Learning Partner Sessions

Empowering Literacy Leaders: Address Literacy Gaps with the Science of Reading

Prioritizing impactful literacy instruction is crucial, especially for international schools. This workshop delves into the Science of Reading and research-based best practices. Discover strategies for school leaders to effectively equip teachers with evidence-based practices. Explore how to support teachers in addressing foundational literacy gaps at all grade levels, ensuring a comprehensive approach to literacy instruction. Join us to enhance your school's literacy initiatives, empowering teachers and fostering student success through strong foundational skills.

Based in the UAE, BUSHRA ALI partners with Curriculum Associates schools in the Middle East and Africa. She is passionate about helping schools adopt best practices and evidence-based approaches, including data-driven instruction, student-centered classrooms, and the Science of Reading. bushra@eduenhance.net, curriculumassociates.com, @CurriculumAssoc

“Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.” - Effective Risk Management for Schools

Join 9ine and Rick Detwiler for a collaborative workshop on how to plan and implement an effective risk management program for your school. The session will focus on taking a whole school approach to socialising your board and engaging other stakeholders to pre-empt failures before they happen.

DILRAJ (Dil) BANSAL is the Business Development Manager at 9ine Consulting. He has been involved in the Edtech Sector for the past eight years and has supported hundreds of schools in the UK and internationally navigate through the adoption of new technologies and infrastructural change. He is passionate about embracing technological change through a human-value lens. Dil graduated with an LLB from the Dickson Poon School of Law - King’s College London. dilraj.bansal@9ine.com, 9ine.com/get-started

RICK DETWILER has worked with school boards as head of five international schools, in Israel, Bangladesh, Hungary, Brazil, and Nepal over a 21-year career overseas, and more recently as a governance consultant. Born and raised in upstate New York, Rick earned his BA degree from Dartmouth College, MA from Tufts University, and CAGS from the University of Vermont. rickdetwiler2@gmail.com

How to Enhance Teaching and Learning Through Curriculum-Based Work Experiences

Work experience is crucial in students’ professional development, but schools don’t know how to design and execute at scale. Enter real-world learning expert OWN Academy. Enhancing the art and craft of teaching through the wisdom of industry experts and professionals, OWN empowers students and teachers to understand the connection between classroom learning and the real world. Discover OWN’s best practices from 10 years of research and development, explore how you can build your school’s capacity for curriculum-based work experience, and step into an exciting new learning universe!

NATALIE CHAN’s career started at Deloitte Consulting. She pursued her Master’s at Hong Kong University, formulating a learning paradigm anchored on engaging industry professionals, then turning that idea into OWN Academy in 2016. She has been awarded as a Davos 50 Global Shaper and a Cartier Women’s Initiative fellow. natalie@ownacademy.co, ownacademy.co

Odoo in Education - Utilize ERP to Streamline Your School

Understanding how Odoo ERP can transform the way of working across the education sector. See how software can save you time with Odoo Enterprise, broaden your current curriculum with Odoo Education, and hear real-life examples of how Odoo changes the game.

KEVIN FARAH, is an Education Officer at Odoo. His background is in teaching (with a focus on middle and high school social studies) and entrepreneurship. kefa@odoo.com, odoo.com

FELIX BRUCE is originally from England, where he started his career in technology. He spent a year working as an English teacher in Spain, which enabled him to understand the challenges faced by both teachers and institutions. He is currently based in Dubai, working as a Business Advisor for Odoo, where he helps educational institutions streamline their processes and improve their operations through the Odoo platform. febr@odoo.com

BEN THATCHER heads the Education team at Odoo Middle East. Having worked in the Education sector for over seven years, he has seen so many ways that new solutions can help schools in their day-to-day activities. He is excited to see how many schools are focusing on better systems and investing in software. tben@odoo.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.

