anti-racist educational practices, joins us as we explore themes of self and systems identity, the importance of continuous learning and unlearning, and the need for humility paired with intentionality in educational settings. She also discusses her recent work in Mexico, emphasizing the importance of leading with courage and creating actionable steps from commitment statements.

Alysa also expounds on the necessity of addressing the roots of inequities within systems and metrics to measure results, learning, behavior, and the impact of anti-racist work in school communities.

Tune in. Let’s challenge the status quo and drive meaningful transformation!

Timestamps

[02:13] About the guest, Alysa Perraras

[02:50] Introducing the topic

[03:08] Alysa's recent and future projects

[04:55] Skills and mindset Alysa gives to teachers to help them prioritize and empower themselves

[09:18] Embracing imperfection and authenticity in the journey of unlearning and continuous growth.

[17:36] Metrics to measure results, learning, behavior, and the impact of anti-racist work in school communities.

[23:06] The first step an organization should take when it finds inequities in its  system

[24:02] Identifying the underlying ideologies and institutional factors contributing to inequities in education.

[26:02] Alysa’s parting shot

[28:12] How to connect with Alysa Perreras

Quotes

●     "When I am in the discomfort of accountability, I remind myself that this person believes in my ability to do better, and they are asking me to do it better.”

●     “Give yourself space to feel the full range of human emotion.”

●     “Anger is okay when it is a manifestation of love. It is okay to be angry when the anger is rooted in love.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Alysa Perreras on;

Have you ever noticed how we often push through exhaustion until we hit a wall?  Kailyn Fullerton, founder of Upstream Collaboration and an educator passionate about supporting school wellbeing, joins us as we delve into the importance of self-care for educators and students.

In this episode, we delve into burnout signs indicating the need for self-care, the importance of ongoing self-care, and Kailyn's journey in prioritizing well-being in her professional and personal life. Moreover, we discuss the need for self-awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness meditation to recognize and manage signs of exhaustion and stress.

Ultimately, Kailyn expounds on using technology or apps for emotional literacy tracking, the future of the well-being sector, and the importance of developing emotional intelligence and resilience in children.

Tune in as we unpack insights into well-being in the education sphere!

Timestamps

[02:18] About the guest, Kailyn Fullerton

[02:50] Introducing the topic

[03:55] Signs indicating  you need self-care

[06:33] Importance of ongoing self-care

[07:30] Kailyn’s journey in prioritizing well-being in her professional and personal life

[11:18] Effective self-care strategies

[15:06] Technology of apps recommendations for meditation and mindfulness

[18:36] Why restricting how much time you spend on social media is a type of mindfulness

[19:59] The future of the well-being sector

[24:45] Why students need to learn self-care

[28:12] How to connect with Kailyn Fullerton

Quotes

●     "No matter how healthy we are, it’s the way of the world to have these peaks and lows.”

●     “There is no magic bullet to being well. It is very systematic.”

●     “When you are hurt, you hurt other people.”

●     “Social Media can be an energizer  and can be a drainer.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Kailyn Fullerton  on;

In a society where screens often take precedence over face-to-face interactions, the significance of instilling discussion skills and fostering a culture of conversation has become increasingly apparent.

In this episode, we engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with Liza Garonzik, the Founder and CEO of R.E.A.L. Discussion, and Patrick Farmer, a trainer at R.E.A.L., exploring the process of deconstructing the art of discussion into teachable, assessable, and transferable skills for the younger generation.

Liza and Patrick delve into the array of tools provided by R.E.A.L. Discussion to schools, aiding children in honing their discussion abilities. They also discuss how educators can transition into the role of discussion coaches and effectively manage discussions among students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, they tackle the challenge of fostering constructive, respectful, and positive conversations in our increasingly diverse and digital world.

Tune in for insights on this crucial topic!

Timestamps

[03:23] Introduction: Liza’s background and the story behind R.E.A.L. Discussion

[05:36] Patrick’s experience working with R.E.A.L. Discussion

[08:24] Tools provided by R.E.A.L. Discussion for schools to facilitate discussions

[10:57] Supporting teachers in becoming discussion coaches

[13:20] Addressing the challenge of maintaining constructive, respectful, and positive conversations in a diverse and digital world

[20:00] Tips for teachers handling discussions among students from different cultural backgrounds

[27:56] Translating the principles of explicit discussion and skill teaching in R.E.A.L. Discussion

[30:40] Addressing different learning styles in R.E.A.L. Discussion

Notable quotes:

●      “The relief tied to what happens when you demystify discussion is worth pointing out.”

