Educators Going Global (Audrey Forgeron and David Carpenter)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Educators Going Global
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| 01 Dec 2022 | 0. Welcome to Educators Going Global! | 00:16:36 | |
In this episode your hosts Audrey and David introduce themselves, share their Going Global Stories, and lay out the plan for the podcast. In addition to being available via all of the regular podcasting avenues, our episodes will be organized by topic on our website. Additionally, we will be active on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!
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| 06 Dec 2022 | 1. Foundational Series, Part 1 - The Nature of the Beast: What are International Schools? | 00:10:05 | |
This episode is part of our Foundational Series. This is the first of two shows answering the guiding question of “The Nature of the Beast: What are international schools?”. We discuss the history of and different types of international schools.
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| 18 Dec 2022 | 3. Foundational Series, Part 2 - The Nature of the Beast II: What are International Schools? | 00:08:23 | |
This episode is part of our Foundational Series. This is the second of two shows answering the guiding question of “The Nature of the Beast: What are international schools?”.
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| 11 Dec 2022 | 2. International Teacher Finances: An Interview with Millionaire Teacher Andrew Hallam | 00:45:05 | |
Author and financial journalist Andrew Hallam joined us from Menton, France for this episode. Andrew Hallam is an international bestselling author and one of the world’s most prolific financial wellness speakers. He has given hundreds of talks in over 30 different countries on financial wellness, sound investing, and life satisfaction. He had built a million-dollar portfolio on a schoolteacher's salary by the time he was in his late 30s. As a financial journalist, Andrew has written for numerous international publications, too many to name. He has been interviewed on the radio, multiple podcasts, and TV. Andrew and his wife are adventurous travelers. They cycled around Europe and Asia on their tandem bike and explored Mexico and Central America in their camper van. Andrew says: “Intelligent investing allows people to buy the only non-renewable resource they’ll ever have: time.” Andrew is the internationally bestselling author of Millionaire Teacher and Millionaire Expat. His latest book isBalance: How To Invest and Spend for Happiness, Health, and Wealth. The guiding question for the episode was “How can international educators best set themselves up for financial success?” We covered a wide range of topics including advice for those new to international teaching, school retirement benefits, currencies in salaries, investing for non-American expatriates, countries welcoming retiring expatriates, and highlights of Andrew’s books. This episode was recorded on September 27, 2022. Andrew’s Contact Information: Andrew Hallam | Facebook Millionaire Teacher and Expats & International School Educators - Financial Advice
Categories: Finance | Recruiting | Nature of International Schools | Cost of Living Around the World at Numbeo Investing Services for Expatriates Plan Vision by Mark Zoril
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| 23 Dec 2022 | 4. Taking the First Steps To Become an International Educator: An Interview With Jacqueline Mallais, Consultant | 00:36:26 | |
International teaching consultant Jacqueline Mallais joined us from Guadalajara, Mexico, for this episode. Jacqueline Mallais, M.Ed., M.A., is a former international teacher and school leader with over 20 years of experience in six countries on four continents. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, now living in beautiful Guadalajara, Mexico, she offers her consulting services to teachers looking for personal help and guidance on their job search journey. Since heading overseas in 1996, Jacqueline has helped many teachers secure amazing opportunities abroad. The guiding question for this episode is “what are the first steps to take in your recruiting journey?”. We covered questions first-timers need to ask themselves, document preparation, the recruitment process, and helpful recruiting resources. The show was recorded on September 19, 2022.
Categories: Finance | Recruiting | Transitions Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
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| 06 Jan 2023 | 6. Foundational Series, Part 3: Cha-ching! The Bottom Line: Salary and Benefits | 00:05:57 | |
This episode is part of our Foundational Series.
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| 13 Jan 2023 | 7. Getting Ready for the International Recruiting Fair: An Interview With Jacqueline Mallais | 00:49:47 | |
International teaching consultant Jacqueline Mallais joined us from Guadalajara, Mexico for this episode. Jacqueline Mallais, M.Ed., M.A., is a former international teacher and school leader with over 20 years of experience in six countries on four continents. Since heading overseas in 1996, she has helped a number of teachers secure amazing opportunities abroad over the years. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, now living in beautiful Guadalajara, Mexico, she offers her consulting services to teachers looking for personal help and guidance on their job search journey. The guiding question for this episode is “You completed your preparation and are ready to begin the recruiting process. What happens next?”. We covered recruiting fairs, contacting schools directly, interviews, package negotiations, and being organized throughout the job recruiting process. The show was recorded on September 28, 2022. Jacqueline’s Contact Information: Categories: Finance | Recruiting | Transitions Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
What are some must-haves and want-to-haves to consider when trying to decide which school is right for you? Part 1 and Part 2.
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| 20 Jan 2023 | 8. Foundational Series, Part 4: Really Thinking About all the Ramifications of Going Global. | 00:07:14 | |
This episode is part of our Foundational Series. The guiding question is “Getting Personal: What are some personal considerations and ramifications to think about when going global?” We discuss the cultural changes, supporting one’s children in the move, aging out due to visa requirements, and retirement planning in being an international educator. This episode was recorded on July 4, 2022.
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| 03 Feb 2023 | 10. Foundational Series, Part 5: What's in it for Me? (Specific Benefits) | 00:09:00 | |
This episode is part of our Foundational Series. The guiding question is “Specific Benefits: What’s in it for me?” We discuss the carrots that attract people to become an international educator. This episode was recorded on July 4, 2022.
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| 17 Feb 2023 | 12. Foundational Series, Part 6: What else is in it for me? (More Benefits) | 00:12:05 | |
This episode is part of our Foundational Series. This is the second of two shows answering the guiding question of “Getting Personal: What is in it for me?”.
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| 03 Mar 2023 | 14. Foundational Series, Part 7 - The Skinny: The inside scoop on what you might want to look (out) for in a school. | 00:16:38 | |
This is the final episode of our Foundational Series.
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| 27 Jan 2023 | 9. Finding the Right Fit: An Interview With Greg Lemoine, author. | 00:41:43 | |
In this episode, we had a great time interviewing Greg Lemoine, an international teaching veteran of 20 years who currently lives in the Middle East. Greg is a podcast host and the author of the book: Finding the Right Fit: Your Professional Guide for International Educator Recruiting Fairs and Amazing Stories of a Teacher Living Overseas. Greg is an engaging storyteller and he loves to laugh! The guiding question for this episode is “What factors go into finding the right fit in terms of an international school”? We unpacked the term “finding the right fit” when recruiting for international school jobs. Greg shared stories about the recruiting process, including tips for attending recruiting fairs. We also learned about the origins of the International Teacher podcast. The show was recorded on October 20, 2022. Greg’s Contact Information: The International Teacher podcast is available on all podcasting platforms. Contact Greg and his podcasting partners at internationalteacherpodcast@gmail.com. Categories: Recruiting | EGG Stories Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
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| 24 Feb 2023 | 13. New to International Teaching: An Interview With Mel and Cole in Abu Dhabi | 00:38:38 | |
Mel Idema and Cole Savage joined us from Abu Dhabi as first-time international educators. They shared their story and provided some very helpful tips for teachers as they prepare to transition from their home country to a new home abroad. Mel and Cole are a newlywed couple from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They love hiking in the mountains with their dog, Nhala. They’re also big fans of good food, better coffee, and unreal views. Mel and Cole decided to take a job working abroad to enjoy a year of adventure in their first year of marriage. Cole is secondary trained but has enjoyed teaching grades 4-6 for most of his career. Currently, he teaches A.P. Biology. Mel has spent most of her career working in grades 1-3 and is currently working in a grade 2 classroom. Both are working internationally at the same school for the first time. The guiding question for this episode was “What has been your experience as a first-time international teaching couple?”. We covered recruiting, document and finances preparation, onboarding, and first impressions of international teaching. This episode was recorded on September 24, 2022. Mel and Cole’s Contact Information: The Global Traveler’s Wife and The Wondering Learner.
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| 10 Feb 2023 | 11. What Happens After I Sign the Contract? An Interview With Jacqueline Mallais | 00:43:07 | |
International teacher consultant Jacqueline Mallais joined us from Guadalajara, Mexico for this episode. Jacqueline Mallais, M.Ed., M.A., is a former international teacher and school leader with over 20 years of experience in six countries on four continents. Since heading overseas in 1996, she has helped a number of teachers secure amazing opportunities abroad over the years. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, now living in beautiful Guadalajara, Mexico, she offers her consulting services to teachers looking for personal help and guidance on their job search journey.
The show was recorded on October 18, 2022. Jacqueline’s Contact Information: Her website is JPMint Consulting and she can be reached at JPMintConsulting@gmail.com. Categories: Finance | Recruiting | Transitions Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
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| 27 Dec 2022 | 4B. Bonus: Going Global Stories Riff with David and Audrey | 00:25:09 | |
In this episode, we highlight some of the fun "Going Global Stories" that educators have sent us. These are posted on our YouTube channel as well as on the Podcast page of our website.
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| 30 Dec 2022 | 5. Much Ado About Money! An Interview with Dr. Stephen Boush of TIE TAX | 00:49:01 | |
Dr. Stephen Boush of TIE TAX and The Investment Center joined us from Seoul, Korea, for this episode. Stephen joined The Investment Center in 2005, providing financial advisory services for clients worldwide. Focused on retirement planning and client education, Dr. Boush brings a wealth of knowledge to his clients with the goal of education and portfolio growth. Stephen is licensed to provide services in a variety of financial areas. Stephen is a FINRA-licensed broker with series FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative, FINRA Series 66 Investment Advisor Representative, and FINRA Series 24 General Securities Principal licenses, as well as various health, life, and annuity insurance licenses. Having lived abroad for most of his life and is now located in East Asia, Stephen has a unique understanding of the expatriate community’s financial needs. He is able to assist nationals of any country in finding the best blend of investments and assets to help attain their savings and financial goals. He also addresses the unique tax issues faced by US ex-pats who live abroad. The guiding question for this episode is “How can international educators best set themselves up for financial success?”. We covered three areas of finances in this episode: Salary and Benefits, Taxes, and Retirement Planning. This episode was recorded on September 8, 2022. Stephen’s Contact Information: www.tietax.com | Email: stephen.boush@tietax.com Categories: Finance
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| 25 Jan 2023 | 8B. Bonus: Crafting an Impactful International Teaching CV with the Help of a Consultant | 01:03:15 | |
In this episode a soon-to-be-newly-certified teacher receives step-by-step guidance on crafting a powerful résumé from an international teacher consultant. Hannah Ormond is a graduate student at the University of Georgia, where she will graduate with her Master’s degree in elementary education in May 2023. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Hannah now lives in Athens, GA., where she works as a substitute teacher at local elementary schools while she completes her coursework. Hannah enjoys baking, spending time with her friends and family, and reading a good book when she is not teaching. Hannah had her first international teaching experience in the Fall of 2021 when she completed her student teaching for her undergraduate degree at an international school in Thessaloniki, Greece. Hannah has always loved to travel and has often considered teaching abroad. Her teaching experience in Greece solidified her dream to become an international educator. Our guiding question was, “what is a consultancy session for an international teaching candidate?” The focus of this episode is on designing an effective CV. Jacqueline reviewed Hannah’s CV in this episode, giving her feedback, providing a framework and tips to highlight her experiences and strengths. This episode was recorded on January 18, 2023. Category: Recruiting Resource Mentioned in the Episode: The Consortium of Overseas Student Teaching (COST) program is a collaboration of 16 colleges and universities in the United States that provides opportunities for teacher candidates to student teach overseas. Listen to our interview with Dr. Danielle Carrier to learn more about the program.
