General Interest Workshops

The Long-Term Benefits of Quality Onboarding

In international education, new faculty can be hired up to nine months before their expected start dates. Schools are therefore challenged to onboard new staff at the same time as managing the current academic year and continuing with the recruitment search. This session will walk through methods for organizing the first steps in onboarding documentation, welcoming staff to a new country, culture, and school environment, as well as discussing crucial opportunities for professional development.

EMILY CAVE has worked in education in both the US and overseas for the past 19 years. Currently the Director of Professional Development for Schrole in Perth, Australia, Emily has also been a Head of School and a PS-12 Principal. emily.cave@schrole.edu.au, schrole.edu.au

Project-Based Learning and College Admissions

It is more important than ever for students to find ways to reflect the quality of their engagement and focus on subjects of particular interest and potential during their time in high school. One of the best ways to do this is through project-based learning projects which allow a student to focus for one or two years on a specific topic and become experts in their subject. This session from College Board will look at how its own Capstone program and other project-based course and offer data about college success in both admissions and college performance.

MATTHEW CHOVANEC is the Director of International for the MENA region and Turkey at the College Board. He is responsible for AP’s outreach, advocacy, and support to schools, districts, and states in the region. Before joining the College Board, Matthew was a college professor in Arabic language. mchovanec@collegeboard.org, collegeboard.org

How to Develop an Educational Model that Promotes Academic Growth and STEM Education for All Students: Harmony Education Model as a Case Study

This workshop will explore the proven educational model of Harmony Public Schools which implements an award-winning PreK-12 curriculum, placing a heavy emphasis on STEM preparing students for college success and equiping them with highly sought-after job skills for their future careers. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to understand and gain insight into implementation of: 1) Harmony's Academic Model, 2) Harmony's STEM Model, 3) Harmony's College and Career Readiness Model.

TERRI FOXWORTH is the Math Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for Harmony Education Solutions where she is responsible for curriculum development/implementation, assessment, and professional development. She has served in various educational roles including teacher, IC, and principal. tfoxworth@harmonyeducation.org, harmonyeducation.org

COLLEEN ERICKSON is the ELA Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for Harmony Education Solutions where she is responsible for curriculum development/implementation, assessment, and professional development. She has served in various educational roles including teacher, IC, and Special Ed Director. cerickson@harmonyeducation.org

Post Covid School Libraries: Redefining School Libraries in an Everchanging Educational Setting

The session presents a futuristic view of school libraries and outlines the challenges they faced during the pandemic which was at the same time the driving force for school administrations to rethink their libraries spaces-physical/digital, operations, resources, and technology solutions.

Based in Jordan, BUSHRA GHANNAM has been working with schools across the Middle East and North Africa for over ten years. In her role at Follett, Bushra provides sales consultations, collection development support, and PD trainings on Follett’s Technology solutions. bghannam@follettlearning.com, follettlearning.com

Based in Dubai but originally from Canada, JULIE STACK has over 20 years of experience in the education sector. After completing an MA degree in Canada, she has worked in North America, East Asia and the Middle East as a classroom educator, in education administration and in international sales-education. justack@follettlearning.com

The Power of Video Learning

Ninety-five percent of institutions report that teachers use video in their classrooms. Ninety percent of teachers see video as playing a “critical role” in education. Eighty-three percent of teachers say that the teaching experience is empowered with video lessons. More than 50 percent of 16-24 year-olds watch some kind of instructional video for learning something each week. There are so many benefits to using video lessons in the classroom and at home, from engaged learning and personalisation, to differentiation and family support.

VICTORIA JAMES is a Dubai-based education professional working with edtech companies and events. As country manager for Edpuzzle in the GCC, Victoria oversees business for the region, working with schools to train and develop staff helping to create engaging and trackable video learning. victoria@learnitacademy.com, edpuzzle.com, @EdpuzzleVic

Fostering Connected Classrooms and Caring Communities

Now more than ever, it's essential that all teachers and students feel safe, valued, and connected so rigorous learning is possible. You'll learn research-based, effective strategies that you can do with your staff and students to promote connection and optimal learning environments. Be ready to laugh and have fun as we learn practical ways to increase meaningful relationships and connections in your schools, classroom, and lives.