ATHENA GEROCHRISTODOULOU, M.Ed. is an International Accreditation Leader for the Commission on International Education at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC-CIE). Her involvement in the implementation of the ACE Learning Protocol includes supporting the development of protocols and processes, conducting training and workshops, mentoring visitors and consulting with schools. ageroc@neasc.org , neasc.org/international, LinkedIn

Winning Strategies for School Leaders: Future-Proofing Your Institution and Building a Lasting Legacy

This workshop equips school leaders with innovative leadership strategies to build inclusive, future-proof schools that leave a lasting impact. Through interactive sessions and action planning, participants will develop actionable plans to implement inclusive practices, ensuring their leadership creates a legacy of equity and excellence.

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

Reimagining Financial Services in Education: Is Verticalization the way forward?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial services, the education sector has been left behind, hindered by generic financial solutions. It is an industry in dire need of modernization. In this session, we’ll discuss the concept of verticalization – creating specialized financial solutions that address the distinct needs of schools. Learn how tailored financial solutions are essential for navigating the complexities of school financial management, and why the future of education and simplifying revenue streams lies in embracing specialized fintech innovations.

After his successful edtech startup (nexquare), RAMAN THIAGARAJAN (former McKinsey UAE partner), is now building zenda, a fintech startup, with Co-founder Haseeb Ahmed. zenda is a fintech focused on the education sector, rebuilding traditional financial products for the unique context of the sector. With over 20 years of experience in strategic advisory and financial services, Raman assumes the role of an investor, board member and mentor for startups across geographies. raman.thiagarajan@zenda.com, zenda.com

Formely at McKinsey & Company, HASEEB AHMED is currently co-building zenda, an app for families to make fee payments simpler for parents and schools alike. Haseeb is deeply passionate about creating meaningful start-ups, solving problems, and using tech and analytics to create value at scale. Haseeb.Ahmed@zenda.com

The Mental Health Issue in International Schools

Covid-19 has come and gone. But it has left a lasting impact on mental health utilization among international school faculty and teachers. TieCare International, one of the leading providers of medical benefits for international educators, shares fresh data on the dramatic increase in mental health claims since 2019. This unique presentation is the first to focus on this important issue impacting all international schools.

MARK TOMASZEWSKI leads an insurance entity that works with more than 125 international schools in nearly 50 countries. For 40+ years, TieCare has been a worldwide leader in providing employee benefits (medical insurance, life insurance, disability insurance and travel insurance) to the international education community. TieCare has built a bespoke customer service platform by embedding a worldwide team of hands-on representatives within its client base. MarkT@tiecare.com, tiecare.com

DEIJ - An Overview of Comprehensive School Implementation

DEIJ is at center stage with schools seeking to nurture diverse and inclusive environments and to enhance the sense of belonging of all community members, which is best achieved through a shared commitment and deliberate actions. This session will address the comprehensive implementation of DEIJ in international schools, encompassing essential areas of focus and action steps for school leaders to consider and to guide their efforts with the strategic application, effective advancement, and viable sustainability of DEIJ within their schools.

LANA AL-AGHBAR is a Senior Consultant at Search Associates. Her professional focal areas include leadership searches, development, mentoring and coaching; educational leadership, programs and practices; and strategic planning. She has 28 years of international school experience. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education (McGill University), a Master of Curriculum and Instruction (McGill University), and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership (University of Western Ontario). lalaghbar@searchassociates.com, searchassociates.com

Mastering the Future: Lessons from Year One of RAIL

The Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) endorsement and implementation model represents a paradigm shift in accreditation. Fifty trailblazing schools have undergone a journey this year to achieve AI Literacy, Safety, and Ethics. Participants will receive access to a toolkit, including templates, examples, effective practice guides, and other resources for implementing RAIL. And it goes without saying that the workshop will also offer opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers.