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| 01 Feb 2023 | 9B. Bonus: Crafting an Impactful International Teaching Cover Letter with the Help of a Consultant | 00:27:24 | |
Have you ever wondered how to write a really great cover letter as an international teacher? In this episode, an international teacher consultant will help you learn a proven way to craft a cover letter that will most certainly end up in the “Yes!” pile on an interviewer’s desk. Jacqueline Mallais, M.Ed., M.A., is a former international teacher and school leader with over 20 years of experience in six countries on four continents. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, now living in beautiful Guadalajara, Mexico, she offers consulting services to teachers looking for personal help and guidance on their job search journey. Since heading overseas in 1996, Jacqueline has helped many teachers secure amazing opportunities abroad. Hannah Ormond is a graduate student at the University of Georgia, where she will graduate with her Master’s degree in elementary education in May 2023. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Hannah now lives in Athens, GA., where she works as a substitute teacher at local elementary schools while she completes her coursework. Hannah enjoys baking, spending time with her friends and family, and reading a good book when she is not teaching. Hannah had her first international teaching experience in the Fall of 2021 when she completed her student teaching for her undergraduate degree at an international school in Thessaloniki, Greece. Hannah has always loved to travel and has often considered teaching abroad. Her teaching experience in Greece solidified her dream to become an international educator. Our guiding question was, “what is a consultancy session for an international teaching candidate?” The focus of this episode was on designing an effective cover letter. Jacqueline communicated the purpose of a cover letter and the “must haves” while giving Hannah insights on personalizing aspects of the letter. This episode was recorded on January 18, 2023. Jacqueline’s Contact Information: Her website is JPMint Consulting. Contact Jacqueline at JPMintConsulting@gmail.com. Category: Recruiting
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| 07 Feb 2023 | 10B. Recruiting - from the Other Side of the Table: An Interview with Heather Naro, School Administrator. | 00:37:37 | |
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sit in the chair on the other side of the recruiting table - as an international school administrator? We caught up with Dr. Heather Naro in Boston where she was preparing for a recruitment fair having just completed one in London. Heather is a career international equator who is currently working as the lower school principal at the International Community School of Abidjan. She began her journey in 1992 in Cairo, Egypt. During her time overseas she has lived in Egypt, China, Saudi Arabia, Belize, Thailand, Nepal, Kazakhstan, and currently Cote d’Ivoire. Together with her husband, Mitch, they raised two children overseas. Her “just in time” sharing really gave us a feel for where things stand in recruiting this year. Heather provided insights on:
Our guiding question was, “What is the state of recruiting this year from a recruiter viewpoint?” This episode was recorded on January 26, 2023. Heather’s Contact Information: LinkedIn and heather.naro@icsabidjan.org Resources Mentioned in the Episode: International Community School of Abidjan
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| 10 Mar 2023 | 15. Current Trends in (International) Consulting: An Interview with Jeff Utecht. | 00:59:47 | |
Who do you think of when it comes to educational leaders who stand out for their ideation, collaboration, innovation, and drive? I bet that Jeff Utecht is at the top of your list whether you went to one of his sessions at a conference or enjoyed his company at your school. The guiding question for the episode is, “where do you see educational consultancy and professional/personal learning support going in the near term?” We covered so much in our interview. A few of the topics were: The research and work of the Shifting Schools team on student engagement techniques, providing choice within learning pathways while moving into hy-flex learning environments. The state of professional learning for teachers includes personal self-directed learning that engages retro-styled PLCs and podcast PD. Jeff unpacked this for us, while also touching on what those new to international education might experience when it comes to their personal growth in their new school communities. Jeff also extolled the work of his partner Tricia Friedman in designing instructional tools to scaffold learning, from leveraging the Google Workspace to teaching students collaboration skills, among others. Always the visionary, Jeff needed little prompting to expand on what might be on the horizon regarding teaching and learning. This future-looking episode was recorded on December 6, 2022. Jeff’s Contact Information: Discover all the ways to follow Jeff on his Portfolio Resources Mentioned in the Episode: International School Organizations - See our Library Resources page and search by name (for example, ISS).
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| 17 Mar 2023 | 16. Elevating Teacher Voices Around the Globe: An Interview with Podcast Host Jackie Scully | 00:38:31 | |
Jackie Scully joined us from New Jersey in the US for this episode. She is an experienced History & Psychology Teacher and is the Creator & Host of The Teacher Story, which features her own story and interviews with teachers from around the world. The guiding question for the episode was, “what are you hearing from US and international teachers on how they are feeling about their careers as educators?”. We covered the mission and format of Jackie’s podcast, teacher stories about the challenges of teaching in the US, stories from national and international educators, and ideas for improving the American educational system. This episode was recorded on October 10, 2022. Jackie’s Contact Information: Jackie’s Website | LinkedIn | Facebook & Instagram - @jackie.c.scully Categories: Transitions | Trends Resources Mentioned in the Episode: The Teacher Story podcast on Spotify, which also can be found on the other major podcasting app platforms.
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| 27 Mar 2023 | 17. Advice from a Legend: Bob Gross Provides Advice for Aspiring International Educators | 00:54:05 | |
International head of school Bob Gross joined us from Minnesota for this episode. Bob Gross is a retired superintendent of schools now living in Minnesota. Bob spent 35 years in public education as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. In 1999, he was appointed the superintendent of schools at Singapore American School in Singapore. In 2006, Bob was named International Superintendent of the Year. From 2007-2012 he worked with the Office of Overseas Schools with the US Department of State, calling on international schools in Western and Eastern Europe. From 2012-13 Bob served as interim school superintendent at the American School in Abu Dhabi. In 2013-14, he served as interim school superintendent at the American School in Vienna. Bob’s last international school assignment was as interim school superintendent at the International School of Basel in Basel, Switzerland. Our guiding question was "What advice would you give to US-based teachers who might be considering trying international teaching?" We started with the question of whether to go global or not. Bob listed steps to begin the recruiting process and what school leaders look for in candidates. Bob also offered insights on candidate communication with prospective schools and some do’s and don’ts when attending recruiting fairs. Another topic was managing schools and what an interim head of school does. We finished with a few insights on teaching in various regions. Bob shared super helpful tips, so have a pad of paper and pen in hand! Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
This show was recorded on October 13, 2022. Categories: Recruiting | Transitions | Trends
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| 20 Mar 2023 | 16B. Demystifying Taxes and Investing for Americans with Dr. Jeff Devens, Part 1 - Tax Buckets & Credits | 00:30:12 | |
In this three-part bonus series, we take a deep dive into some very important aspects of tax filing and nest egg building for American citizens. Even if money is not your thing, this series will help you save a lot -- if it prompts you to, as our guest Jeff Devens suggests, start asking critical questions. In 2014 Jeff served as a member of a Crisis Response Team (CRT) supporting an international school going through two simultaneous crises. This experience profoundly impacted his understanding of finances and the necessity to support fellow educators as a form of psychological financial first-aid. Jeff is currently in the process of completing his certification from Boston University as a Certified Financial Planner. Jeff’s wife, Nanette, is also an international educator (high school music). They have two children: Cylas, age 17, and Cora, age 13. During his “free” time, Jeff enjoys exercising and competing in Jiu Jitsu, having earned his black belt in 2018. Our guiding question for the episode was, “What kinds of advice around taxation and retirement nest egg planning would you give to US Expats living overseas?” Our chat was US-centric, looking at the US tax system and what US international educators need to know to grow their nest egg, making the most of beneficial tax rules. You can open the slideshow listed in the resource section below and use the visuals to help clarify concepts as you listen to the episode. This episode was recorded on December 12, 2022. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Finances for International Educators Slideshow
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| 22 Mar 2023 | 16B. Demystifying Taxes and Investing for Americans with Dr. Jeff Devens, Part 2 - Advantaging Brokerage Accounts | 00:27:11 | |
In this three-part bonus series, we take a deep dive into some very important aspects of tax filing and nest egg building for American citizens. Even if money is not your thing, this series will help you save a lot -- if it prompts you to, as our guest Jeff Devens suggests, start asking critical questions. In 2014 Jeff served as a member of a Crisis Response Team (CRT) supporting an international school going through two simultaneous crises. This experience profoundly impacted his understanding of finances and the necessity to support fellow educators as a form of psychological financial first-aid. Jeff is currently in the process of completing his certification from Boston University as a Certified Financial Planner. Jeff’s wife, Nanette, is also an international educator (high school music). They have two children: Cylas, age 17, and Cora, age 13. During his “free” time, Jeff enjoys exercising and competing in Jiu Jitsu, having earned his black belt in 2018. Our guiding question for the episode was, “What kinds of advice around taxation and retirement nest egg planning would you give to US Expats living overseas?” Our chat was US-centric, looking at the US tax system and what US international educators need to know to grow their nest egg, making the most of beneficial tax rules. You can open the slideshow listed in the resource section below and use the visuals to help clarify concepts as you listen to the episode. This episode was recorded on December 12, 2022. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Finances for International Educators Slideshow
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| 24 Mar 2023 | 16B. Demystifying Taxes and Investing for Americans with Dr. Jeff Devens, Part 3 - Qualifying for Social Security & Medicare | 00:29:03 | |
In this three-part bonus series, we take a deep dive into some very important aspects of tax filing and nest egg building for American citizens. Even if money is not your thing, this series will help you save a lot -- if it prompts you to, as our guest Jeff Devens suggests, start asking critical questions. In 2014 Jeff served as a member of a Crisis Response Team (CRT) supporting an international school going through two simultaneous crises. This experience profoundly impacted his understanding of finances and the necessity to support fellow educators as a form of psychological financial first-aid. Jeff is currently in the process of completing his certification from Boston University as a Certified Financial Planner. Jeff’s wife, Nanette, is also an international educator (high school music). They have two children: Cylas, age 17, and Cora, age 13. During his “free” time, Jeff enjoys exercising and competing in Jiu Jitsu, having earned his black belt in 2018. Our guiding question for the episode was, “What kinds of advice around taxation and retirement nest egg planning would you give to US Expats living overseas?” Our chat was US-centric, looking at the US tax system and what US international educators need to know to grow their nest egg, making the most of beneficial tax rules. You can open the slideshow listed in the resource section below and use the visuals to help clarify concepts as you listen to the episode. This episode was recorded on December 12, 2022. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Finances for International Educators Slideshow
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| 31 Mar 2023 | 18. Third Culture Kid/Cross-Cultural Kid Turned International Educator: An Interview With Ghazi Gashut | 00:30:11 | |
Ghazi Gashut grew up as an international student who attended a large variety of international schools. He truly exemplifies what it is to be a TCK - a third culture kid, or someone who is not “from” the host country, but is not really “from” their country of passport either, hence “third culture”. Another, more recent term for this is “Cross-cultural kid”. Our guiding question for the episode was “how did growing up as a cross-cultural kid, a CCK, affect your personal development?” Ghazi shared the term “multi-local” as one aspect of being a cross-cultural student with many localities that one transitions through when growing up. He spoke to his increased adaptability and learning to let go of the previous places while being open to what new places offer. Empathy and seeing multiple perspectives were some of the other life skills he developed.