LYNN NOTARAINNI's experience in the world of international education began with her own schooling in International Schools as her family moved around the world. She spent several years teaching English as a Second Language for K-8 students and Adults in Japan. She transitioned to educational publishing after graduation from the University of Florida and in the 21st century, Lynn went digital, working with an Interactive Whiteboard and Education Technology company. Her digital path recently merged with Curriculum Associates and their exciting adaptive diagnostic and instruction program, i-Ready. LNotarainni@cainc.com, curriculumassociates.com

LISSETTE POWELL is a dynamic and passionate Senior Professional Development Manager with extensive experience working with all organizational levels, a results oriented strategic thinker that excels at creating and delivering professional development utilizing a variety of delivery methods. lpowell@cainc.com

Diversity by Design

Take Impact to the Next Level! Diverse leadership is an essential part of any organization’s infrastructure and success. Research has undisputedly shown that diversity brings strength, improves innovation, performance, profit and growth. How can Heads and Boards strategically hire leaders that foster growth, build capacity, and nurture inclusion?

Join us for this session on Diversity by Design to develop strategic practices that intentionally attract underrepresented groups, encourage diverse perspectives, and sustain an inclusive culture. Develop skills for recognizing implicit bias in processes and learn how to design practices and protocols that ensure more inclusive hiring, equitable onboarding and strategic transition planning.

NADINE RICHARDS is an innovative leader who demonstrates a strong understanding of international education, business, and recruitment to help schools transform and grow. She has over 20 years experience, and focuses on developing and leveraging leaders who make an impactful difference worldwide. nrichards@iss.edu, iss.edu, nadineinspires.me

PAULINE O'BRIEN has 20+ years of experience in professional recruiting, client service, and school board relations in international education. Pauline has led multi-cultural teams in international corporate recruitment, and the non-profit international sector. Her focus has always been on developing talent and creating inclusive aspiring leadership programs. pobrien@iss.edu, iss.edu

Measuring What We Value

How well do we measure what we value? Some schools value exam results above all else. What about DEIJ efforts? Well-being? Risk? Governing board growth and development? Join this session to learn about these measures, and how data collection and survey analysis can inform your strategy and decision-making.

Formerly executive director of ECIS and president of Moreland University, KEVIN RUTH is Managing Director of Westlake Global Advisory, advising on governance, strategy, risk, and operations. In addition to 25 years in education, he has given 22 years of service as a director on non-profit boards, with four years as a board member of an independent school. He holds citizenship in the US and UK. kruth@westlakeglobal.org, westlakeglobal.org

SOUVIK BOSE is a business intelligence analyst with years of experience in the education domain. He has worked with hundreds of leading international schools in more than 50 countries. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electronics, and MBA degree in Project Management. Souvik is currently working as Head of Education Vertical at Big Data BizViz LLC (BDB). souvik.bose@bdb.ai

Promoting Inquiry, SEL, Student Wellbeing and Success Through STEM Simulations

In this workshop we will examine how "Gizmos," online interactive inquiry-based virtual math and science simulations can help teachers promote SEL and wellbeing concepts through STEM learning, while enabling students’ skill development essential for all in the 21st century.

SUZANNE SARAYA is the International Director for ExploreLearning, a Math and Science online educational products provider for the K-12 market. She has worked with various international governments to support their global presence and is a frequent speaker at EdTech Conferences worldwide. suzanne.saraya@explorelearning.com, explorelearning.com, @ExploreLearning

Building Capacity to Bring Global Curriculum to Life at Your School

The work of ISSN (International Studies Schools Network) contributes toward solving one of the most complex issues facing educators today: how to prepare all students for employability and citizenship in a global era. Member schools in the ISSN advance achievement and the development of global competence by integrating learning across the curriculum through a unique combination of professional development, globally focused curriculum tools, project-based learning, and authentic assessment.

