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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.
Belonging Consultation with Saigon South International School
Last week, I had the privilege of spending two inspiring days at Saigon South International School, working alongside students, staff, and parents to advance our shared commitment to Belonging.
I began by facilitating focus groups, listening to different perspectives across the community to understand how each group experiences belonging. These insights informed targeted strategy sessions with the Belonging Group and Senior Administration, where we assessed current structures, practices, and policies to guide efforts to cultivate a more inclusive environment grounded in dignity and respect.
I also facilitated workshops for parents and middle and upper school students where I provided research around the benefits of belonging, the negative impact of belonging uncertainty and harm, the critical role of belonging and intercultural competency for academic excellence, and specific challenges that international schools are currently navigating, particularly regarding identity-informed jokes based on a person's background.
The belonging framework goes beyond sugar-coating the challenges of these efforts. It actively engages the ENTIRE community in identifying and taking ownership of dignity infractions, not placing the onus on those who are most marginalized in our schools. Belonging provides multiple pathways for personal and institutional accountability while explicitly naming personal and collective benefits of creating an inclusive environment where everyone’s dignity is respected.
The experience culminated in an all-staff professional development session, which included:
Introducing foundational terms—belonging, intercultural competency, dignity, and respect.
Deepening empathy through reflective exercises on instances when we personally felt belonging or exclusion.
Sharing research from international schools in Asia, highlighting identity-related harm and challenges and the irony that many students in international schools lack the intercultural skills crucial for their academic and social success and struggle during the first years of university.
Presenting a framework that honors the host country’s unique history, culture, and values while fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and safe—especially those who are most harmed.
The highlights were many: engaging directly with students, hearing powerful storytelling in our staff session, celebrating the ongoing efforts of the Belonging Committee, and experiencing the eagerness of 120+ parents who attended and were committed to learning and supporting these efforts.
The personal warmth I experienced—from the community’s hospitality to a memorable home-cooked Indian meal shared by a Belonging Committee member—made this visit truly special.
Looking forward to continuing this partnership! Thank you, Dr. Catriona Moran, for your leadership and dedication.
Honored to Return to Taipei American School
I was honored to return to Taipei American School to sustain ongoing education and strategy to deepen belonging and foster a culture of dignity and respect.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in our focus groups, and strategy and education sessions- with a special thanks to the more than 100 parents that attended our second workshop! Thank you for strengthening the parent- school partnership, which research finds is critical to fostering belonging for our students.
Taipei American School is seeking a director of belonging and social impact, so please spread the word!
I can’t wait to return in the spring and a special thanks to Liz Gale, Ed.D. and David Frankenberg for their partnership.
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 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.
Georgetown International Academy
Many thanks to Shauna Hobbs-Beckley, EdS , head of school, and the entire Georgetown International Academy community for another meaningful consultation. Looking forward to returning soon!
We’re excited to announce that Dr. Derrick Gay, an internationally recognized belonging and intercultural strategist, researcher, author, and university lecturer, recently returned to Georgetown International Academy (GIA) for his third three-day visit. With experience consulting in over 50 countries, Dr. Gay brings a wealth of knowledge to our school as we continue our journey to cultivate and sustain an inclusive school community .
During his time with us, Dr. Gay conducted insightful focus groups with students, staff, and parents, gaining valuable insights into how our community understands and experiences belonging, as well as the pace of change at GIA. With over 340 students and their families from around the world, along with local and international staff, it’s crucial that we continuously learn and support the diverse needs of all our community members.
Dr. Gay’s findings have provided us with meaningful strategies to deepen our efforts and ensure that GIA is a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We eagerly anticipate his fourth consultation in January as we continue to build capacity to foster a school community of dignity and respect for all.