TED Talk by Taiye Selasi. Don’t Ask Where I am From, Ask Where I’m a Local.
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| 07 Apr 2023 | 19. Behind the Scenes at ISS: An Interview with Dana Specker Watts and Nadine Richards | 01:06:22 | |
International Schools Services is an organization that provides, well, services for international schools. You may be familiar with their recruiting fairs, but ISS offers so much more than that. These two ladies helped us learn more about ISS. Dr. Dana Specker Watts is the Learning, Research, and Outreach Director for International Schools Services. She has lived and worked in Hong Kong, India, and Thailand. She served as the founding Executive Director of WLead and as the Director of Innovation at 21st Century Learning International. Dana is a strong research professional with a PhD in educational leadership and administration. Dana’s current research focuses on empowering women and increasing diversity in leadership through professional learning. The guiding question for the episode is, “What is happening in the world of school services and recruitment?” Dana and Nadine discussed a few of the ISS programs, including
This episode was recorded on December 13, 2022. Dana’s Contact Information:
Nadine’s Contact Information:
Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Association of International Educators - Leaders of Color (AIELOC) BIPOC Mentoring Program
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| 14 Apr 2023 | 20. Student Teaching Overseas? -- Sweet! An Overview of the COST Program, with Dr. Danielle Carrier | 00:57:51 | |
Did you know that teacher candidates in selected U.S. universities can do their student teaching overseas? What an opportunity, right! We decided to learn more about this option by speaking with Dr. Danielle Carrier who is an associate professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Southern Mississippi. Danielle recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice. Before her doctoral study, Danielle was an elementary school teacher in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Singapore, and Texas. Currently, Danielle teaches undergraduate courses to teacher candidates majoring in elementary education. Her areas of expertise include teacher education, teacher identity development, and educational equity. Since returning from teaching abroad in Singapore at the Singapore American School in 2014, Dannielle has sought ways to encourage teacher candidates to teach internationally. Dr. Carrier is a strong advocate for international teaching as the opportunities and rewards provided to teachers and host communities are a positive life-changer. Our guiding question for the episode was, “What does teaching overseas look like for teacher candidates in university who are enrolled in your program?” In this episode, we discussed the Consortium of Overseas Student Teaching (COST) program is a collaboration of 16 colleges and universities in the United States that provides opportunities for teacher candidates to student-teach overseas. This episode was recorded on December 12, 2022. Danielle’s Contact Information: LinkedIn | Twitter: @DCarrier17 Resources Mentioned in the Episode: The Consortium of Overseas Student Teaching (COST) program is a collaboration of 16 colleges and universities in the United States that provides opportunities for teacher candidates to student teach overseas. Danielle provided an overview of the program including a case study. She also described structures and systems used to support teacher candidates in their overseas placement.
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| 21 Apr 2023 | 21. CCK Extraordinaire: Meet Chinese-Italian-International Student Hai Yang "Harry" Qian | 00:31:00 | |
Talk about a Cross-Cultural Kid! The guiding question for the episode was, “what does it mean to be a Third Culture Kid/TCK (aka Cross-Cultural Kid)? ”
This episode was recorded on January 10, 2023.
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| 28 Apr 2023 | 22. Integrating Outdoor Education and Learning Outcomes - An Interview With Zack Beaty | 00:37:37 | |
How can students achieve educational outcomes in a challenging way in a creative setting? The answer at the International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile is: through the Outdoor Education Program! Our guiding question for the episode was “How does the Outdoor Education program support the mission and curriculum of the International School Nido de Aguilas?” We discussed how the founding of the school and its mission incorporated Outdoor Education into the school culture. Key aspects of the Nido Outdoor Education Program are self-understanding, inquiry, one’s place within the community, life skill development, and personal growth. Zack, whose role closely resembles that of an instructional coach, described how the program is integrated into the regular classroom curricula across the three school divisions. We also connected on how widespread Outdoor Education is across the globe in international schools.
Zack’s Contact Information: @nidowithoutwalls on Instagram Categories: School Life | Trends | Wellness
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| 05 May 2023 | 23. Current Trends in International Education - an Informative Conversation with Dr. Heather Naro | 01:01:49 | |
How well have you been keeping up with current trends in International Education? Dr. Heather Naro has her finger directly on that pulse. Heather joins us again, this time to discuss several macro-level topics in International Education. This episode contains valuable insights for those new to international schooling and for veterans curious about international school trends. Heather is a career international equator working as the lower school principal at the International Community School of Abidjan. She began her journey in 1992 in Cairo, Egypt. During her time overseas, she has lived in Egypt, China, Saudi Arabia, Belize, Thailand, Nepal, Kazakhstan, and currently, the Ivory Coast. She and her husband, Mitch, raised two children overseas. Heather provided insights into:
Our guiding question was, “what are some big-picture changes in international education from the last few years? What are some significant trends you see forming?” This episode was recorded on January 26, 2023. Heather’s Contact Information: LinkedIn and heather.naro@icsabidjan.org Categories: Recruiting | Trends
International Community School of Abidjan Heather’s Doctoral Dissertation
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| 12 May 2023 | 24. Learn About Inclusive Education with SENIA Executive Director Lori Boll | 00:37:57 | |
Imagine if we could all live in an inclusive world where every individual is supported, resources are accessible, potential is maximized and action is inspired. That is the vision of SENIA International. Lori Boll joined us to share the latest on how SENIA International is expanding their outreach and offerings to help international educators better understand SENIA’s services while helping teachers to further expand their teacher toolkits to support the diverse learning needs of their students. Lori is the Executive Director of SENIA International, a non-profit organization that advocates for and supports individuals with disabilities. With a 25-year career in general and special education, Lori has honed her expertise by presenting at international teaching conferences and recognizing the critical need for quality professional development in this area, which SENIA provides for its members. Throughout her career, Lori has taught in diverse educational settings across the globe, including the USA, Saipan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, China, and Thailand. Lori provided insights on
Our guiding question was, “What is SENIA and what are your future plans for the organization?” Contact Information: SENIA International Website
Categories: School Life
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| 19 May 2023 | 25. A Conversation with "Ed Kid" (International Teachers' Kid) Julia Walker of Across Oceans | 00:31:20 | |
You may recognize the name Julia Walker from her TCK/CCK podcast, Across Oceans. The guiding question for the episode was, “What is it like growing up the child of international educators?”
This episode was recorded on January 13, 2023. Julia’s Contact Information: Across Oceans Podcast | Instagram | Email: acrossoceanspodcast@gmail.com Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Julia is a guest writer on JPMint Consulting Teachers On the Move with Children Facebook Group Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds - This most recent version of the classic book on “TCKs” focuses on the modern TCK to address the impact of technology, cultural complexity, diversity & inclusion, and transitions.
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| 26 May 2023 | 26. Introducing the International School Community Website - a Fabulous Resource! | 00:28:29 | |
Building a community is a massive undertaking — especially when that community spans the globe! Ron Rosenow is the founder and driving force behind the International School Community website. He joins us to share how his “baby” has significantly grown over the past 12 years! Ron’s mission is to create the ultimate online platform for international school educators, where they can connect, collaborate, and share insights with like-minded professionals from around the globe. Ron provided insights on
Our guiding question was, “What is the International School Community network and how does it support international educators?” This episode was recorded on March 17, 2023. Contact Information: International School Community is on multiple social networks. It is well worth joining! Categories: School Life | Recruiting
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| 02 Jun 2023 | 27. Leading Leadership Searches for Search: A Conversation with Dr. Brent Mutsch | 00:47:51 | |
Please note: We had a lot of trouble with the audio quality of this recording, but it gets better after the first three minutes. Please keep listening! Dr. Brent Mutsch joined us to outline the Head of School/Director/Superintendent search process led by Search Associates. Dr. Mutsch currently serves as a Senior Consultant at Search Associates, focusing on assisting international schools with Director/Head of School/Superintendent searches. Brent joined Search Associates in August of 2017 after having served as the Superintendent of the International Schools Group and Saudi Aramco Schools in Saudi Arabia, Singapore American School in Singapore, and the American School of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates over the course of his 23-year career in international education. Brent provided insights on:
Our guiding question was, “What does the process of a search for a Head of School as led by Search Associates look like?” This episode was recorded on April 1, 2023. Contact Information: Search Associates Website Categories: Recruiting
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| 16 Jun 2023 | 28. Believe it - It's a Teachers' Market! A Conversation with LLoyd FFrench of Teach Away | 01:02:43 | |
If you are like most people , you probably think about what the applicant needs to do to shine for the recruiters . In this episode, we flip that perception on its head, giving applicants agency and putting them squarely in the driver’s seat as they actively engage with prospective schools to see how the schools measure up! Lloyd has over 12 years of experience in International Education, having facilitated recruitment pathways for international students and teachers worldwide to various institutions. As a former international student himself in the late 90s/early 00s in the UAE, Lloyd went on to embody the nomad lifestyle by living and working in Brazil, Qatar, China & parts of the Caribbean. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the International Education landscape, Lloyd presented many criteria for critically viewing schools from the perspective of a potential employee. We ran short of time to talk, so we did not talk about an interesting angle in how international educators can reflect on where they are in their careers via what Lloyd calls their "personas." We think it is worth sharing this information here so that our listeners will know the option of taking this angle when recruiting. Here are the personas for your review; note that this list is not exhaustive and that it is possible for one person to represent more than one persona:
See the blog post on our website for more information on this concept. Our guiding for the episode question was, “What attributes should an international school exhibit in order to stand out for applicants?” This episode was recorded on April 24, 2023. Lloyd’s Contact Information: LinkedIn Categories: Recruiting Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Lloyd’s webinar “How is your school adopting its strategy for today’s teacher market?”