●      “There is magic in being together in person without screens during discussions.” Let’s Connect R.E.A.L. Discussion:

Non-academic factors like participation are a crucial influence on student grades.  How do you effectively implement SBGR in your school to avoid distorting a student's academic portrayal?

Ken, an independent consultant and author specializing in issues related to grading & reporting with a key interest in helping individuals, schools, and districts improve communication about student achievements, joins us on the show as we expound on starting an SBGR Program at your school. 

In this podcast episode, we delve into practical steps for implementing SBGR in schools, the benefits of SBGR  over traditional grading methods,  and practical strategies for integrating SBGR in your school.  Moreover, Ken expounds on striking a balance between maintaining consistency in grading practices as well as accommodating the learning styles of different students.

Ultimately, we delve into Artificial intelligence's impact on SBGR and how to use AI more effectively as an educator.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[02:04] Introducing the topic

[02:32] Introducing the guest Ken O’Connor

[04:45] Evolution of SBGR

[08:10]Challenges of Traditional Grading Methods

[11:24] Practical strategies for educators looking to integrate into standard-based grading

[14:39] Whether schools taking baby steps should implement SBGR  on subject level or grade level

[18:11] Striking a balance between maintaining consistency in grading practices  and accommodating individual needs and learning styles of students

[21:22] How Artificial Intelligence Impacts SBGR

[25:09] Using AI more effectively as an educator

[27:00] Hot button issues in implementing SBGR

[28:46] How to connect with Ken O’Connor

Quotes

●      " We came to understand that there were many problems with traditional grading. It was all about what we did to kids; none was about what we could do with students.”

●      “Some students think fast and think well, some think slow and think well, and everybody to share what they understand and know in sixty minutes is unfair.”

Mentioned Books

What’s the role of physical education in creating an active culture of well-being?

Aaron Beighle, an international mind and physical educator and scholar of school-based physical activity in the United States, joins us on the show as we delve into connecting well-being through movement.

In the episode, Aaron shares his passion for fitness and movement, how physical activity boosts your mindset & productivity, as well as different exercises that could be tailored to individual needs. He also expounds on structured versus physical activity, the importance of doing workouts you enjoy to make them sustainable, and how educators can integrate various types of physical activity in remote and physical learning environments.

Ultimately, we discuss the role of technology in facilitating physical movement for students, debunking the myth that only certain body types can do sports, as well as advice for educators implementing physical education in schools.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[03:22] Introducing the topic

[04:14] Introducing the guest Aaron Beighle

[05:08] Aaron’s passion for movement and fitness

[05:43] Coalition between physical activity and overall well-being

[08:00] Exercises or movements that can be easily tailored to individual needs and various environments

[09:40] Benefits of walking outside in the cold versus in very hot weather

[11:00] Structured workout versus physical activity

[15:56] How educators can effectively integrate various types of physical activities in both physical and remote learning environments

[20:42] Leveraging technology to help facilitate physical education for student

[24:30]DEIJ issues in physical education

[32:30] Advise physical educators or teachers in implementing physical education in schools

[35:15] How to connect with Aaron Beighle

Quotes

●      "There is no such thing as bad weather. There is just bad clothing. When it rains, you can go; when it’s cold, you can go.”

●      “Do something that you enjoy, and you want to. It is what you are likely to sustain.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Aaron Beighle;

How can schools and teachers align their assessments according to process and growth milestones for their students instead of their achievements or how well their classmates are performing?

Damian, a seasoned education consultant with expertise in assisting schools and school districts in enhancing their instructional and assessment capabilities, joins us as we delve into aligning your assessment to SBGR.

In this episode, Damian shares his passion for assessments, the remarkable strategies used in transforming student grading methods, the encouragement of growth mindsets such as G7 simulation, and the time challenge when teachers feel creating authentic assessment models takes a long time.

Moreover,  he expounds on transforming data into information, information-driven instructional improvements to enhance overall student outcomes, and the impact of curating ePortfolios to show growth rather than achievements.

Tune in for more!

Timestamps

[04:05] Introducing the topic

[04:40] About the guest Damian Cooper

[07:00] How Damian’s passion for assessment came about

[09:00] Authentic learning experience

[11:42] Strategies to transform grading methods for students and encourage a growth mindset

[16:00] Addressing the time problem where teachers shy away from the Authentic Assessment Model since it takes more time

[20:36] Advise for schools hesitant to evolve their assessments

[24:20]  How utilizing data could drive instructional improvements and enhance student outcomes overall

[28:42] Tools outside AI that could help in collecting data and transforming their data into information

[30:55] Importance of curating ePortfolios

[37:20] How to connect with Damian Cooper

Quotes

●     "If you are going to implement meaningful change in your classroom, the first thing to do is create a list of what you will stop doing to allow time and energy for what you will start doing.”