AMBER BERRY is the inaugural Associate Vice President of AI and Strategy for Middle States Association. She worked in public and independent schools for 15 years, most recently at St. Luke's School in Connecticut. She got her start in education as a French teacher then joined the leadership team as as World Language Department Chair, the Director of Teaching Fellows, and Division Head. Amber has a special interest in school change with particular emphasis on teacher growth and development. She is a member of Excelle Collective for women in educational leadership. aberry@msa-cess.org, msaevolutionlab.squarespace.com/everythingai, LinkedIn

How to create the perfect technology plan and save the world too!

Join us to learn how to create a perfect technology plan that transforms education. Discover the inspiring story of Tech My School and how we serve local communities. Gain insights into our proven process, success stories, and practical tools to enhance learning, boost productivity, and excel in accreditation inspections. We'll show you how our technology plans help schools comply with accrediting boards and save money by choosing the right technology. Revolutionize your school's approach to technology integration!

ROBERT COBBS is the founder and CEO of Tech My School, an educational nonprofit. His company helps schools strategically modernize through impactful and intentional technology use. A life long educator, Robert has served as the Technology Director at multiple international schools around the world. info@techmyschool.org, techmyschool.org, @cobbsclass, @techmyschool

KYLE SUMROW, Director of Technology & Innovation at Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas – recognized as a leading educational institution in the state – brings 15 years of extensive global leadership in EdTech. As a seasoned EdTech Director, Kyle has successfully implemented cutting-edge technology solutions in educational institutions across Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the US, and Vietnam. His experience includes leading various STEM clubs, facilitating innovative car restoration projects, and playing a pivotal role in advancing Tech My School's mission to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged schools. kylesumrow@techmyschool.org

A Taste of Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures for Engagement

Please join us for a Taste of Kagan Cooperative Learning! Participants will experience powerful engagement activities called ‘structures’ that require little to no additional preparation time. Structures are guaranteed to boost student achievement and involvement from kindergarten to adult classrooms and beyond. Participants will experience practical, engaging, and brain-friendly pedagogy, grounded in sound research and theory. Kagan Cooperative Learning is about building powerful teams in the classroom, connecting students through classbuilding, management, mastery, higher-level thinking and social skills.

BRIAN & HEATHER NELSEN have 30 years of teaching experience at various levels in India and multiple countries as certified educators, teacher trainers, administrators and leadership coaches. They use Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures to boost achievement by actively engaging diverse learners of all ages in intentional team and community building. heather.kagan4india@gmail.com, kaganonline.com

Using Child Assessment Information to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families

The practice of using child assessment information to inform planning, caregiving, instruction, professional development and teacher reflection is not isolated to any one age-group or grade. Rather, it is vital that teachers in all settings understand how to collect quality data, interpret that information accurately, and then use it to plan routines, experiences, instruction and the learning environment.

AFIA’ OMARI is a Subject Matter Expert at Teaching Strategies for the Middle East region. She has 20 years of experience in the early childhood field. Afia’ has worked with different educational settings and organizations in the Middle East advocating for a better understanding of childhood development. Afia’ believes that each child has the right for investigative play to grow to their fullest potential afia.omari@teachingstrategies.com, teachingstrategies.com/international/

Transforming Students’ Behavior, Resilience & Inclusivity Within Your School Community

This session will explore the current challenges schools are encountering when looking at implementing an effective wellbeing and pastoral care program. It will give impactful solutions to developing a whole-school approach where all students have a voice, and where they are all equipped with the tools they need to thrive. Real life examples will be shared of best practices across the world and how these can help students feel safer and more included, which results in better self-regulation, behavior and confidence.

Best-selling author, parenting expert and education thought leader, NADIM SAAD founded The Happy Confident Company to develop cutting-edge well-being programs and products for children, schools, and families that have already impacted the lives of over 100,000 families. nadim@happyconfident.com, happyconfident.com, @HappyConfidentC, Instagram

Empowering Educators: Leveraging Innovations for Classroom Enhancement

Uncover the transformative potential of recent advancements in generative AI and technology, paving the way for highly personalised, inclusive and future-oriented educational experiences. Gain insights into how the implementation of an AI strategy can streamline educational processes, optimize resource allocation, and empower educators to have a profound and lasting impact on student success.