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| 30 Jun 2023 | 29. First International Teaching Contract Signed; Ready to Launch! Meet Tonya Busse. | 00:44:50 | |
We spoke with first-time international educator Tonya Busse, who shares her recent recruiting experience. We learn how a couple of big snowstorms opened the door for Tonya to learn about – and then act on her learning about – international education. We cover Tonya’s recruiting journey through onboarding and connecting to the teacher she will replace at her new school. Tonya is a teacher, runner, adventurer, and soon-to-be international educator in Kingston, Jamaica. Originally from Prince of Wales, Alaska, she is excited to return to island life after five years of teaching in beautiful (but landlocked) Colorado. Tonya has spent many summers exploring different countries but is finally taking the leap to live her travels full-time. Adventures she has enjoyed in the past include commercial fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, ultramarathons in Colorado, and camping in East Africa. Our guiding question was, “What was your recruiting experience like?” This episode was recorded on May 31, 2023. Contact Information: Instagram @tonya_busse
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| 10 Jul 2023 | 30. Pausing for Summer - And How to Listen on Your Phone! | 00:05:45 | |
David and Audrey recorded a brief episode to explain that we are pausing for the summer.
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| 11 Aug 2023 | 31. Grit, Determination and Perseverance - Character Traits that Can Lead to an International Teaching Position! Meet Jessica Simmons | 00:54:09 | |
What character strengths and dispositions help international educators start their going global journey to sustain them through the ups and downs of teaching and living internationally? We learned firsthand from our guest, Jessica Simmons, who shared a multi-part Going Global Story that models these traits. Jessica Simmons is from Melbourne, Australia. She has over 19 years of experience as a qualified educator. Working as a drama and humanities teacher across schools in various states of Australia and China (albeit only remotely), she also has over nine years of leadership experience. During a hiatus from teaching, she worked in the Museum and Local Government sectors for ten years (and had two children). Her most recent positions include Head of Arts at an independent school in regional Australia and Director of Performing Arts for Wellington College, Hangzhou, China. She has a Master’s of Education from Melbourne University, a Bachelor of Arts (Drama), and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). A keen netballer, hiker, reader, and theatre-goer, she loves to spend the weekend exploring new places with her husband and children. Her next adventure will be in Abuja, Nigeria, where she is moving in July 2023 to teach Performing Arts at the American International School of Abuja - with her husband and two children (aged 9 and 13) in tow. The guiding question for the episode was, “How did you use tenacity, grit, and perseverance in your quest to become an international educator?” We discussed Jessica’s four-year journey in and out of international education. Along the way, we learned of her experiences through the pandemic and, more recently, teaching in Australia while pursuing the international teaching lifestyle. An added bonus is hearing from Jessica’s husband and two children, who shared their thoughts about the upcoming move to West Africa. This episode was recorded on June 24, 2023. Jessica’s Contact Information: | Email: jessica.anne.simmons@gmail.com | Jessica writes at Medium. Here is a direct link to her account. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Jacqueline Mallais, International Teacher Consultant Doug Ota’s book Safe Passage
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| 26 Aug 2023 | 32. Who Let the Dogs In? Support Dog Programs at Three International Schools! | 01:11:11 | |
Support dogs positively influence our emotional state. So why not bring trained service dogs into schools? Meet 3 international educators who have begun support dogprograms: Brenda Manfredi (International School of Prague) has worked in New York, Bangkok, Thailand, and Hanoi, Vietnam. She and her family now live in Prague, Czech Republic. Program Description: ISP’s support dog program began after the COVID shutdown. It supports students and teachers and comprises two support dogs, Brodie and Sundae, who work out of ISP’s student life center and are shared by all counselors. The dogs are invited to many school activities, and they are featured in ISP’s admissions and advancement information. Jackie Valenzuela (International School Bangkok) moved from Seattle to Bangkok in 2010. She spent two years at NIST, where Brenda worked, then moved to ISB in 2012. Program Description: ISB’s Panther Pups program includes Charlie, Xena, Poe Poe, and Simba. The program began as post-Covid support of the HS students and faculty and has expanded to the MS and ES divisions. With their handler, the dogs visit classrooms, walk the halls during passing time, hang out in the counseling office, and attend school events! Ian Lally (The International School Nido de Aguilas): Ian was a counselor in New York for two years before moving to Berlin, Germany, where he worked for five years. He has now lived in Santiago, Chile for nearly 11 years. Program Description: Students interact with the dogs in the counseling office as needed, in the classroom during a lesson or pre- or post-assessment, by checking out a dog for a walk, or through the Paws for Pawsitivity club. Teachers can invite a dog to class or check one out for their personal wellness. The guiding question for the episode was, “What does a support dog program look like at an international school, and how might a school set one up?” Brenda, Jackie, and Ian each explained their programs and offered tips for other international educators:
This episode was recorded on August 6, 2023. Contact Info:
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| 08 Sep 2023 | 33. Approaches to Advancing into Administration | 00:48:28 | |
Are you looking to move into administration at some point? Do you know what it takes? Fortunately, we have lots of advice for you with our guest Dr. Gregory Moncada. Dr. Moncada is the Head of School for the Harare International School (HIS) in Zimbabwe and was previously the founding director of the Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST), the Qatar Foundations’ new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) school. Prior to his leading role at HIS and QAST, Dr. Moncada started new schools and programs throughout his career, including a progressive middle school based on the “This We Believe’ model and district-wide STEM programs in Elementary, Middle, and High School settings. Our guiding question was, “What is involved in moving from a teaching to an administrative position?” Greg outlines how to be intentional in your efforts by putting yourself in positions that grow your leadership skills. Greg highlights specific milestones to aim for with your efforts. Once you gain leadership skills and experience, the next step is to recruit for positions. Again, Greg offers practical advice, including how to prepare for interviews. Greg traces the interviewing timeline, highlighting some red flags to be wary of. He covers what happens when the offer comes in and shares advice about when you might need to say “no” to a position. Don’t forget to also listen to our other interview with Greg, in which he offers advice and firsthand experience around recruiting to become a head of school. This episode was recorded on July 11, 2023.
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| 22 Sep 2023 | 34. Pivoting Out of International Education | 00:54:45 | |
An integral aspect of international education involves transitions. We not only move between schools and countries, but we also find ourselves making moves within our schools with our jobs and roles while also going through the normal life transitions of experiencing the stages of life, possibly raising children, taking care of aging parents, and so on but doing so while living overseas. Transitions are so important that we made it one of the five categories in organizing information on our Educators Going Global website! In this episode, we drill down on what it can look like to shift from being an international educator to taking on a new identity that doesn’t involve teaching. Our guiding question was, “how can we thoughtfully make the move from international education to the next phase of our life?” This episode was recorded on June 8, 2023. Contact Information: educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com | “educatorsgoingglobal” on Instagram, Linked In, and Facebook. Categories: Transitions Resources Mentioned in the Episode: PERMAH Pivot Plan Blog Post Doug Ota’s book Safe Passage
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| 29 Sep 2023 | 35. Meet an Uber-Well-Connected International Educator: Laura Light, Head of the Association for the Advancement of International Education | 00:43:13 | |
Growing one’s network is a common theme in many of our interviews. We probably will not find a more connected person in the international schooling community than Laura Light! Laura is the current Executive Director of The Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), which she joined in September 2021. She brings to AAIE many years of experience working alongside school heads and senior leadership, supporting the most critical task of recruiting teachers and administrative talent. Before joining AAIE, Laura was known in the international school world for her leadership and dedication as the Director of Global Recruitment at International Schools Services (ISS). Before joining ISS in 2007, Laura was an international educator for many years, teaching in Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Singapore, and London, as well as in Oregon, California, and New York. Her knowledge of international schools is deeply rooted in her upbringing as she is also a Third Culture Kid. Laura has served on the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) Educational Board and is a member of the Diversity Collaborative. She understands the challenges faced, has an enviable network of longstanding relationships, and, already knowing so many in the international community, is a natural community builder and an assertive advocate for quality leadership in our international schools worldwide. Laura greatly enjoys her work supporting international school leaders and values the interactions and experiences she encounters while traveling. When not on the road she resides in New Jersey with her partner, where they enjoy being in the outdoors or just spending time together. The guiding question for the episode was, “What is the AAIE, and what are some Current Trends in International Education?” We covered several topics and trends in this interview, including:
This episode was recorded on September 18, 2023. Laura’s Contact Information: LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in the Episode: For other regional
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| 13 Oct 2023 | 36. From Boarding School Teacher to Admissions Director to Transitions Coach: The Many Hats of Mona Stuart. | 00:37:10 | |
We continue to share with you what it means to be an international educator. We speak to the dispositions and character strengths many engage to be outstanding educators and remarkable human beings. Our guest for this episode exemplifies such character while demonstrating how flexibility and a growth mindset led her to various leadership roles in schools and communities. Our guest is Mona Stuart, who speaks to the many roles she has filled over her career -- and beyond!