●     “You can never create more time, but you can use time more effectively & efficiently.”

●     “Do not hide your mistakes. They are the raw materials of instruction.”

Mentioned Books

Have you ever wondered what makes a school truly stand out? It's not just the curriculum. Just like top-notch hotels prioritize guest experience, schools are crafting unforgettable journeys for students and families.

In this session, David Willows & Suzzette Parlevliet,  educational experts from Yellow Car, discuss the critical role of experience strategy in schools.  They highlight the parallels between hospitality and school branding, designing memorable journeys for students, families, and staff, as well as revolutionizing the admissions process in schools. Moreover, they expound on the need for schools to adapt and stand out in a digital era through intentional experience design.

Ultimately,  we delve into the process of measuring success in experience strategy and valuable KPIs.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[03:20] About the guests David Willows & Suzette Parlor

[04:55] Experience strategy in educational institutions

[08:15] Why experience strategy is significant  for the overall success and reputation of any institution

[10:30] Experience design versus experience strategy

[13:03] Transformational impact of experience strategy on the admissions process

[19:24] Tips for schools struggling with the admission process

[20:50] Iterative process in experience strategy and its impact

[26:14]  Measuring success in the admissions process, key performance indicators, and the felt experience indicator

[31:10] How to connect with David Willows & Suzette Parlevliet

Quotes

●     " The schools that will stand out in the future are those that intentionally design the experience of school. That is where that value proposition will be.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with David Willows & Suzette Parlevliet on;

Leadership is crucial at all levels in international schools, whether formal title or informal; people should be encouraged to take leadership roles.

In this session, Arnie Beiber joins us on the show as we expound on what it means to be a  leader in the fast-paced and diverse world of international schools. Arnie is a Strategic Advisor, blogger, and the Senior Leadership Search Executive at International Schools Services,  with over 30 years of experience as an international educator.

In the episode, Arnie shares the importance of leadership in international schools and key drivers in leadership in international schools, including the school's mission and vision. Moreover, Arnie expounds on developing internal leadership in international schools,  three domains of leadership, and the benefits versus risks associated with internal and external hiring.

Ultimately, Arnie delves into why adaptability and agility are critical skills in leadership, different leadership styles, and creating sustainable systems that will exist in the long term even after leaving the leadership position.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[03:30] About Arnie Beiber and her  background in international  education

[06:29] Importance of leadership in international schools

[09:00] Leadership drivers in international schools

[12:00] Developing internal leadership

[14:53] Benefits of hiring from within and risks associated with it

[17:32] How leaders can adapt to change is one of the critical leadership skills

[21:46] Different types of leadership styles

[24:40] Resources to identify your leadership style

[27:17] Prominent leadership styles in international schools in different regions

[30:18] Whether leadership styles are based on the schools' or organization's vision

[30:57] How to connect with Arnie Beiber

Quotes

●     "Generally, people become formal leaders by being informal leaders first."

●     “The illiterate of the 21st Century will be persons who can not learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

●     “Everyone is a leader and can be a leader.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Arnie Beiber on;

Are you ready to challenge your teaching practices and create a culture of respect and understanding in your classroom? Join us as we explore the importance of culturally responsive teaching in international school communities with our guest, Darnell Fine.

Darnell is a middle school deputy principal at Singapore American School and an experienced facilitator of adult learning, focusing on curriculum assessment and culturally responsive teaching.

In the episode, we delve into the significance of having teachers representing different identity types, how representation impacts students' learning,  and critical self-reflection as a powerful tool for growth for educators.  Moreover, Darnell shares practical strategies for creating an inclusive and responsive learning environment and challenges the misconception that culturally responsive teaching approaches are exclusive to the United States.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[03:30] Introducing the topic

[04:17] About the guest Darnell Fine

[06:51] Impact of having teachers representing all types of identities on student learning experiences

[08:54] The power of Critical Self Reflection as  an educator

[12:06] Practical strategies for fostering an inclusive and responsive learning environment

[19:16] Hands-on activities and experiential learning to promote culturally responsive teaching

[24:15] Misconceptions surrounding the necessity of Culturally Responsive Teaching in International Schools

[29:00] Research work on Culturally Responsive Teaching

Quotes

●     “The more you teach, the more you realize you don’t know.”

