Let's talk about changing things for the better. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This means we want everyone, no matter their background, to feel welcome and treated fairly. By embracing different people and ideas, we can make our workplaces, schools, and communities stronger and happier. Let's work together to transform our world with DEI.

In this episode, we are joined by Cynthia Roberson, the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Mulgrave School and Consultant. She is an education professional working towards a Doctor of Education focused in Diversity and Equity from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Cynthia shares her valuable insights on the meaning of DEI, tools for school leaders to open up safe spaces in their institutions, and the behaviors that demonstrate cultural competencies. She also sheds more light on building trust within the DEI school community. and the measures to know if you are propelling forward Timestamps

[07:01] Cynthia’s thoughts on women in Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI)

[11:16] Meaning of DEI

[23:53] Tools for school leaders to open up safe spaces in their institutions

[15:01] Behaviours that demonstrate cultural competencies

[17:53] Building trust within the DEI school community

[21:44] Measures to know if you are propelling forward

[27:14] The Hot Fire Game

Notable Quotes:

• “Diversity, equity, and inclusion is the process of reducing harm in spaces.”

• “Schools are micro cousins of society.”

• “In diversity, equity, and inclusion, there are always going to be people who are resistant.”

Let's Connect:

Connect With Cynthia Roberson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyroberson/

Mulgrave School, the International School of Vancouver: https://www.mulgrave.com/ Connect With Dana Specker Watts:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/

Twitter: https://x.com/teachwatts Connect With Mike Pierre:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/

More Resources:

• Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

AI in educational leadership helps schools and colleges improve learning and management. AI tools assist leaders in making better decisions, personalizing student learning, and automating tasks. This leads to more efficient schools and happier students. Using AI, educational leaders can focus more on teaching and less on administrative work.

In this episode, we are joined by Omar Rachid, an experienced educator, coach, and leader with a demonstrated history of working in both primary and secondary education with the goal of serving multilingual students either in a schoolwide or Middle School leadership role. He sheds more light on incorporating real-life examples of cultural responses in students, high transition areas to implement Cultural Responsive Curriculum Teaching and Learning in schools, and practical strategies for infusing cultural diversity into actual lesson plans. Omar also discusses the innovations he anticipates will shape the landscape of culturally responsive Curriculum Teaching and Learning in the future and the contributions of AI to addressing mental health challenges.

Timestamps:

[05:10] Who is responsible for accountability and responsibility in the Cultural Responsive Curriculum Teaching and Learning?

[07:10] Incorporating real-life examples of cultural responses in students

[11:52] High transition areas to implement Cultural Responsive Curriculum Teaching and Learning in schools

[12:40] Practical strategies for infusing cultural diversity into actual lesson plans

[14:06] Choosing cultures regarding the ones outside the class

[18:19] Oral traditions Vs. written traditions

[21:14] Innovations Omar anticipates will shape the landscape of culturally responsive curriculum teaching and learning in the future

[24:26] Contributions of AI to addressing mental health challenges

[26:37] The Hot Fire Game Notable Quotes:

• “It’s important to highlight the diverse perspectives and identities that are present in our space.”

Let's Connect

Connect With Omar Rachid

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachido/

Website: https://rachido.my.canva.site/ Connect With Mike Pierre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/ More Resources

• Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

AI in educational leadership helps schools and colleges improve learning and management. AI tools assist leaders in making better decisions, personalizing student learning, and automating tasks. This leads to more efficient schools and happier students. Using AI, educational leaders can focus more on teaching and less on administrative work.

In this episode, we are joined by Mark McElroy, the director of technology at Vientiane International School. He has a rich background in teaching and educational leadership; he is also an advocate of integrating technology in education. Mark sheds some light on his career, certifications that propel him in the industry, his Apple and Google certifications, and the future of Nelnet. Mark goes on to share his deepest thoughts on the examples of successful AI integrations in secondary classes, striking a balance between AI introduction and its ethical implications and the strategies for teachers to stay updated with AI. Tune in to learn more! Timestamps:

[04:36] About Mark McElroy’s career

[05:06] Certifications that propel Mark in the industry

[05:58] Did Apple and Google certifications have AI back then?

[06:13] The future of Nelnet

[09:44] Will AI finally replace teachers?

[12:50] Should AI be introduced in secondary classes rather than primary classes?