DONNIE TURLINGTON is Vice President for Community Catalyst Partners, a nonprofit with two missions – helping communities ignite sustainable outcomes for young people and building capacity among educators to teach students how to become difference makers on a local and global scale. dturlington@communitycatalystpartners.org, communitycatalystpartners.org

English for a Sustainable Future - A paradigm shift to teaching multilingual learners

As the demands within international schools increase, educators are pivoting towards practices which will meet the diverse backgrounds and needs of their students. A three-approach methodology to teaching multilingual learners will be explored. Delegates will analyze how to use enriched global content, balanced literacy strategies, and scaffolded language instruction to produce positive outcomes for learners.

DaVIDA ALSTON-SMITH is an Education Consultant for National Geographic Learning and has provided professional development for K-12 international schools across the GCC region and Europe. She brings to NGL over 25 years of experience as a transformational leader both in the US and internationally. davida.alston-smith@cengage.com , ngl-emea.com/k12, LinkedIn

Supporting Professional Learning for All

International educators are diverse in their experiences and educational backgrounds. Let’s explore inclusive professional growth for all members of our international school communities. Consider how the principles of adult learning theory can guide the development of personalized professional learning pathways to meet the needs of educators and even entire learning communities. Participants will be able to map professional learning pathways for themselves, their teams, and/or their schools.

Dr. CHRISTINA BOTBYL is an international educator and instructional leader. Her focus and passion lie in facilitating, revealing, and supporting personalized professional learning pathways. She is a Facilitator with the National School Reform Faculty leading Critical Friends Group coaches training. christina.botbyl@fariaedu.com, minipd.com, LinkedIn, @cbotbyl

After coordinating the French Early Years and Primary Program, BETTY MOLEROT is now focusing on instructional coaching to articulate Diversity Collaborative Norms in educational institutions through transdisciplinary, translanguage, critical thinking and self-regulation approaches. bmolerot@gmail.com, LinkedIn

The New Digital SAT Test

The SAT Suite of Assessments is adapting to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. And so, starting in March 2023, College Board will make the transition to the digital SAT at international test centers. While the digital SAT Suite will bring a number of student- and educator-friendly changes, many important features of the SAT Suite will stay the same. At the same time, we’re taking full advantage of what it means to deliver an assessment digitally. This session will provide everything educators need to know about the switch to digital.

MATTHEW CHOVANEC is the Director of International for the MENA region and Turkey at the College Board. He is responsible for AP’s outreach, advocacy, and support to schools, districts, and states in the region. Before joining the College Board, Matthew was a college professor in Arabic language. mchovanec@collegeboard.org, collegeboard.org

Connecting With Your School Community Using Social Media

Social media algorithms have shifted so what is a school to do to ensure its community sees its content? In this session, we'll go back to basics on the universal truths of engagement and how you can adjust your strategy to master the changing world of social media. This session will share lessons learned from working with schools around the globe who have successfully utilized social media to recruit, retain and engage their community.

For the past 13 years, MAX EISL has consulted with international schools on technologies including student information, online learning and communications platforms. He is a frequent speaker sharing his expertise and vision on digital communications to help international schools succeed in their unique settings. max.eisl@finalsite.com, finalsite.com, @maxeisl

LIZ ALLEN has worked in international schools for over a decade. She spent 8+ years at the American School in London before moving to Seoul Foreign School. She has lead marketing and communications while implementing bold new concepts. At Finalsite she helps schools optimize digital tools. elizabeth.allen@finalsite.com

Pathways to NEASC Accreditation

NEASC offers several unique pathways to accreditation all of which focus on high-quality learning. This session will introduce the pathways and give participants some hands-on experience with one of the Learning Principles.