●     “It is not enough to leverage our students' culture. We must also affirm their culture regardless of whether they meet academic standards.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Darnell Fine  on;

Unleashing creativity often means tapping into the untapped - the minds within our school communities. How can we foster innovation in education and provide time for teams to check in, grow their ideas, and celebrate their work? 

Join us in our thought-provoking conversation with John Burns as we explore expanding innovation in international schools. John is the Chief Innovation Officer for International School Services, focusing on sparking and scaling innovation in schools.

We kick off the episode with factors to consider while scaling innovation in their field of education, strategies to foster creativity amongst students & stakeholders, and methods for facilitating collaboration. Moreover, we delve into the role of AI in education, more so Chat GPT,  potential strengths and threats, and teachers' perspectives regarding the use of Chat GPT in schools.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[03:35] Introducing the guest John Burns

[04:45] Where John got his innovation influence from

[06:28] Fundamental principles or factors when an educational institution is considering scaling innovation in their field of education

[08:51] Strategies that encourage creativity amongst students & stakeholders

[14:25] Effective methods for facilitating collaboration among education stakeholders

[19:26] Role of AI, specifically chat GPT, in education and its potential impact

[27:26] Teachers' perspective regarding the use of Chat GPT in schools

[29:53] How to connect with John Burns

Quotes

• “Innovation is the practical execution to revive value.” 

• “Scaling successful initiatives is often challenging, but design thinking is a process that can help us understand the user needs and develop innovative solutions.”

  
  

Let’s Connect

Connect with John Burns on;

What’s the impact of diverse representation and leadership in our schools? Does it affect the kids? Tinay Naik and Nitasha Crishna join us in this episode to discuss designing an equitable environment for diverse entities.

Nitasha is an Indian & Canadian TCK and the Deputy Principal of the United Nations International School (UNIS), Hanoi, while Tanay is an accomplished educator with a wealth of experience in international schools, currently serving as the deputy principal for teaching & meaning at UNIS Hanoi.

 In the session, we delve into making the work environment equitable for teachers, intentionally building an inclusion culture in schools, how leadership inequality affects students, and insights into how technology helps promote inclusivity & equity. Moreover, we discuss effective strategies for including people with disabilities in international schools and engaging with parents to support inclusion & equity initiatives in the school environment.

Timestamps

[03:41] Introducing the topic

[04:15] About the guests Nitasha & Tinay

[05:28] How to make the work environment equitable for teachers

[08:50] How inequality in leadership in schools affects the students

[13:48] How technology & digital tools have been harnessed to promote inclusivity & equity within schools and any challenges within these efforts

[17:06] Effective strategies in inclusion of people with disability

[21:48] Visible versus hidden diversity

[25:08] Effective strategies in engaging parents & the broader community in supporting inclusion & equity initiatives within the school environment

[33:22] Nitasha’s favorite memory

[35:28] How to connect with Nitasha & Tanay

Quotes

●     “In schools, you can either intentionally build the culture you want, or you don't, and a culture will build anyway.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Nitasha Crishna on;

How do you distinguish yourself in highly competitive jobs? Danielle View joins us in this episode to share her expertise in entering the international school position, networking, key qualities, skills needed, & interview tips. Danielle is the Assistant Director of Global Recruitment at ISS, helping international schools find the best candidates.

In the session, Danielle shares insights on how to stand out in a highly competitive job, strategies to ensure long-term success in your career, key topics in interviews, as well as navigating cultural sensitivity & adaptability when working with international schools.

Ultimately, we delve into why you must put your best foot forward in selecting your interview attire, being formal in interviews, and finding experts or social groups when moving to a new country to get more insights.

Tune in for more!

Timestamps

[03:22] Introducing the topic

[03:55] About Danielle View & her role at ISS

[05:20] Advice to anyone looking for a new teaching or leadership position

[07:50] How to distinguish yourself in a highly competitive job

[13:13] Why family life and hobbies are key topics in open interviews

[15:15] Effectively navigating cultural sensitivity & adaptability while working in international schools

[20:50] Danielle’s favorite memory in any of the schools she has worked at

[22:08] Attire choice while going for interviews in International schools

[30:24] Finding social or expert groups when moving to a new country to give you insights about the country

[33:10] How to connect with Danielle View

Quotes

●     “Everybody has a different perspective, and you must seek to understand others.”