We had four guiding questions for this episode! Mona covered the topics of boarding schools, transitions, admissions, and pivoting from a career as an international educator. Mona spoke to …
This episode was recorded on August 29, 2023. Mona’s Contact Information: | Instagram: mmstuart | LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Doug Ota’s book, Safe Passage, and SPAN
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| 27 Oct 2023 | 37. Inside Scoop: The Nature of Schools in Africa, With Dr. Tim Stuart | 00:50:47 | |
What is it like “going global” in an Africa-based international school and community? Educators are often intentional in choosing to live and work there. Could you be a good fit for an international school in Africa? Thankfully, we have a veteran international educator who led a school in Africa and now consults with schools across the continent to answer these questions and more! We sat down with Dr. Tim Stuart to draw on his experiences. Tim is a Regional Education Officer with the US Department of State’s Office of Overseas Schools. He has been an international and cross-cultural educator and leader for 30 years, serving schools in Ethiopia, Turkey, Switzerland, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Navajo Nation in the United States. Dr. Stuart’s research and writing reflect his passion for creating optimal school environments so all kids can learn and engage at the highest levels. He co-authored and edited six books, including: Personalized Learning in a PLC at Work: Student Agency through the Four Critical Questions, Global Perspectives: Professional Learning Communities at Work in International Schools, Children At Promise and Raising Children At Promise. A TCK himself, Tim was raised and educated in France and Germany. He holds an Ed.D. from Seattle Pacific University. The guiding question was, “what are some of your experiences as an international educator working and living in an African nation?” A few of the topics covered were:
This episode was recorded on August 29, 2023. Tim’s Contact Information: | drtimstuart@gmail.com | LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
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| 10 Nov 2023 | 38. What's Next in Education? -- And What's Europe Like? Two Vastly Different Questions, Addressed by Dr. Alan Knobloch | 00:53:31 | |
You might have noticed that we like to ask big, juicy questions that our guests can sink their teeth into. We intend to provide you with as much information and rich detail as possible, which guides us in designing our questions. In this interview with Dr. Alan Knobloch, we went super big! We asked Alan for his insights on the future of education. Alan was ready for this question because he participated with other school leaders through the Academy for International School Heads (AISH) to compile a list of articles about the future of education. You can find a link to those resources in our Resource Library; the link is also listed in our show notes. Alan not only worked to answer our guiding question about the future of education but also expanded it to include what he sees as the purpose of education going forward. Talk about a big thinker! Alan spoke to many plans and initiatives that are a part of schools preparing for the future. Here are a few:
You might think your head will explode after listening to the first part of this episode with so much cutting-edge thinking. But we were not done with Alan! We asked him a second guiding question since he is the head of a school in Europe. So buckle up for the second half of the interview in which we ask, “What is it like teaching and living in Europe?” Dr. Alan Knobloch is in his second year as the Head of School at the International School of Hamburg after serving eight years as Director of the International School of Dakar in Senegal. With over 30 years of international experience, he has been a teacher and an administrator in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States. Our two very different guiding questions were, “Based on your research, what does the future of education look like?” and “What is it like teaching and living in Europe?” This episode was recorded on October 9, 2023. Contact Information: LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
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| 24 Nov 2023 | 39. What Does it Mean to Be an International Educator? We asked Sandy Sheppard to Share Her Wisdom on This Topic. | 00:33:16 | |
Sometimes we happen to read articles and blog posts that ring true to us. Occasionally, we may even think, “Hey, this author could be talking about me and my experiences!” Well, guess what? I had this sensation when reading an article in TIEonline entitled “My Identity as an International Educator.” The article really nailed the character strengths, dispositions, and experiences of individuals who “go global” to teach. I shared the article with Audrey and said, “Let’s get the author, Sandy Sheppard, on the podcast” to help our listeners further build their understanding of what it means to be an international educator. Fortunately, Sandy said yes to our request for an interview. There were many takeaways from our interview with Sandy. One that may not become apparent to many of us until we have been “away from home” for a while is the extent to which international educators are “different.” We discussed these differences and how they impacted Sandy when she repatriated to New Zealand and attempted to resume her teaching career “back home.” If you have tried something similar, you may be able to connect with how she felt about what ensued. Sandy is an international educator who was born and raised in New Zealand. Sandy embarked on her international career three decades ago in Jakarta, Indonesia. Presently, she serves as an Elementary Principal in the vibrant city of Yangon, Myanmar. Sandy has raised two children internationally and advocates for the profound impact of high-quality international education in shaping future global citizens poised to enact positive change in the world. Our guiding question was, “What does it mean to be an international educator?”. Sandy touched on many themes that we know our veteran international educator listeners will be able to connect with! This episode was recorded on October 3, 2023. Contact Information: LinkedIn | Instagram: Sandy Lee Sheppard Resources Mentioned in the Episode: My Identity as an International Educator article in TIEonline. Categories: School Life | Transitions
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| 08 Dec 2023 | 41. Keeping Your Head While Becoming a Head: Greg Moncada's Story | 00:40:11 | |
Imagine being a candidate to become a new Head of School! What would that be like? If you are a veteran international educator, you have most likely either participated in or witnessed your school finding a new Head of School. If you are going global for the first time, you might wonder how international schools are structured administratively — and if you make it through the first rounds of interviews, you will likely meet with the Head of School, sometimes called the Director or the Superintendent. And if you listened to our interview with Dr. Brent Mutsch, you learned how schools search for a new superintendent. After talking with Brent, we were curious about the Head of School recruiting process from a candidate’s perspective. Fortunately, we knew of an old friend from our Saudi days who had gone through the process a few times and had just completed it again to accept a new position as a Head of School in Harare, Zimbabwe. Our friend, Dr. Gregory Moncada, joined us in this episode to trace his recruiting game plan from start to finish. We caught up with Greg as he finalized his packing in the week before getting on the plane to head to Zimbabwe. Dr. Moncada is the Head of School for the Harare International School (HIS) in Zimbabwe. He was previously the founding director of the Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST), the Qatar Foundation's new STEM school. Prior to HIS and QAST, Dr. Moncada started new schools and programs throughout his career, including a progressive middle school based on the 'This We Believe’ model and district-wide STEM programs at all grade levels. He specializes in developing student-centered learning models, progressive learning models, and multiverse organizational structures between schools and organizations. With more than 30 years of experience, Greg has held teaching and leadership positions in International schools in Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States. Greg holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Minnesota. Our guiding question was, “What is it like to be a candidate going through a Head of School search?” Greg shared his strategies: deep research, lots of self-reflection, working with a recruiting agency, and engaging with the leader of the Search Committee to learn about the school and community. He also told us what happens when a candidate is a finalist and what a school visit is like. Don’t forget to listen to our other interview with Greg, in which he offers sage advice and describes his experiences in becoming an administrator. This
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| 22 Dec 2023 | 42. The "OG" International Education Podcasters: Meet Dan Taylor and John Mikton of the ISP | 00:56:10 | |
What happens when you speak with two leaders in the field of educational technology? You learn a lot! We were fortunate to speak with Dan Taylor and John Mikton, who, in their spare time, host the big dog of international education podcasting, The International Schools Podcast. Dan has been involved in the Google for Education community since 2006 and is the founder and director of AppsEvents, a Google-based PD provider. He has trained educators across the globe from El Salvador to Vietnam. John currently serves as the Primary Technology for Learning Coordinator at the International School of Geneva – La Châtaigneraie. John’s journey as an educator has spanned Africa, Asia, and Europe. Of those years, 18 have been in school leadership roles, particularly in educational technology leadership. In addition to his coordinator role, John works as a trainer and course designer at the Principal Training Center / Teacher Training Center and as a coach for the Faria Education Group. We asked the guiding question “What does technology use in teaching and learning look like post-pandemic and what it might look like going forward?” John and Dan responded with so many helpful insights! Here are a few:
Dan and John then reversed the course of the interview to ask us questions about the Educators Going Global podcast. We had fun comparing notes!
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| 26 Nov 2023 | 40. Happy EGG-i-versary to Us! & a Walkthrough of our Website | 00:45:08 | |
Over a year and a half ago, Audrey envisioned a website and podcast to help educators “go global”. She asked David to join her, and the work began – to provide written and audio content for our followers. Our first podcast episode went live in December of 2022, which makes this our first anniversary. Let’s celebrate our podcast guests and the growth of our information hub! Have you visited the Educators Going Global Information Hub website? It is a big part of our outreach connecting to our mission to spread the word about international education and to support those new to – and veterans of – international education. In this episode, we walk through the sections of the info hub while highlighting the search feature. We also spend time reflecting on our “lessons learned” from conversations with our guests. And have you ever wondered what it is like being a podcaster? We provide some behind-the-scenes information to partially answer this question. :) What will the second year for the information hub and podcast look like? Take a listen to learn what some of our plans are! This episode was recorded on November 15, 2023.
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| 05 Jan 2024 | 43. Warm Vibes From Latin America: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Michael Adams of the TRI Association | 01:11:03 | |
!Hola a todos! You are in for a real treat today. We were fortunate enough to speak with Michael Adams, Executive Director of the TRI Association. This is an association of schools in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and the Caribbean. Michael embodies the spirit of community, connection, and sharing that supports the TRI mission. He also represents yet another current and ex-HOS that is genuine, dedicated, and wise in their leadership. Starting with his own Going Global Story and then throughout the interview, Michael demonstrated warmth and humanity that clearly reflected the vibe of the part of the world that is his chosen home. A few of the topics covered in the interview:
Dr. Adams is a long-time LATAM leader, educator, administrator, colleague, and friend!! More importantly, he is a very proud husband (going on 36 years with Clara Rico), father of three adult boys (David, Nicolas, and Tomas), and grandfather of two amazing little boys (Eduardo and Lucas)! After growing up as a TCK in Tokyo, Japan, attending ASIJ, and then going for his undergrad degree and graduate school in Texas, Michael has spent the past 33 years in Colombia and Mexico, an experience that has made him the person he is today: a true global citizen! Our two different guiding questions were, “What does the TRI Association do, and how can educators access its services?” This episode was recorded on November 6, 2023. Contact Information: TRI Association Contact Page Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Erma Anderson: Math in International Schools
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| 19 Jan 2024 | 44. Tools to Help Make the Process of Choosing a School/City/Country More Objective | 00:41:21 | |
Audrey and David dive into the blog post “Profiling Schools, Cities, and Countries” to bring listeners’ attention to the importance of planning for their next move. The post provides criteria for comparing and ranking schools, cities, and countries to help you be more objective when 1 - planning which schools to apply to and then 2 - comparing job offers when they come in. These tools should prove to be super helpful as you go through the processes of setting your priorities, researching schools, interviewing and then making that final decision. We strongly encourage you to read the post. One big topic we talk about is wellness. We mentioned David’s blog post on wellness, including a link to his Wellness@ES website.
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| 02 Feb 2024 | 45. Want a Better CV? Better See V! A Conversation With Job Search Coach Valeria Laitinen | 00:51:15 | |
Are you going recruiting? Is your résumé up to date? Are you prepared for your interviews? If not, maybe you’d better see V! Yes; that’s the tagline for Valeria Laitinen, an international school principal who moonlights as a consultant helping educators prepare for the international recruiting process. She can help with all aspects of the job-seeking endeavor, from A to Z. We covered several topics in this episode, including:
Valeria Laitinen is an international educator and administrator who has taught, worked, and lived in nine countries. In addition to working in schools, Valeria recently established a CV, cover letter, and job search consulting business called Better See V and has been supporting teachers, administrators, and job seekers outside of education to polish their application materials and find their next job. Valeria is married to a US diplomat, and they have two children in college in the US. Valeria is a third culture kid herself, as she was born in Italy to an Italian mother and American father and attended an international school in Milan through middle school before moving to the US for high school. Our guiding question was, “How can international educators make the most of the recruiting process?”. This episode was recorded on October 11, 2023.
George Mason University Teaching the International Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Tales from a Small Planet City Reports and School Reports TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program US State Department Office of Overseas Schools Fact Sheets Valeria being Interviewed about life as a family in the diplomatic corps and her move
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| 16 Feb 2024 | 46. Meet a Recruiting Phenom: Pauline O'Brien from International Schools Services | 01:15:28 | |
Who is the go-to resource for the lowdown on the current state of international school recruiting? Thanks to an introduction from super-connector Laura Light, we were fortunate enough to connect with one of the best-placed people for answers to our recruiting questions. Pauline O'Brien is the Global Recruitment Business Strategy Development Director at International School Services (ISS). We peppered Pauline with questions to help our listeners deepen their understanding of where things stand concerning recruiting and other trends in international education. Pauline has 20+ years of experience in professional recruiting, client service, and school board relations in international education. She has designed multi-faceted learning opportunities for international schools, which include competency-based recruiting strategies, skills-based interviewing methods, and STAR application profiles. Pauline has served on the International Task Force for Child Protection and has been a board member of Women’s Business Initiative International and ACCESS in the Netherlands. The guiding question was, "What are recent changes and trends in international school recruiting?" Here are some of the many topics that Pauline spoke to:
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| 29 Feb 2024 | 47. Consulting the Consultant: Updates from Jacqueline Mallais of JPMint Consulting | 00:59:34 | |
International teacher consultant Jacqueline Mallais joined us once again from Guadalajara, Mexico, for this episode. Jacqueline is a former international teacher and school leader with over 20 years of experience in six countries on four continents. Since heading overseas in 1996, she has helped numerous teachers secure amazing opportunities abroad. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, and now living in beautiful Guadalajara, Mexico, Jacqueline offers her consulting services to teachers looking for personal help and guidance on their job search journey. Our Guiding Question was, “What lessons were learned last year in your role as an international teacher consultant? What is recruiting looking like now?” This was Jacqueline’s fourth interview with us; as always, we had many helpful takeaways. Our main interests were in finding out how things were going with her consulting business and the state of recruiting for the coming year. Jacqueline didn’t disappoint, providing detailed information that anyone in the recruiting arena would do well to take on board.