[16:00] Examples of successful AI integrations in secondary classes

[19:34] Striking the balance between AI introduction and its ethical implications

[24:52] Strategies for teachers to stay updated with AI

[28:24] The Hot Fire Game

Notable Quotes:

• “If you are going to use AI tools, we have to talk about bias.”

• “No one is an expert.”

• “Staying on top of AI tools is great.”

Let's Connect

Connect With Mark McElroy

Twitter (X): https://x.com/mcelroy23?lang=en

Vientiane International School: https://www.vislao.com/

Connect With Mike Pierre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/ More Resources

• Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

Leadership is about guiding people. Good leaders make sure everyone is treated fairly and with respect. This is called Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Diversity means different people. Equity means fair chances for all. Inclusion means everyone is welcome. Justice means doing what is right. Leaders who follow DEIJ make better teams and happier workplaces.

In today’s episode, we are joined by Azra Pathan, the director of learning at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Azra sheds some light on her thoughts on DEIJ, getting something meaningful from conversations on leadership in DEIJ and why she never thought that she could become a leader.

Azra also shares her thoughts on strategies employed in the Equity Leadership Institute Training to navigate disagreements and different strategies among leaders, the International School of Kuala Lumpur metrics to measure and assess courses, and how AI can aid in Human Centered Interactions. Tune in to learn more!

Timestamps:

[05:45] Azra’s thoughts on DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice)

[08:28] Getting something meaningful from conversations on leadership in DEIJ

[10:21] Why Azra never thought that she could become a leader

[15:47] Strategies employed in the Equity Leadership Institute Training to navigate disagreements and different strategies among leaders

[19:46] International School of Kuala Lumpur metrics to measure and assess courses

[23:28] How AI can aid in Human Centered Interactions

[29:05] The Hot Fire Game

Notable Quotes:

• “There is no society which is free from inequities.”
• “To transform is to bring about change.”
• “It doesn’t always land the way you expect.”

Connect With Azra Pathan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azra-pathan-59b379280/?originalSubdomain=uk

ISKL Website: https://www.iskl.edu.my/ Connect With Dana Specker Watts:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/

Twitter: https://x.com/teachwatts Connect With Mike Pierre:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/ More Resources

• Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

Recruitment is like finding the right pieces for a puzzle. In schools and companies, it's about picking the best people to fit and grow. From posting jobs to interviewing, each step helps find talent that can make a big difference.

In this episode, we are joined by Mathew Kelsey and Daniel Kilback. Mathew is the Director of Global Project Management and Alliance Management—strategy and operations at Merck, and Daniel is the Director of Technology at the Anglo-American School of Sofia.

Mathew and Daniel shed more light on whether they use AI in their hiring process and If there is a perfect process to gain the perfect candidate for a position. They also talk more about the three competencies to look for during the workshop on recruitment, innovative approaches schools can make to get a wider range of applicants for recruitment, and the opportunities to teach overseas. Tune in to learn more!

Timestamps:

Notable Quotes

• “If you are intentional and consistent in your process, and you are intentional about reflecting on the quality of the candidates you bring in, it leads you to a better outcome.”

• “It’s important to adapt with the times, as new tools and strategies become available, being open to try something new and improve your practices is important for schools.”

Let's Connect

Connect With Mathew and DanielMathew Kelsey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbkkelsey/

Daniel Kilback

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkilback/?hl=en LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kilback-257a3852/⁠ Connect With Dana Specker Watts

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/

Twitter: https://x.com/teachwatts Connect With Mike Pierre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/ More Resources

• Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

Education is constantly changing. Small changes, called micro-trends, happen in classrooms. Significant changes, called macro trends, happen in schools and countries. Understanding these trends helps us see how learning improves and adapts to new needs and ideas.

In this episode, we are joined by Marc Frankel, a senior consultant at Triangle Associates specializing in education. He has developed numerous leadership programs and strategic planning initiatives globally.

Marc Frankel shares his valuable insights on how his psychology background is helping him in governance and strategic planning, the real meaning of micro and macro trends and scrutiny and other examples a macro trend in schools. Marc aslo sheds some light on how school boards can leverage micro trends to inform strategic planning in their organizations and how school governance can reflect diversity in children, teachers, and the community. Tune in to learn more!