●     “You can never overdress in an interview. Put your best foot forward.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Danielle View on;

How can schools ensure the effectiveness of their inclusive hiring strategies & continually improve them? In this episode, an educator with over 20 years of experience with a background in college admissions & DEIB, Lawrence Q. Alexander, joins us as we delve into Inclusive Excellence in Recruitment, Hiring, and retention.

We kick off the episode as Lawrence explains why the hiring process in the early 2000s felt like going to a firing squad, strategies to promote diversity in schools, and right sizing by first examining what you need in the market and then going to the market for phenomenal adults to work in the community and expect to train them. Moreover, we discuss why schools need to develop educators just as they work towards developing students, the difference between DEIJ & DEIB, and a structural example of how to foster belonging in schools.

Ultimately, Lawrence expounds on metrics to assess effectiveness in the inclusive hiring strategy, onboarding educators appropriately, and retaining them after the hiring process. 

Tune in for more!

Timestamps

[03:35] Introducing the topic

[04:05] About Lawrence Q. Alexander

[05:56] The hiring process in the early 2000s

[07:50] Key strategies to promote diversity in schools

[09:15] Right-sizing during recruitment

[11:13] Why schools should develop educators

[17:38] DEIJ versus DEIB

[22:50] Fostering a sense of belonging in schools

[25:52] Ensuring that educators are not only onboarded appropriately but also want to stay

[30:07] Metrics schools should use in assessing the effectiveness of their inclusive hiring strategies

[34:05] How to retain educators after the hiring process

Quotes

●      “You’re only as good as the diversity of people in your network.”

●      “Hire for culture & train for confidence.” 

Let’s Connect

Connect with Lawrence Q. Alexander II on;

Teens are always working from the teen brain, and they are going to respond differently from how we expect them to. How do you understand their developmental phases as an educator or parent, & help your teen understand their neurobiology?

In this episode, Lori Boll, the director of SENIA International & a former international school teacher with a background in mid-school counseling, joins us as we delve into empowering students' executive function in a teenage brain.

In the session, we expound on whether a child’s environment affects their teenage brain development, why the frontal lobe is the last area to develop, and how it controls the executive functioning of the teenage brain. Moreover, Lori discusses why we should educate teachers & educators on teenage brain neurobiology as well as how to handle teenagers' gut spot reactions.

Ultimately, Lori expounds on strategies teens can use to improve their executive functioning skills and the most fascinating thing about the teenage brain!

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[03:22] Introducing the topic

[04:00] About the guest Lori Boll

[05:50] Whether a child’s environment plays a role in teenage brain development

[08:29] How a frontal lobe area controls executive functioning & practical examples of how executive functioning affects a teenager’s life

[12:02] Teenagers reacting to the gut spot as opposed to the more logical side

[15:20] How much time do you give your teenagers before having a conversation after an explosion

[17:19]  Strategies teens can use to improve their executive functioning skills

[20:01] Most fascinating thing about the teenage brain

[22:14] Why we need to educate parents & teachers on the teenage brain

[28:40] How to connect with Lori Boll

Quotes

●     “It’s essential to teach teenagers about their teenage brain and let them understand their neurobiology. Once they understand that, it brings a lot to light.”

●     “When students don’t have a fully functioning frontal lobe yet, we need to lend them our frontal lobe.”

Mentioned Resources

What’s the impact of implicit bias on the hiring process within schools? Welcome to this episode as we delve into breaking barriers, building awareness & addressing blind spots in the hiring process with our guests Alan Phan & Aparna Sundaram.

Alan is the Founder of Diversity Collective and General Principal - at North London Collegiate School HCMC while Aparna is the COO of Recruitment & Consulting at Diversity Collective with more than 12 years in recruitment.

In the episode, the Diversity Collaborative team shares barriers faced when recruiting for international schools, the importance of implicit bias awareness in the hiring process, and examples of implicit bias that influence the hiring process. Moreover, we discuss why recruiters should focus on being inclusive in assessments rather than looking out for what a candidate doesn’t have.

Ultimately, we look into how a recruiter can frame their questions without jeopardizing change in the organization & steps for recruiters when evaluating candidates from diverse backgrounds to ensure an equitable assessment process.

Tune in for more!