The show was recorded on November 21, 2023. Jacqueline’s Contact Information: Her website is JPMint Consulting
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| 15 Mar 2024 | 48. Shedding "Light" on What Keeps Heads Up at Night - A Second Conversation With Laura Light | 00:44:30 | |
What keeps international school heads awake at night? What all-important areas of decision-making currently occupy their thoughts? What trends in international education are they focused on? To find out, we again reached out to the very well-connected Laura Light, Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of International Education. Laura joined AAIE in 2021, bringing in years of experience working alongside school heads and senior leadership, supporting the critical task of recruiting teachers and administrative talent. Before joining AAIE, Laura served as the Director of Global Recruitment at International Schools Services (ISS). Before joining ISS in 2007, Laura was an international educator for many years, working in Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Singapore, and London, as well as the United States. Her knowledge of international schools is deeply rooted in her upbringing as she is also a Third Culture Kid. Laura has served on the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children Educational Board and is a member of the Diversity Collaborative. She understands the challenges faced and is a natural community builder and an assertive advocate for quality leadership in our international schools worldwide. Laura greatly enjoys her work supporting international school leaders and values the interactions and experiences she encounters while traveling, which is her biggest joy. When not on the road, she resides in New Jersey with her partner. The guiding question for the episode was, “What are international school leaders and directors of regional organizations currently talking about?” We covered several topics, including:
This episode was recorded on September 25, 2023. Laura’s Contact Information: LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Several regional organizations were mentioned, so go to our Resource Library for their links. Categories: Recruiting | School Life | Leadership | Wellness | PD
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| 29 Mar 2024 | 49. Starting With the Man in the Mirror: Examining Our Practice With an Eye to Improving DEIJ - A Rich Conversation with Ken Shelton | 01:24:05 | |
Warning: Show contains critical amounts of meaty information! Ken Shelton joined us to discuss how schools can effectively design and implement new programs. He used DEIJ as a case study for managing the change process. Ken Shelton is an award-winning educator and international keynote speaker addressing critical issues from multimedia literacy to cultural intelligences to Artificial Intelligence. Ken has over two decades of experience and an MEd specializing in Ed Tech and New Media Design and Production. An Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator, Ken has also served on California's Education Technology Task Force. His accolades, including the Digital Equity Professional Learning Network Excellence Award, Computer Using Educators Platinum Disc Award, ISTE's Making IT Happen Award, and EdTech Magazine's top influencer, underscore his commitment to enhancing digital learning while addressing the challenges of digital equity. Our Guiding Question was, “What tools do school leaders need in their change management toolkits as they work to design and implement policies and programs to grow awareness and understanding of the principles of DEIJ within their communities?” Here are some topics Ken unpacked:
The show was recorded on March 1, 2024. Ken’s Website Resources Mentioned:
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| 12 Apr 2024 | 50. Embodying Your Values: Meet Kam Chohan, Executive Director of ECIS | 00:42:57 | |
Can you feel the energy in the air? This was a zinger of an episode! With a background in education and leadership, Kam Chohan is a learning leader who brings insight, wisdom, and compassion to the role. She demonstrates the ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships that contribute to personal and organizational development and improvement. Kam is a passionate educator and has enjoyed lecturing in mathematics and business in previous roles. As an example of her commitment to student learning, Kam worked with the UK Government’s Behaviour Insights Team to apply the Nudge Theory to improve student outcomes on a national level. This highlights her innovative approach to education and her commitment to making a positive impact. Kam received the 1885 NEASC Award for Exemplary Service to Education in December 2022. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of education, further confirming Kam’s dedication and excellence in her work. Kam is committed to social justice and equity through diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding in international education. Our Guiding Question was, “What does the ECIS organization do, and how can educators access its services?” Kam covered many topics, including:
The show was recorded on January 9, 2024. Kam’s Contact Information: LinkedIn
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| 26 Apr 2024 | 51. When Kids are Part of the Equation: Recruiting as a Family, With Claire and Jamel | 01:03:15 | |
It is such a treat to reconnect with a former student and to discover where their life has led them. In this episode, we reconnected with Claire Gaul, a student from our Saudi days. Claire and her husband, Jamel, teach at their third international post, a school in China. They shared so many great insights that you might have to listen to the episode twice to take them all in! Claire is originally from California, and Jamel was raised in Alsace in a Tunisian/Algerian family. They enjoy traveling, grilling, and being outdoors. They have 9-year-old twins (Luke and Leia) who are in 4th grade. Luke loves animals, electronics, mixed tapes, and researching how to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Leia loves reading, cats, macaroons, and drawing comics. The guiding question for this episode was, “What are some common experiences for international teaching families?” Jamel and Claire covered many topics, including:
This episode was recorded on December 9, 2023. Contact Information: Claire on LinkedIn and Jamel on LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in the Episode: IB Diploma Programme Design Technology Teachers Facebook Group Categories: School Life | Recruiting | Transitions | Finances | Travel | Family
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| 10 May 2024 | 52. Longing for Belonging? Let Douglas Beam Help Point the Way! | 01:20:09 | |
We all -- students and teachers alike -- long to belong. Here are some of the topics covered:
The show was recorded on February 16, 2024. Douglas’ Contact Information: LinkedIn Douglas Beam Categories: School Life | Transitions Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Douglas’ Doctoral Thesis on Belonging in International Schools The Global Online Academy (GOA)
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| 24 May 2024 | 53. Mr. Data (But With a Human Touch!) - Meet Chris Smith and Learn to Embrace Educational Data | 00:43:12 | |
"Mr. Data, make it so" Through his 25 years in international education, Chris noticed schools and educators collecting data but seeming overwhelmed by it or needing help knowing what to do with it. So, he began coaching, teaching, and consulting with schools and educators to help them discover what data they needed and how they could turn it into information that led to useful insights and informed decision-making. Chris has engaged with school districts in the United States and international schools worldwide through this work. Chris is passionate about helping educators and school leaders save time and make sense of their data. Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:
Our Guiding Question was, “Why is data gathering and analysis so important in our schools? Second, how are technology and information processing integral to teaching and learning in our schools?”
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| 07 Jun 2024 | 54. Where are They Now? Updates From No-Longer Newbies Mel & Cole, Tonya and Jessica | 01:01:49 | |
This was a special episode as we caught up with some of our previous guests who are finishing either their first or second year of international teaching. As expected, they had many lessons and tips to share! Tonya Busse joined us from Kingston, Jamaica. Jessica Simmons connected from Abuja, Nigeria. And Mel Idema and Cole Savage dialed in from Abu Dhabi. You can listen to their individual interviews if you missed them. Mel & Cole, a married couple in their second year were on for Episode 13, Tonya Busse, a single teacher in her first year was our guest for Episode 29, and Jessica Simpson, a married teacher with a trailing spouse husband, joined us for Episode 31 Our Guiding Question was, “Based on the past school year, how is your experience of international teaching going?” To help answer this question, our no-longer “newbies” answered the following subquestions:
The show was recorded on May 11, 2024. Contact Information: Tonya - Instagram @tonya_busse Mel and Cole - Their blogs: The Global Traveler’s Wife and The Wandering Learner.
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| 21 Jun 2024 | 55. Educators Representing the Global Majority: Kevin Simpson and AIELOC Have Your Back! | 01:18:08 | |
Wouldn’t it be great if everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, and belief system could have a champion? Well, they do! It’s the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color, founded by Kevin Simpson. Kevin joined us to speak to his efforts through AIELOC to expand DEIJ learning in international schools. Kevin is a native of Flint, Michigan. He owns and operates KDSL Global, an international education consulting company launched in 2016 in the USA and the United Arab Emirates. He and his team have served thousands of schools, educators, and leaders worldwide in over 60 countries. The majority of his work in education has centered on American curriculum schools overseas. Kevin is the founder of the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC) and Co-Founder of Resourceya. Our Guiding Question was, “How are you and your team working to fulfill the mission of AIELOC?”