For the past 13 years, TRILLIUM HIBBELN serves NEASC-CIE schools in over 80 countries with a special focus on Asia, Europe, and Middle Eastern regions. In her role as Associate Director, she ensures that schools and accreditation visitors have the tools, training, and support to utilize the NEASC process to transform learning. thibbeln@neasc.org, neasc.org, @TrilliumHibbeln, LinkedIn

KELLY CHRISTIAN is the Director of Strategy and Membership for NEASC. She manages membership activities, including communications, planning, professional learning, and events - with a focus on promoting best practices, amplifying new ideas and diverse voices, and building connections among schools. Kelly has worked in accreditation for 14 years in the U.S. and with international schools around the world. kchristian@neasc.org

Leveraging Technology and Learning Science to Drive Secondary Literacy

Words matter. Learning new words is foundational to academic success. Since vocabulary is fashioned, processed, and manipulated by the human mind, teachers cannot hope to effectively support literacy growth without understanding how students think, remember, and learn. Over the last decade, Membean has crafted an engaging word-learning system that applies a cohesive set of best practices around the Science of Learning to help students develop a curiosity and love for words. The marriage of technology and cognitive science promises to have a significant impact on literacy.

GANESH KRISHNAN is the VP of Global Customer Success at Membean Inc. In this role, Ganesh and his team help teachers facilitate building word consciousness – an essential component of literacy – in their students using proven learning science strategies. ganesh@membean.com, membean.com, @membean

Dr. AMBREEN MOHAMMAD is a dynamic and goal driven educational leader who has held multiple teaching and senior leadership roles at various international schools in the UAE. At Membean, Dr. Ambreen works with schools all over Asia to make sure they are getting the most out of the program by training and coaching teachers and other school leaders. ambreen@membean.com

Combating Teacher Shortages and Creating New Recruitment Pipelines

We know your number one priority is to find the right teachers for your school. That’s why we built this presentation to help you and your school combat teacher shortages and while creating new recruitment pipelines for the 2022-2023 school year.

TEACH AWAY is a teacher employment platform that provides innovative solutions to the teacher supply problem. Through teacher certification, recruitment and online tutoring. ryan@teachaway.com, teachaway.com/recruitment

Predicting and Managing Risk - A Seminar and Discussion to Mitigate International School Challenges in 2023

This workshop educates NESA administrators on probable risks facing their schools in 2023 and covers practices for managing and mitigating those risks. The facilitator will detail the risk forecast pertaining to COVID, political strife, economic instability, and more. He will address risk from all angles: social, financial, and political. The workshop also includes an open conversation among participants and the chance to collectively brainstorm solutions with an industry expert.

RICARDO URBINA is a sales manager at Clements Worldwide and has 15 years' experience in risk management for international schools. He holds an MBA from Villanova University and is working to become a Certified School Risk Manager. Ricardo lives in California and enjoys water sports in his spare time. rurbina@clements.com, clements.com, @Tweet_Clements, LinkedIn

"Stand Out" in Your Interview for a Leadership Position

Interviewing for a leadership position in an international school can be stressful. Learn how to reduce the jitters by using successful techniques from experienced leaders working for a recruiting agency. Helpful strategies for interviewing for a virtual or in-person format will be shared and practiced. You will learn where recruiters get their questions as well as approaches for evaluating responses. After this session, you will feel more prepared and know how to "stand out!"

DEB WELCH joined CS&A two years ago, after serving as CEO of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH). Prior to that, she headed the American School of Doha in Qatar and was Deputy Head at International School Bangkok, Thailand. She has extensive international consulting and coaching experience. deb.welch@carneysandoe.com, carneysandoe.com, @CSASearchGroup, LinkedIn

JI HAN recently joined CS&A, after serving in various leadership roles such as the Director of Curriculum, Founding Principal, and educational consultant in many schools and countries around the world. Her most recent posts include Director of Curriculum at Zurich International School. ji.han@carneysandoe.com