Timestamps

[03:50] Introducing the topic

[04:25] Alain & Arpana’s background & their company Diversity Collaborative

[05:45] Recruitment barriers when hiring for International Schools

[08:06] Importance of awareness of biases & privileges in the hiring process

[09:36] Examples of how implicit bias influences the hiring decision

[12:31] Focusing on being inclusive rather than being exclusive in assessments

[17:40] The best way to frame questions as an interviewer without jeopardizing the opportunity to make a change in an organization

[22:50] Steps to take when evaluating candidates from diverse backgrounds while ensuring the assessment process is equitable

[32:00] How to connect with Alain & Arpana

Quote

●      “Normalize the fact we all have implicit bias, but it’s not something that can be cured. We can’t get rid of it, but you can raise your awareness of it.”

●      “If you’re intellectual about what you’re looking for, go out & look for it.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Alan Phan on;

How can educators engage with people with disabilities in the community, understand the challenges they face & increase the accessibility of disabled students in international schools? 

In this episode, Jourdie Godley joins us as we delve into disability practices for the betterment of disabled students in international schools. Jourdie is a Fashion Consultant & Digital Content Creator specializing in disability inclusion.

We start off the episode by discussing how International schools can get better and increase growth in accessibility for disabled students in international schools, as well as how educators can engage with disabled students in a way that fosters understanding, collaboration & empathy.

Moreover, Jourdie shares his impact in the fashion industry, more so in the inclusion of adaptive wear for people with disabilities, creating a positive, loving environment for disabled students and showing them they can also do amazing things!

Timestamps

[03:50] Introducing the topic

[04:30] About Jourdie Godley

[06:30] How international schools can get better

[09:35] Accessibility and exposure to accommodating students with disabilities in international schools

[15:10] How educators can learn and engage with members of the disability community

[19:25] Jourdie’s impact in the fashion industry and ensuring there is more cognizance for disabled people and every body type

[24:52] Being more cognizant of disabled people and acknowledging that anyone can be a candidate for disability

[27:00] Building a positive, loving environment for kids with disabilities

Quote

●      “Look at a person first before looking at their disability.”

●      “Exposure is the biggest key to making great change.”

●      “Anyone of us could wake up one day and become a person of disability.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Jourdie Godley;

Schools face numerous challenges and uncertainties, but with strategic planning, schools can navigate those challenges by identifying strengths, weaknesses & opportunities ( SWOT analysis).

In this episode, Tom Hawkins, an educational leader with a wealth of experience in strategic and action planning in international schools and vice President for school start-up management & operations at ISS, joins us as we delve into Strategic & Action Planning for international schools. 

In the session, we expound on what strategic planning is and why it's crucial for educational institutions, strategic planning for schools post-pandemic, what they need to revise, and how strategic planning helps build resilience for long-term strategies.

Moreover, we delve into the difference between strategic planning & strategic thinking and why you need to include sustainability initiatives in your strategic plan. Tune in for more!

Timestamps

[02:52] Housekeeping items

[03:30] Introducing the guest Tom Hawkins

[05:10] Defining strategic planning and why it’s crucial for educational institutions

[07:15] International schools strategic planning & thinking post-pandemic

[10:37] Importance of measuring qualitative outcomes for students

[13:50] How strategic thinking helps in building resilience for long-term strategies

[17:55] Strategic thinking versus strategic planning

[20:48] How strategic planning & thinking can change the leadership phase into something more diverse

[23:20] Including sustainability initiatives in your strategic plan

[25:24] Resources on Strategic planning & thinking

Quote

●      “Crisis doesn't have to throw you off your game. A crisis can be an opportunity for you to hone those skills, be a strategic thinker and make decisions based on looking for opportunities coming out of the crisis.”

●      “One of the strategic imperatives for every school is their human capital initiative. No school is ever good without great people.”

●      “Knowledge is power when put into practice.”

Mentioned Resources

Are you looking towards online learning with a classroom feel? ISAOnline, owned by ISS & International School of Aruba, is a high-quality curriculum that enhances personal learning, integrates technology & empowers students to achieve their full potential and thrive in a digital world.

In the session, Theresa Montenrello, director of ISAOnline, expounds on the curriculum, from how the school came about during the pandemic, registration requirements available on their website, subjects that the curriculum covers from grade 2 to 8 to what makes the ISAOnline stand out. We also discuss how ISAruba incorporates tech & digital resources to promote the learning experience as well as embrace extra-curricular activities to ensure the holistic development of their students.

Moreover, she delves into the importance of parent involvement in a student's academics, tactics they use to promote parent involvement & assessment strategies they use to evaluate students' performance.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[02:12] Introducing the guest, “Theresa Montenarello.”