The show was recorded on March 21, 2024. Kevin’s Contact Information: LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC)
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| 05 Jul 2024 | 56. After the Bell: Co-curricular Activities Unpacked, With Nick DeForest of the Globetrottin' ADs | 01:05:46 | |
We were so happy to interview fellow podcaster Nick DeForest! One of our wishes has been to have a guest who could explain what co-curricular programming looks like at international schools after school and on weekends. Nick, with his GLOBETROTTIN’ ADs podcast and website, is at the center of a global network of athletic directors and activity coordinators. As such, he can speak to what this programming looks like in international elementary, middle, and high schools. Nick DeForest is the Assistant Director of the Events Office at AIS Vienna, Austria. He is the founder of the Globetrottin’ ADs and the author of A Global Playbook, which can be found on Amazon. Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Nick has been in Austria since 2000 and is passionate about connecting international school Athletic Directors, Coaches, Teachers, and Students from around the world. Our Guiding Question was, “What does co-curricular programming look like in international schools?” Nick addressed several topics:
Nick’s Contact Information: Globetrottin’ ADs Website and Podcast | Facebook Group | X - Nick_GTADS Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Nick’s Book - A Global Playbook: How Every International School Can Raise Its Game International Coach: State of the Industry Survey 2023 International Athletic Director: State of the Industry 2023
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| 20 Jul 2024 | 57. Do You Have a Minute? Let's Talk About Bullying. Insights From Alain Pelletier on the Cost of Silence | 01:15:26 | |
What is bullying? What are the roles we see in a bullying situation? What can we do to help reduce the incidence of bullying in schools and on social media and to arm students with the social skills to help them avoid becoming victims? Alain Pelletier joined us for this episode to talk about his work in schools to raise awareness around bullying. Alain is a professional Canadian public speaker. Since 2008, he has given over 1400 conferences, presentations, and workshops on bullying to over 900 schools. Our Guiding Question was, “How can we recognize bullying? What can educators, parents, and other students do to prevent it? How can they respond to it when it happens?” Here are a few of the topics that Alain spoke to regarding bullying:
Alain’s Contact Information: Website
Categories: School Life | Bullying | Wellness
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| 10 Aug 2024 | 58. The School Heard Around the World: Global Online Academy, Directed by Michael Nachbar | 01:01:41 | |
Are you a small school wishing you could expand your course offerings? A student who has always wanted to explore a new area of study? Or maybe a teacher longing to teach about a passion topic area that is not offered at your school? Well, look no further! Our Guiding Question for this first show was, “What is the Global Online Academy (GOA), and how does it approach online learning from a humanistic perspective?” Here are some of the topics covered:
Michael spearheads a global network of schools and educators dedicated to transforming education. His expertise lies in integrating foundational teaching principles with cutting-edge technologies and innovative pedagogies. A sought-after speaker, Michael regularly presents at national and international conferences on topics including non-profit leadership and educational innovation trends. His thought leadership is widely recognized and respected across the educational community. In addition to his role at GOA, Michael serves as a Lakeside School trustee. He has served on the boards of many other organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), as a founding board member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, Summer Search, the Independent School Association Network (ISAnet), and JUMP! Foundation. Michael holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from Indiana University and earned an M.A. in Education Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. His career in education began as a Teach For America corps member, laying a strong foundation for his ongoing commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and equity. Michael’s Contact Information: LinkedIn | Global Online Academy (scroll down for contact info) Categories: Online Learning | Pedagogy | School Life
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| 20 Aug 2024 | 59. Reframing Diversity to Drive Belonging In International Schools: A Chat With the Multi-Talented, Big-Hearted Dr. Derrick Gay | 01:01:33 | |
How do you tame your curiosity and limit your questions when talking to a man who sings opera, speaks five languages, and consults with hundreds of organizations ranging among the fields of education, financial services, beauty and fashion, non-profits, and the arts? This was our task when interviewing Dr. Derrick Gay on the topic of helping school communities flourish. Dr. Gay is a globally recognized intercultural competency strategist dedicated to fostering cultures of dignity and respect. With multifaceted expertise as an international speaker, author, researcher, educator, and university lecturer, Dr. Gay empowers individuals and organizations to deepen belonging and empathy by cultivating shared language, raising awareness, and fostering inclusive personal behaviors and organizational practices and policies. Drawing from his extensive international experience, Dr. Gay designs meaningful strategies that resonate across various industries and cultures. His approach, informed by research and practitioner experiences in over 50 countries, facilitates meaningful connections and promotes belonging on a global scale. Fluent in five languages, Dr. Gay has supported a broad clientele spanning the globe, including over 800 organizations in education, financial services, beauty and fashion, non-profits, and the arts. Beyond international schools, his clients range from Yale to Oberlin Conservatory, Phantom of the Opera to Tom Ford, The Guggenheim Museum to Barilla — and Sesame Street. Dr. Gay has served as adjunct faculty/lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, International Fashion Academy, Parsons Paris, and Teachers College at Columbia University. He has also served on several education-related boards. Our guiding question was, “What pathways should school communities follow as they seek to flourish in terms of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging?” Dr. Gay unpacked several topics, including
Dr. Gay’s Contact Information: Website | LinkedIn | IG The show was recorded on July 18, 2024.
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| 30 Aug 2024 | 60. Why Travel With Kids? We Asked YTravel Blog's Caroline Makepeace. She Schooled Us! | 00:50:41 | |
Fellow podcaster and big-time travel blogger Caroline Makepeace joined us to share tips and insights when traveling with children. Caroline and her husband Craig usually report their travel wisdom through platforms like Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and the Today Show. Hence, we count ourselves fortunate to be able to tap into Caroline’s wisdom, as family travel is a significant part of being an international educator! Caroline Makepeace is the co-founder of two successful online publications: This is Raleigh, a platform for anyone looking to explore the best of Wake County, North Carolina, and YTravelBlog, one of the world's most influential travel blogs. An avid traveler, she has lived in five countries (and taught in them), has traveled to over 50, and has traveled full-time for seven years with her two daughters. It's her mission to inspire and empower others to travel more and create a life they love. Our Guiding Question was, “What can parents do to optimize traveling with their children?” Here are a few of the topics Caroline addressed in this episode:
Caroline’s Contact Information: YTravel Blog
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| 13 Sep 2024 | 61. EGG is Resource-full! Audrey and David Share Some Helpful Resources From Our Website | 00:24:37 | |
We always say, "Do your research!" AIELOC Resource page Safe Passages - Doug Ota’s work (counseling and consulting) and book
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| 27 Sep 2024 | 62. Shhhh! We're Here With Greg Lemoine to Reveal "The Best-kept Secret" in Education. | 00:52:21 | |
Who is growing a media empire based on international teaching? Who loves going to recruiting conferences? And who writes entire books in a weekend? The answer, of course, is our fellow podcasting buddy Greg Lemoine. Greg wrote a follow-up to his award-winning (we awarded it a gold star) first book, “Finding the Right Fit: Your Professional Guide for International Educator Recruiting Fairs and Amazing Stories of a Teacher Living Overseas.” His second book is “International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education”. In this episode, we took a peek at some of those secrets. Greg also publishes the International Teacher Podcast with his partners, rounding out the offerings of his content creation empire. The Guiding Question for this episode was: What tips, strategies, and takeaways can you share from your new book, International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education? Here are a few of the topics Greg addressed in this episode:
Greg’s Contact Information: The International Teacher podcast is available on all podcasting platforms. Contact Greg and his podcasting partners at internationalteacherpodcast@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Category: Recruiting
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| 11 Oct 2024 | 63. Future Proofing Education: Words of Wisdom from Michael Nachbar of GOA | 00:59:10 | |
We so enjoyed our first chat with Michael Nachbar, Executive Director of the Global Online Academy (GOA) that we asked him to come back for a second interview! Just as before, Michael tackled our questions with vigor and showed an incredible depth of knowledge. We are curious about the concept of “future-proofing” education, so it made sense to consider Michael’s take as a future-focused thinker. With that in mind, our guiding question was: “What does online learning look like going forward, especially given the rapid growth of AI?” Here are some of the topics covered:
Michael spearheads a global network of schools and educators dedicated to transforming education. His expertise lies in integrating foundational teaching principles with cutting-edge technologies and innovative pedagogies. Michael regularly presents at conferences on topics including leadership and innovation trends. His thought leadership is widely recognized and respected across the educational community. He is also a Lakeside School trustee and has served on the boards of the NAIS, the Mastery Transcript Consortium, Summer Search, the ISAnet, and JUMP! Foundation. Michael holds an M.A. in Education Leadership from Columbia. He began with Teach For America, laying a strong foundation for his ongoing commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and equity. Resources Mentioned: Michael’s Blog Post “Seven Predictions for Education in 2024.” Michael’s Contact Information: LinkedIn | Global Online Academy (scroll down for contact info) The show was recorded on July 10th, 2024. Categories: Online Learning | Pedagogy | School Life
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| 08 Nov 2024 | 65. Teachers Are Learners, Too!: Professional Development from 21st Century Learning | 00:52:07 | |
What makes great professional development? We spoke with Justin Hardman, the founder and Director of 21st Century Learning, about professional development for international educators. Since 2012, 21st Century Learning has connected more than 20,000 K-12 educators with a wide variety of face-to-face and online professional learning opportunities. Beyond professional learning, Justin has a passion for supporting schools in better-integrating technology into school programs with a focus on strategy, leadership, and planning for systemic change. He was Director of Technology at Hong Kong International School and has led EdTech consultancy projects with many of the leading international schools in the Asia Pacific region. Our Guiding Questions were, “What does the landscape of professional learning opportunities look like? What is the menu of offerings for educators to design personalized learning plans?” Here are some of the topics covered:
Justin’s Contact Information: 21st Century Contact Page | X: jahardman Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Breathing Fire Into Web 2.0 The show was recorded on September 3, 2024. Categories: PD | School Life | Wellness
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| 26 Oct 2024 | 64. Transitions Happen! Audrey and Mark Forgeron, Veteran International Educators, Share Their Tips | 01:16:37 | |
Transitions are a given when you are an international educator. Audrey Forgeron is a 30-year, nine-country international teaching veteran. She has taught Health and PE, French, Information Technology, and Film. She has recently transitioned from teaching to life coaching. Mark Forgeron has spent 40 years as a teacher, with 38 years teaching internationally. Nepal is now his 10th country, and he has always been a middle-level math teacher. Mark has enjoyed teaching in all regions of the world, always looking for a new and non-lateral location. He has served as a math teacher and math coordinator, a middle school coordinator, and a coach of middle school, high school, and community sports, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and track & field. Our Guiding Question was, “What are some tried-and-true ways to prepare to transition to a new school and country?” Here are some of the topics covered:
Audrey’s Contact Information: educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com, LinkedIn.com/in/aforgeron
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| 27 Nov 2024 | 66. Tales From a Trio of Intrepid Educators: Adventures and "Lessons Learned" As Told By a Panel of Veteran International Teachers | 01:14:44 | |
Get ready to learn a lot about international education as we interview three long-term veterans while sharing a few insights ourselves. David Ross is a retired 58-year-old international educator. He began teaching elementary school in Los Angeles, then moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with his family to teach at ISKL for six years. He then took a one-year sabbatical with his family to bike across Europe and ended up in Saigon, Vietnam. He taught grade four for nine years at SSIS and coached middle and high school men’s volleyball. He enjoys SCUBA diving, free diving, playing in a band, pickleball, staying fit, and cooking. He has also been a proactive investor and proponent of financial literacy. Rob Howe is a 56-year-old business professional and international educator. He began his career in the technology industry. After a 1.5-year sabbatical from work, he met his wife, an international teacher, and decided to become one. His first opportunity was in Jakarta, Indonesia, for two years at NJIS. He then returned to the USA, started a new career in sustainability consulting, and adopted two children from India. In 2014, he returned to overseas teaching. Posts included Beirut, Lebanon, Harare, Zimbabwe, and Saigon, Vietnam at SSIS. He participated in the Sustainability Council at each school and is an avid hiker, biker, gardener, and explorer. Amy Hunt is currently teaching Psychology and Science of Mind at Nueva School in the San Francisco Bay Area. After earning an MAT and spending a year in outdoor education in 1987, Amy left the US at age 25 to teach IB English in Addis Ababa, where she met her husband, Lee Fertig. They moved together to Rio, where Amy also began teaching IB Theory of Knowledge. They moved to the U.S. for awhile and then went back overseas, for more beautiful experiences in Barcelona, São Paulo, and Brussels before returning to the US in 2020. A curious risk-taker and boundary-stretcher, Amy has taught many subjects and recently became a certified yoga therapist. She reads a lot, loves murder shows and pickleball, takes hikes and cold plunges, and tries to coax her three 20-something children to fly the nest. Our Guiding Question was, “What are some lessons learned from your careers as international educators?” Here are a few topics covered in this episode:
The show was recorded on October 16, 2024. Categories: Parenting | School Life | Transitions | Travel | Finances
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| 06 Dec 2024 | 67. International Kid Turned International Teacher: The Journey of Maxwell Carpenter | 00:49:15 | |
We found Maxwell Carpenter globe-trotting into his first gig as an international teacher. We spoke to him about his experiences along the way. Maxwell Carpenter is an IB Physics teacher at St George's British International School of Rome. He began teaching in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington DC after studying Physics, Math, and Education at Virginia Tech. He is interested in exploring interdisciplinary approaches to education, drawing from his interests in philosophy, mythology, history, and comparative religion. In his free time, he enjoys reading and collecting, drinking and sharing tea. The Guiding Questions were, “What has your move to being an international educator looked like — from recruiting to onboarding to transitioning to orientation? Now, with a couple of months of international teaching experience under your belt, how goes it?” Here are a few topics covered in the interview:
Categories: PD | School Life | Travel | Recruiting
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| 20 Dec 2024 | 68. Season's Greetings: Our Season 2 Wrapped Up For You! | 00:56:05 | |
Join us for our second anniversary show as we review and celebrate all the incredible guests from this past year. Our review provides some insights for each interview that might lead you to return to shows you previously enjoyed – and to seek out those you missed – to take a listen! We organized the episodes into the themes of:
The show was recorded on December 14, 2024.