See how Toddle AI 2.0 is tailored for school leaders to effectively leverage AI, liberating teachers from administrative burdens and allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on their core mission of teaching. Experience firsthand a state-of-the-art communication platform powered by artificial intelligence. Dive deep into the evolution of assessment methods seamlessly woven into everyday classroom routines.

MICHAEL SHEEHAN is an educator with over 10 years of experience teaching across different curricula. He recently completed his master's degree in educational leadership and focused his thesis on professional development. He believes that technology will continue to play a huge role in shaping the future of education, and is passionate about helping teachers leverage technology to improve student learning. michael.sheehan@toddleapp.com, toddleapp.com

Transforming Special Education: Accessible, Effective, and Cost-Efficient Virtual Services for International Schools

Discover innovative, cost-effective virtual SEN solutions, including speech therapy, OT, counseling, behavior support, and psychoeducational assessments, etc. – all virtual. Review current research, real-life case studies, and successful pilot programs, drawing from 15 years of expertise in virtual special education. Learn how to develop comprehensive student support, connect with certified experts, and navigate funding options for your school’s needs. Participate in a conversation with other school leaders to explore solutions to expand inclusivity and enrollment.

PRESENTATION SLIDES »

SARAH WOLLHEIM, OTR/L, co-owner of Virtually ConnectEd, brings over 20 years of expertise in working with children, including those with autism, virtually, in schools and homeschool settings. An authority on virtual special education services and accessing children for learning, Sarah offers innovative virtual special education solutions for international schools. sarah@virtuallyconnectedu.com, virtuallyconnectedu.com, LinkedIn

BIRGIT SUESS, MS, CCC-SLP, co-owner of Virtually Connected and speech therapist, has over 20 years of experience as an autism and social language expert. She was one of the first to start a virtual therapy company in 2009. With a deep commitment to enhancing communication skills in children, Birgit offers cutting-edge virtual special education services to international schools, ensuring effective and accessible support.g. birgit@virtuallyconnectedu.com

The Future of Classrooms: A LearnIT-Google Education Partner Workshop

Join us for an engaging and interactive session that delves into the exciting transformations shaping the future of classrooms. We'll explore how emerging technologies, evolving pedagogies, and changing student needs are revolutionizing the learning landscape.

MAZEN ABDALLAH is a business leader and IT executive with over 20 years of experience. He is currently the Head of the Middle East, Turkey, and North Africa (METNA) region for Google for Education. He previously worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he supported (Education Technology) EdTech customers. mazenabe@google.com, learnitacademy.com

Charting the Course: Ensuring a Smooth Journey for Families from Inquiry to Enrollment

In today’s competitive school landscape, attracting students and ensuring a smooth enrollment process is crucial. This workshop will identify common challenges from inquiry to enrollment and discuss solutions using software, strategy, and user experience.

– Identifying Challenges: Learn to pinpoint common bottlenecks and obstacles in the enrollment process.
– Leveraging Technology and Strategy: Discover how technology and strategic planning can streamline processes and improve user experience.
– Fostering Collaboration: Understand the importance of interdepartmental collaboration for a cohesive and seamless family journey.

LIZ ALLEN brings over a decade of marketing and communications expertise, with a focus on the international schools sector. Having worked at the American School in London and Seoul Foreign School, she has led pandemic communications, managed internal and external communications, and spearheaded outreach for advancement, admissions, and faculty recruitment. Liz's tailored solutions and deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics make her a valuable advisor to educational institutions worldwide elizabeth.allen@finalsite.com, finalsite.com

Empowering Every Learner: Building Inclusive Learning Experiences with Quizizz

Discover how Quizizz is committed to making learning accessible for all students. We'll highlight our new Accommodations feature, designed to support students with special learning needs. Join us to see how Quizizz is creating inclusive, personalized learning experiences that empower educators and engage every learner.