[03:08] About ISA Online

[06:10] ISA's distinct approach from other online schools. What makes them stand out

[08:04] Subjects ISAruba Online curriculum covers & the grade levels

[08:38] Key objectives of the specialized curriculum

[11:33] How ISAruba Online incorporated tech & digital resources into the curriculum to enhance the learning experience

[13:15] Integrating extracurricular activities in the curriculum to enhance the holistic development of the students

[14:50] How ISAruba keeps the curriculum up to date with current education standards

[18:08] Tactics to encourage parents involvement

[22:04] ISAOnline assessment method in evaluating learning outcomes

[24:49] A course Theresa enjoys the most

[26:56] How to connect with Theresa Montenarello and ISAruba

Quote

●      “We need to form that relationship and trust, and then we can work on the academics second.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Theresa Montenarello on;

Are yo an educator seeking innovative resources or a student eager to make a difference? Inspire Citizens creates transformative learning experiences for teachers & students through innovative curriculum resources and professional development workshops.

In this episode, Aaron Moniz, Co-founder of Inspire Citizens & Scott Jamieson, Global Collaboration Lead at Inspire Citizens, join us on the show as well as delve into the benefits of the Inspire Citizens Global Certification Program.

In the session, Aaron expounds on the passion behind founding Inspire Citizens six years ago, the importance of the global citizenship certificate & strengthening the education system through curriculum integration, unlike traditional educational PD Programs.

Moreover, Aaron & Scott share Inspire Citizens Program success stories and tips for navigating information overload, staying informed & maintaining your mental health.

Timestamps

[02:17] Introducing the guests Aaron & Scott

[02:30] About Inspire Citizens

[04:11] Inspiration behind the founding of Inspire Citizens

[11:25] Importance of Inspire Citizens Program for students, educators, & organizations

[16:50] The road map for global citizenship education

[21:00] Strengthening the education system through curriculum integration

[23:44] How Global Citizenship Certification came to fruition

[26:31] Importance of bringing your school cohort together & doing a certificate program

[29:45] Inspire Citizens program success stories

[38:18] Strategies to cultivate a healthy digital lifestyle

[45:30] How to connect with Aaron & Scott

Quote

●      “Accreditation on the CIS is a need that most schools have. They want to do it, but they don’t have an articulate approach.”

●      “Every school has its own unique culture & there is no one size fits all.”

●      “If you spend more time in the washroom than you do on your mental health, maybe you should look at your priorities!”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Inspire Citizens on;

Lori Boll joins us in this episode to expound on the Special Education Network & Inclusion Association (SENIA). Lori is the Executive Director of SENIA, an accomplished & compassionate leader in the field of special education with more than 25 years of teaching experience in international schools. She also has a 23-year-old son diagnosed with Profound Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2003.

In the session, Lori expounds on the inspiration behind the founding of SENIA in the early 2000s, its role in advocating for & providing resources for individuals with disabilities, and what makes Senia Academy a golden treasure from other learning & development resources.

Ultimately, Lori advises educators looking forward to providing more inclusive environments for their students, the benefits of Universal Design Learning (UDL) & how their courses stay current with current trends & technologies.

Tune in for more!

Timestamps

[01:09] Introducing the guest “Lori Boll”

[02:16] About SENIA Academy

[05:06] The inspiration behind finding SENIA

[12:29] Alumni that have implemented their knowledge & resources in their schools

[14:21] What sets SENIA Academy apart from other resources

[17:52] Advise to educators looking forward to providing more inclusive environments for their students

[18:31] Benefits of adopting Universal Design Learning (UDL) in schools

[19:23] How to stay connected with the latest research & developments in the field of special education

[20:00] How SENIA ensures their courses stay up to date with the current trends & technologies

[21:05] Upcoming Level II Certification for Certified Level I Educators

[22:04] How to connect with SENIA & their upcoming events

Quote

●      “The biggest fear that gets in the way of supporting our students is fear. There is fear of failure as a teacher because it’s that immediate to throw off the hands and say I’m not trained in this. So we train them.”

A basic need for every human being is to be seen or heard, and conferring is a great way to leave a message!

In this episode, Matt Kelsey & Ken Simonds join us on the show as we discuss how K through 12 schools can build, maintain, and extend tools and systems for self-service data analytics to support a culture of data use.

Matt is the Director of Technology at the American School of Dubai with over five years of experience working with off-the-shelf data analytic systems, as well as developing in-house dashboards and performing custom statistical analysis, while Ken is a Data Specialists at the American School of Dubai, he spent the last six years as a data engineer and a data analyst at Meta net, also known as Facebook.