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| 06 Jan 2025 | 69. Got kids? You May Want to Listen Up: The Doctor is IN! A Chat With Dr. Jeff Devens, PhD. | 00:58:03 | |
In all forms of school, there are some educators who really stand out as having “a way” with kids. Their ability to develop relationships of mutual trust and respect is second-to-none. Jeff Devens is one such educator. He has a way of putting everyone at ease. Jeff joined us for another episode – not to talk about finance this time, but to talk about his day job – working to support students and parents in international schools. As Audrey noted in her introduction to the episode, get your notebook and pen handy as Dr. Devens shares so much helpful information! For 29 years, Dr. Devens has worked in international education as a school psychologist, counselor, and classroom educator. Jeff completed his Ph.D. in School Psychology in 2006. His dissertation research focused on depression rates among international students. Growing up on public assistance and the only one of five children to graduate from high school, Jeff uniquely appreciates the hurt, heartache, and angst that parents encounter when raising kids. His first book, A Parent’s Guide to Raising Kids Overseas, was released in 2018. Jeff’s wife, Nanette, is also an international educator. They have two children: Cylas, a college freshman, and Cora, a high school sophomore. Our Guiding Question was, “Is parenting overseas different from parenting in one’s home country? What are some things to think about?” Here are a few topics Jeff covered in this episode:
Where to learn more: The Facebook group Expat Financial Education run by Andrew Hallam Resources Mentioned in the Episode: David’s Wellness@ES website which includes a section on Digital WellnessDr. Jonathan Haight’s Anxious Generation website and book of the same name
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| 17 Jan 2025 | 70. Prepare to Be "Bolled" Over By All Things AI for Teachers! Meet Michael Boll. | 00:45:23 | |
We catch up with Michael Boll who is always on the bleeding edge, playing with the latest and greatest finding ways to use technology for teaching and learning. We have huge admiration for his tech savvy and also his adventurous spirit and his willingness to share his knowledge with us lesser mortals. Not to mention that his dry wit and self-deprecating humor weave through every interaction we have with him. Michael is a jack-of-all-trades educator, instructor, and designer, and is no stranger to juggling his expertise in education, training, startups, technology, and marketing – all while balancing on a unicycle. His mission, as he has chosen to accept it, is to fearlessly blend existing and newfangled technologies in the classroom, creating an educational smoothie of epic proportions. Michael and his wife Lori are parents to an adult child with profound autism. Their family experiences have motivated them to assist all educators to provide all students with inclusive learning opportunities in education. Our Guiding Question was, “How can teachers learn to effectively use AI in their teaching? What are some instructional techniques that they can tap into right now?” Here are a few topics covered in this episode:
Michaels’s Contact Information: AI Teacher Tips Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Visit Michael’s AI Teacher Tips for the resources shared in the interview. The show was recorded on December 17, 2024.
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| 31 Jan 2025 | 71. Fostering Global Citizens Through Service Learning: Stories of Changemaking, with LeeAnne Lavender | 01:19:38 | |
Most international schools make it part of their mission to nurture global citizens who are in service to their community. Like all big, worthy goals, this needs lots of planning, implementation support, and accountability to determine if the school is on track. The usual questions come into play: who, what, why, etc. -- with the "how" being most prominent in our interview with LeeAnne Lavender, who helps schools with their service learning and global citizenship development efforts. LeeAnne is a consultant, coach and facilitator for international educators. She partners with schools and teachers to create learning experiences that have impact and lead to deep learning and service as action. LeeAnne is also the Service Learning Program Coordinator for the Association of International Schools in Africa. You can learn more on her website. Our Guiding Questions were, “What is service learning? What is global citizenship? What are some ways to integrate both into the culture of a school?” Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:
Resources mentioned in the episode: LeeAnne’s Website Thoughtbox Education The show was recorded on January 13, 2025.
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| 14 Feb 2025 | 72. Going "Unglobal": More Stories From Our Trio of Vets --Transitioning Out of International Education | 01:09:41 | |
International educators, are you ready for the day when you go “unglobal”? We gazed into our crystal ball again with our all-star panel of Amy Hunt, David Ross, and Rob Howe, this time to learn how to transition out of international education. David Ross is a retired international educator. He began teaching in California, then moved to Malaysia with his family to teach at ISKL. He then took a sabbatical with his family to bike across Europe and ended up in Vietnam. He taught for nine years at SSIS. He enjoys SCUBA diving, playing in a band, pickleball, and cooking. He has also been a proactive investor and proponent of financial literacy. Rob Howe is a business professional. He began his career in the technology industry. After a 1.5-year sabbatical, he met his wife, an international teacher, and decided to become one. His first position was in Indonesia. He then returned to the US, started a new career in sustainability consulting, and adopted two children from India. In 2014, he returned overseas. Posts included Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and Vietnam. Amy Hunt teaches Psychology and Science of Mind at Nueva School in San Francisco. After a year in outdoor education, Amy left the US to teach in Ethiopia, where she met her husband, Lee Fertig. They later moved to Brazil, then back to the US, followed by stints in Spain, Brazil, and Belgium before returning to the US in 2020. A curious risk-taker, Amy is also a yoga therapist. She reads a lot, loves murder shows, pickleball, taking hikes and cold plunges. Our Guiding Question was, “What are some of your takeaways after transitioning out of international teaching?” Panelists shared their experiences moving out of international education to return to the US. Here are a few topics covered:
Resources Mentioned: The poem Ithaca Show was recorded on January 15, 2025 Categories: Parenting | School Life | Transitions | Finances
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| 28 Feb 2025 | 73. Retrospective: The Lincoln School, Kathmandu - At 71, Still A Special Place | 00:41:23 | |
How do international schools get their start- in particular the original ones from so many years ago? Many of them had very humble beginnings, with a handful of students, a few parents (usually spouses of diplomats or business people who had moved overseas) and a large house or a few rooms where lessons could be held. At 71 years of age, The Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Nepal is one such school. In this “case study-style” interview, we were lucky enough to be able to speak with Barbara Butterworth, who was head of the school from 1998 - 2005. Barbara is an educator whose career originally took her to Nepal as a Peace Corps Volunteer, where she taught math and science. She also taught science education at two different colleges and served as a principal/director at four different schools: a private elementary school, a public elementary school, an international school, and a noted Nepali high school. From 1998 to 2005, she was the director of the Lincoln School, the American international school in Nepal. A graduate of Wellesley College, Cornell University, and Stanford University, Barbara’s career in education has also included leading a major USAID teacher training project in Cambodia. Our Guiding Questions were, “At 71 years of age, Lincoln School is one of the “OG” international schools. How did the Lincoln School get its start and what makes the Lincoln School community a special place to be?” Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:
The show was recorded on February 10, 2025. Categories: School Life | Crisis Management | School Missions | Recruiting
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| 14 Mar 2025 | 74. Smile! You're Starting a New School. A Candid Conversation with a Master School Starter, ASB Director Dave McMaster. | 00:54:31 | |
If you’ve ever visited the International Schools Services website, you may have noticed at some stage that they added a button at the top that said “start a school”. The button has now moved to the bottom of the page, but it’s still there. For us, it always felt like that line from the movies, “I wonder what happens if I press this button?” Well, Dave McMaster is a brave soul who has “pushed the button” on starting a school, not once, but three times. We think it’s fair to say that Dave knows what happens! Dave has 35 years of K-12 education experience, primarily in leadership roles across Canada, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. He joined the Esol organization in Bahrain in September 2018, and led the founding team in establishing the American School of Bahrain, which opened its doors in September 2020. The school began with just over 100 students amid the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown to nearly 800 students in its first five years of operation. Prior to this role, Dave served as Principal and Head of School at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) from 2002 to 2014. During his tenure, CDNIS was recognized as the top international school in Hong Kong for seven consecutive years. Dave has founded three schools, with the most recent being the American School of Bahrain. Dave’s authenticity as an educational leader is a recognized force that motivates students, parents, staff, and management to continually advance the status quo, ensuring excellence in educational provision and learning. He emphasizes what he calls the "smile index" as a key barometer for assessing a school's success. Dave also possesses extensive experience in recruiting and retaining top international educators, which he considers crucial to the success of founding ASB. Dave holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. He also earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. Our Guiding Question was, “How does one start an international school?” Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:
Resources mentioned in the episode: Dave McMaster on LinkedIn The show was recorded on February 16, 2025. Categories: School Life | School Creation | Recruiting
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| 28 Mar 2025 | 75. Get Well Soon(ish)! Laying the Groundwork for Much-Needed, Sustainable, Holistic Wellness Programs. | 01:14:24 | |
Where does your school stand in terms of designing, implementing and measuring the effectiveness of its whole-school wellness program? Several of our thought-leader guests have told us that wellness is at the top of the to do list for many international schools. Along with Wellness, another recurring topic in our episodes is change management, especially around the development of new programs. We hear stories about initiative fatigue and the dropping of programs when their champions leave the school. With so much talk around wellness and change management we decided to invite Alison Leathwood on the show to share an overview of how to design and implement a schoolwide wellness program that is sustainable. Alison is an international school physical education teacher who is passionate about wellness. She is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need for both physical and emotional wellbeing. She extends this passion beyond the classroom, having served in various leadership roles including HS Advisory Curriculum Coordinator, EC-12 Personal Development Coordinator, Wellness Committee Chair and currently serving as the Head of Department for PE. Through these leadership roles, Alison strives to create a lasting positive impact on the social-emotional well-being of the entire school community. Our guiding question for this show was, “How might international school leaders approach the development of a school- and community-wide wellness program based on Positive Psychology?” Alison offered such a detailed framework along with so many practical strategies that it is futile to try and summarize them here. So I will share just a handful of the topics to whet your appetite for designing an effective wellness program at your school! Here they are:
Resources mentioned in the episode: David’s Wellness@ES site for integrating Pos Psych into the elementary school Alison’s Contact Information: X: @peleathwood
This episode was recorded on February 24, 2025. Categories: Wellness | Leadership | Change
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