DEEPAK JOY CHEENATH is the co-founder of Quizizz, a suite of instructional tools loved by over 80 million teachers and students every month, including over 1000 international schools. His passion for technology and education drives the company's innovative approach to product development, making learning both fun and effective. deepak@quizizz.com, quizizz.com, @quizizz, @xeepak, LinkedIn

The Latest from NWEA: A Journey Through Your Assessment Data Cycle

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the latest enhancements, norms, and linking studies. This session will provide strategies to effectively follow an assessment data cycle, from data collection and interpretation to data-driven decision-making and ultimately informing instruction. Designed for leaders eager to stay current with the latest tools and techniques in educational assessment and data utilization.

MOHAMED ELLEATHY is a Senior Account Manager and data consultant overseeing NWEA partnerships in the Middle East and Africa. With nearly 18 years of experience in education, he’s always eager to collaborate with passionate teachers and leaders in the region and around the world. His passion lies in facilitating the use of assessments and data to enhance students’ learning outcomes. mohamed.elleathy@nwea.org, nwea.org, LinkedIn

Leadership + Counseling: A Dynamic Partnership to Accelerate Life Skills and SEL

Equip yourself with essential tools to enhance your school counseling program and implement robust Social Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks. This session covers best practices for school counseling, recruitment, professional standards, comprehensive SEL standards aligned with CASEL, and effective SEL integration. Learn strategies for fostering emotional literacy, global perspectives, and creating a culture of care. Gain practical insights and clear learning outcomes to elevate your school's counseling program, support student well-being, and promote academic excellence and emotional development. Leave with actionable strategies to create an inclusive, supportive educational environment.

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BROOKE FEZLER is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of ISCA, with 20 years of experience as a school counselor in the U.S. and international schools across six countries. She co-developed the International Model for School Counseling Programs and serves as an adjunct professor at Lehigh University. She lives in Barcelona, Spain. bfezler@iscainfo.com, iscainfo.com

Financial Sustainability & Faculty Well-Being: Advanced Strategies for Managing Health Insurance Costs to Stay Ahead of Medical Inflation

Medical trend in 2024 is projected at 10.3% in Asia and 13.9% in the Middle East, driven by rising healthcare costs. This workshop bridges a school's commitment to employee well-being with financial sustainability in international schools. We will decode medical trends, identify key drivers, and share strategies to manage them, including claims data analytics, benefit design, and wellness initiatives. Join us to learn how to foster a healthier future for schools and educators.

MICHAEL PENNINGTON is One World Cover's Customer Experience Director. For the last 15+ years, his expertise has been instrumental in assisting hundreds of international schools across Asia to foster a healthier environment for their faculty, highlighting how the physical and mental health of educators is foundational to achieving excellence in education, while also ensuring that schools can offer exceptional health insurance benefits to their faculty without compromising on financial sustainability. mpennington@oneworldcover.com, oneworldcover.com

Transformative Experiential Education: Aligning Outdoor Learning, Cultural Immersion, and Classroom Success

Join iEXP 360 as we share insights on creating transformative educational experiences through outdoor learning and cultural immersion. Learn how to align these experiences with classroom objectives while ensuring student safety through comprehensive risk management. We’ll discuss how these elements can profoundly impact students’ academic and personal development. This session will equip educators with practical tools to enhance learning and foster personal growth in diverse environments.

SAMRAT URVAL is the founder of iEXP 360, specializing in transformative experiential education in India and Nepal. With a Master’s in Experiential Education, he is dedicated to integrating cultural immersion, safety, and outdoor learning into world-class educational programs. samrat@iexp360.com, iexp360.com

KRISHNA PATEL is a passionate outdoor educator and program coordinator at iEXP 360. With a background in experiential education, she specializes in designing and implementing immersive cultural and educational experiences in India and Nepal. Her work focuses on integrating local knowledge with global educational standards to create impactful learning journeys. krishna@iexp360.com