Matt & Ken start with success skills in data analytics from data collection, cleaning & visualization. We also delve deep into self-data analytics and how educators can leverage the right tools and systems to make a data-driven decision without losing sight of students' individual needs & experiences.

Moreover, we discuss the challenges schools face in implementing self-data analytics, the role of AI & machine learning in data analysis, and how to stay up to date with all the trends in data analytics.

Tune in for more insights on using data to drive positive change in your school!

Timestamps

[02:12] Introducing the topic

[03:15] What inspired Matt & Ken to pursue a career in data analytics, and how has the journey shaped their perspective in the education industry

[07:05] Important skills for success in Data Analytics and how to hone those skills throughout the career

[11:02] Technical versus organizational data systems

[16:10] How Self-service data analytics can be used to improve student outcomes in K through 12 schools

[19:08] Challenges schools face in implementing self-service data analytics and how they can be addressed

[20:06] Why data can be tricky

[23:17] Role of Artificial Intelligence & Machine learning in data Analysis or manipulation

[28:05] How can schools ensure they are using data to inform decision-making without losing sight of the individual needs & experiences of their students

[31:50] How to stay up to date with the trends in the field

Quotes

●      “Data can be tricky. It can provide much insight when it's analyzed correctly. But there are many easy things that can go wrong in the analysis where that can lead you to the wrong conclusion if you're not careful.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Ken Simonds on;

Competition is quite high for international schools. What makes your school unique to stand out? How can you leverage SEO & Google Ads to increase website traffic and generate qualified leads?

In this episode, Chandler Clayton joins us on the show to share insights on increasing the quality and quantity of YouTube school website traffic and how to utilize Google Ads & SEO best. Chandler is the Digital Specialist at ISS, focusing on improving SEO & managing paid Ads.

We kick off the episode with strategies to increase your website traffic, tips to expose international schools through organic and paid search results, and accurate messaging on your website to generate qualified leads. Moreover, we discuss common mistakes international schools make when concentrating on Google Ads and neglecting SEO and advice to marketing elites starting in the digital space.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[02:12] Introducing the topic

[02:58] About Chandler Clayton & how he got into the marketing space

[06:35] Strategies for international schools to increase traffic on their website

[16:15] Tips for exposing international schools' brands through organic and paid search results

[21:22] How to read through the lines when looking at marketing to see what their brand might be

[23:55] Using accurate messaging on the website and how it generates more qualified leads

[25:10] Common mistakes international school make while using SEO & Google Ads

[27:22] Success factors in international schools in increasing the website traffic

[29:35] Advice to international school wonders or marketing elites  who are just starting with digital marketing spaces

[30:36] How to connect with Chandler Clayton

Quotes

●      “Use all of the graphic assets you have. People naturally resonate more with visuals than just reading texts.”

●      “Marketing is a double-edged sword. It can have a misleading side, and the best way to navigate that in international schools is to reach out to schools.”

●      “SEO is a long game. You are not going to see those immediate results. It may feel like it’s not a good use of your time, but overall, it makes a huge impact.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Chandler Clayton on;

Alysa Perraras joins us on the show to share insights on inclusion & identity. Alysa is a multilingual career educator passionate about ongoing learning and consistent engagement in Equity, Inclusion and radical Possibility.

In this episode, Alysa explains how her experience growing up turned into a personal passion and later a professional pursuit as a DEIJ Consultant. She also shares her experience working with young people struggling with identity, common misconceptions and challenges in equity & inclusion, embracing sustainability learning in social justice and creating solutions that can thrive without you fixing them.

Moreover, we discuss the future of radical possibilities for our schools as well as book recommendations to check out. Tune in for more ways to engage in the work of equity and inclusion!

Timestamps

[01:58] Introducing the guest “Alysa Perraras.”

[05:38] Alysa’s experience working with young people in different communities & spaces

[06:54] How Alysa’s experience growing up speaks to her profession

[10:15] Common misconceptions and challenges that you people face in diversity & inclusion

[15:31] How Alysa environ tongue people applying the skills that they learn in your identity & inclusion work in their adult lives

[18:04] How to treat unique challenges that come with the inclusion and identity work through practical application outside the classroom

[21:25] What radical possibility looks like in the future of our schools

[24:25] Resources, books & online publications listeners can check out

[26:29] How to connect with Alysa Perraras

Quotes

●      “Impact matters more than intention does.”

●      “I’m not happy to be self-made. I’m happy to be community-made.”