Inclusion education is changing fast. It's about ensuring every student feels welcome and supported in school, no matter their abilities or background. By evolving our teaching methods and classrooms, we can help all kids learn and grow together, creating a brighter future for everyone.

In this episode, we are joined by April Remfrey, an educational consultant who focuses on working with international schools and globally mobile families with neurodiverse children. She helps international schools improve their inclusive practices through professional development and ongoing support.

April shares her powerful insights on the difference between modification and accommodation in UDL, making things better in the spectrum of exclusion and segregation in schools and how to truly know if a child feels included. April also shares her thoughts on how schools can have a rating for the mobility of the disabled and her certified educator program. Tune in to learn more!

Timestamps:

[05:00] About April Remfrey

[06:11] April’s thoughts on including all race, gender personality and character in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework

[11:27] The difference between modification and accommodation in UDL

[14:16] How disabled individuals do not want to sit in an inspirational role

[18:16] Making things better in the spectrum of exclusion and segregation in schools

[21:28] How to truly know if a child feels included

[26:44] How can schools have a rating for the mobility of the disabled

[30:00] April’s certified educator program

Notable Quotes:

“Our job as teachers is to remove as many barriers as possible to have kids achieve success.”

“The goal of UDL is to create expert learners.”

“We must let kids enter and exit at their own points.”

“When you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”

Let's ConnectConnect With April Remfrey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-j-remfrey-1b247183/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remfreyeducationalconsulting

Website: https://www.remfreyeducationalconsulting.com/

Connect With Dana Specker Watts:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/

Twitter: https://x.com/teachwatts

Connect With Mike Pierre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/

More Resources:

• Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

Governance in international schools is about how these schools are managed and led to ensure they provide high-quality education. It involves a Board of Trustees or Governors who work closely with the Head of the School to set policies, make strategic decisions, and oversee the school's operations. Good governance ensures that the school has clear goals, effective leadership, and a strong relationship with the community it serves.

In this episode, we talk with Abbi DeLessio, a senior executive with 17 years of educational leadership experience. She has chaired the board of managers at Hong Kong International School and brings expertise in governance and leadership.

Abbi discusses the differences in the hierarchy of school leadership, her preferences for elected and appointed board leaders, and the importance of prioritizing well-being and mental health for both leaders and students to manage work stress. She also shares the possibility of using AI to set new boards and how boards and leaders can collaborate. Tune in to learn more!

Timestamps:

Differences in School Leadership Hierarchy (05:34): Abbi discusses the contrasting structures of school leadership, including elected and appointed board leaders.

Elected vs. Appointed Board Leaders (08:15): Abbi shares her preferences regarding board leadership, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives.

Self-Perpetuating Boards and Diversity (10:15): Abbi explores whether self-perpetuating boards can inadvertently lead to a lack of diversity.

Mechanism of Two School Boards (13:03): Abbi explains how two distinct boards—governance and advisory—function collaboratively.

Collaboration Between Boards and Leaders (18:27): Abbi highlights the synergy between boards and leaders in achieving educational goals.

Abbi’s Thoughts on AI (21:55): Abbi reflects on the potential of AI in reshaping governance and decision-making processes.

AI for Setting New Boards (22:41): Abbi envisions AI assisting in the creation and optimization of school boards.

Using AI to Analyze Policies (25:40): Abbi suggests leveraging AI to analyze policies, align them with the mission, and detect inconsistencies.

Prioritizing Well-Being (27:19): Abbi emphasizes the importance of boards prioritizing student well-being and mental health.

Abbi’s Advice (30:01): Abbi shares advice for listeners, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and empathy in education.

Notable quotes

• "Good boards, plan, secure funds, and team up for lasting success."

• "Governance needs teamwork, open communication, and mission alignment.

• "Boards mix experience and fresh ideas for diverse sustainability."

Let’s Connect: Abbi DeLessio:

Email: abbi@ta-sttl.com

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbi-delessio-862b6473/

Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts

Connect with Mike Pierre:Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan
More resources:

Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PDs that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23.

Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Head over to https://seniaacademy.org/link/0S40Ne to check out inclusion education practices for individuals with disabilities and ensure their potential is fully maximized.

Please visit inspirecitizens.org to register for the Global Citizenship

Are you looking forward to a successful career to teach anywhere in the world? Head over to https://moreland.edu/ for online innovative education programs.