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Blue Skies Leadership Podcast
International educators, I am excited to share my conversation with Daniel Mendes and Dan Kerr on the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast!
Recorded after my two-day consultation at Saigon South International School, this podcast dives into critical distinctions between diversity, inclusion, and belonging, reframing these concepts to embrace shared humanity while addressing dignity infractions such that all are able to thrive and flourish.
The episode also highlights the role of families in nurturing intercultural competency and offers practical strategies for fostering truly inclusive school environments.
Join us as we explore strategies to foster inclusive schools where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
You may access the podcast below, on Spotify, or on Apple Podcasts.
DEIB Executive Leadership Cohort #2: Latin America
We had another instructive session today with our LATAM educational leaders from international schools building capacity to foster more inclusive schools, grounded in dignity and respect.
Many international efforts to foster inclusive organizations fail because they use language, framings, and models from the United States, in ways that don't resonate locally and ultimately further exacerbate tensions in international communities.
Today, we began our discussion and application of Rohini Anand PhD's instructive text, "Leading Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion," to apply the Transversal Approach as an analytical framework to ensure that international school belonging efforts are local, meaningful, relevant, and proximate.
Afterwards, we reviewed a case study, informed by participant problems of practices, to collectively brainstorm effective approaches, linguistic framings, and strategies-- to mitigate and navigate the inevitable design and implementation challenges.
Many thanks to all participants for their thoughtful contributions. I look forward to our onsite in Panama in just a few weeks!
DEIB Executive Leadership Cohort #3 Onsite at VERSO International School, Bangkok
I am deeply appreciative of the 31 international education leaders who participated last week in an intensive 2.5 days of capacity-building aimed at deepening belonging across 14 international schools throughout Asia.
Our cohort engaged in reflective, research-based exploration, with the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as our theoretical anchor. This framework supported a deeper analysis of identity introspection and inclusive leadership, positioning belonging as essential, ongoing processes within strategic change management, rather than as isolated initiatives.
Participants also applied my Belonging Action Protocol, a structured approach I have developed to address complex challenges in cultivating belonging within school communities. This approach provided leaders with actionable skills to navigate the nuances of creating inclusive learning environments, grounded in dignity and respect.
It was an honor to facilitate this sustained learning opportunity, drawing from the shared wisdom, insights, and strategic perspectives of participants- representing teachers, counselors, division heads, heads of schools, and human resources leaders.
I look forward to our continued collaboration and remaining virtual sessions throughout the 2024-25 academic year, as we work to advance belonging and intercultural competency across educational institutions.
And a very special thanks to our host, Dr. Ryan Persaud, head of VERSO International School. The school is stunning, well-appointed, and facilitated our learning.
New Podcast!
I am delighted to share this recent podcast exploring belonging in international schools.
During the conversation, I provide key definitions and explore the research around belonging and belonging uncertainty, and the ways in which belonging enhances academic excellence.
Many thanks to Hong Kong International School for the opportunity to share insights from our recent consultation with students, all staff, and parents to foster a culture of dignity and respect for all.
Thrilled to Return to Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
I was thrilled to return to Hong Kong International School to continue our efforts to deepen belonging and foster a culture grounded in dignity and respect.
Building on work from last spring's visit with the Belonging Committee, this consultation also integrated constituent focus groups, a parent education session, a high school assembly with over 700 energetic and engaged students, and an all-staff professional development opportunity. I even had the opportunity to record a podcast!
Upcoming Consultation at Taipei American School
I am looking forward to sustaining my partnership with Taipei American School during the 2024-25 academic year to deepen belonging.
During the second year of our collaboration, I will meet with students, staff, parents, admin and Board to collect data, inform strategy, and build capacity to foster a culture grounded in dignity and respect.
Thank you Liz Gale, Ed.D. and David Frankenberg for your partnership! I am looking forward to our ongoing collaboration.
Upcoming event at VERSO International School
Thank you, Dr. Ryan Persaud and VERSO International School, for supporting this critical work to build capacity of over 40 school leaders representing 15 countries to foster inclusive schools grounded in dignity and respect.
Fostering a Culture of Belonging at Escola Concept
Many thanks to Escola Concept for their ongoing partnership to foster an inclusive school community grounded in dignity and respect.
I appreciated working with students, counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents from São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, and Salvador to advance this critical work over two days.
Second Consultation at Island Primary in Cayman Islands
I had a wonderful time facilitating a workshop to about 200 parents at Island Primary in the Cayman Islands!
During the session, we explored the importance of intercultural competency in a school that proudly represents over 27 nationalities on an island that continues to grow daily, having increased its population by 70% in the past 20 years.
We also discussed the essential skills students require for success in a globalized world and to foster an inclusive environment grounded in dignity and respect, ensuring that every student feels a true sense of belonging.
I am looking forward to returning in January!
Year 3 at Cayman Prep & High School in Cayman Islands
It was a privilege to return this week to Cayman Prep & High School to support their ongoing commitment to cultivating a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging.
I look forward to returning in January to share findings from the student and staff Belonging Survey and to continue leading strategic planning.