ISS EDUlearn: Ask Me Anything

(Featuring Andrea Lillis of Senia International and Cheryl Brown of ISCA) For too long, the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) has been confined to academic or behavioral teams. This episode, a preview of the course Building a School-Wide MTSS Framework , tackles the crucial shift required to make MTSS a school-wide operational system . Andrea Lillis and Cheryl Brown explain why MTSS must go be...

Today, we dive into the architecture of the inclusive classroom , focusing on how to intentionally create multiple access points for authentic participation . Our guest is Sam Drazin , Founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, and the facilitator of the course, Inclusive Classrooms by Design . Drawing on his profound lived experience with Treacher Collins Syndrome , Sam challenges e...

The admissions journey for neurodivergent applicants and their families can often feel like a barrier. In this crucial episode, we are joined by Catalina Gardescu , a values-driven consultant with over 20 years of experience in international education, who guides us on transforming this sensitive process. This conversation previews her course, Heart Matters , designed for admissions officers and s...

How do we move education beyond a seemingly "neutral" framework that often centers only one demographic? We are joined by Amin and Sagda , dedicated educators and consultants whose personal journeys as third culture kids, refugees, and immigrants instilled in them an instinctive understanding of cultural diversity. This vital conversation covers their L2A session on Identity-Conscious Pe...

This episode is a critical look at embedding Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Learning (CRSL) into school systems as a core equity strategy. We welcome Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz , a leading voice in equity and education, who discusses how to align pedagogy, professional learning, and school systems with students' cultural schemas and cognitive development . Dr. Sealey-Ruiz challenges leaders...

Today, we're tackling the bedrock of all learning: Literacy . This episode, featuring international education expert Dr. Monica Medina , previews the course, Leading for Literacy , designed for principals, coaches, and coordinators. Dr. Medina, a National Distinguished Principal Award recipient with 25+ years of experience, shares how school leaders can build a cohesive, research-based literacy cu...

Tired of the one-size-fits-all lesson plan? This episode of ISS EDUlearn, Ask Me Anything, explores the powerful shift from teacher-led to truly student-driven learning with educator and AI learning expert, Dr. Joey Pearson 🧑‍💻. Dr. Pearson defines what it means to create an " agentic " classroom where students have power for self-determination and co-create their learning journey. He...

In schools around the world, every staff member has a critical role to play in keeping students safe. In this episode, we're joined by veteran school counselor Cheryl-Ann Weekes who, with over 25 years of experience, shares her passion for normalizing mental health discussions and her expertise in child protection. Cheryl-Ann discusses the subtle but important red flags of student distress, th...

Building a high-performing team that’s a perfect fit for your school’s culture is a challenge for every leader. In this episode, we're joined by Ika Muzamal , Director of Talent and Culture at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Drawing on her unique background in law and infrastructure, Ica shares why high turnover is a symptom of a deeper issue, how to look beyond the resume for a true...

When a crisis hits a school community, the emotional recovery is often the most challenging part. In this episode, we speak with Azra Pathan , the Director of Learning at The International School of Kuala Lumpur, about the vital work of healing after a crisis. Azra discusses why a leader's calm demeanor is their most important tool, how to help a community process grief and loss, and the power...

Leadership is most tested in times of change and crisis. In this powerful conversation, Mike P. and his co-hosts are joined by the exceptional Kathleen Naglee , an award-winning leader and author with a wealth of experience guiding schools through their most challenging moments. This episode is a roadmap for school leaders, focusing on the emotional intelligence and practical skills needed to lead...

In this compelling two-part podcast series, host Mike Pierre sits down with visionary school leaders across Asia to unpack the evolving landscape of international education. From post-pandemic transformations to the rise of student wellness and innovation, these episodes offer a masterclass in leadership, inclusion, and resilience. 🎙️ Part 1: Trends and Triumphs in International Education Mike spe...

Welcome to Season 9 of the ISS EDUlearn AMA podcast! 🎉 This episode features a powerful conversation with Sian Jorgensen , Director of Encompass Safeguarding, and an educator dedicated to protecting children everywhere. With over 20 years of experience as a child abuse investigator and safeguarding leader, Sian argues that effective crisis management goes beyond security protocols. She challenges...

Welcome back to Season 9 of the ISS EDUlearn AMA podcast! 🎉 In this episode, host Mike Pierre and co-hosts Dana Watts and Celiah Bunsie are joined by special guest Nadia Erlendson , an international educator and therapeutic play mentor. Nadia wholeheartedly believes in the power of empathy to navigate challenging times. She shares invaluable insights on reframing student behavior, from "misb...

You've landed in your international role and are making an impact – but how do you keep growing? In this insightful episode of the GRT Summer Series, host Mike Pierre and ISS colleagues Dana Watts, Greg Smith, and Katlyn Darling dive deep into the crucial element of professional development in international schools. Learn how to identify, access, and maximize PD opportunities both within and beyon...

You've landed the international school job! 🎉 This "GRT Summer Series" episode, with Mike Pierre, Dana Watts, Greg Smith, Joel Jr. LLABAN, and Katlyn Darling, unpacks the practicalities, cultural nuances, and emotional journey of transitioning well into a new international role. Get invaluable advice on pre-departure paperwork, expat life, well-being, and building community to truly...

🔥 Calling all education enthusiasts & change-makers! 🔥 Join us for a powerful convo with Ivy Yan, a true visionary transforming how we address climate change in education! 🌎 Ivy, from Inspire Citizens, shares her wisdom on managing climate anxiety, fostering emotional resilience, & inspiring action! 🙌 Learn how to connect head, heart, & hands for a brighter future! ☀️ This episode...

The ISS EDUlearn AMA podcast's "GRT Summer Series" dives into leadership in international schools 🏫. Join hosts Mike and Celiah, along with seasoned leaders Angela Hernandez, Jim Urquhart, and Pauline O'Brien. They explore the intricate application process 📝, the art of building trust within school communities 🤝, and the profound personal and professional transformations ✨ th...

The ISS EDUlearn AMA podcast explores the latest trends in international education. In this special "GRT Summer Series" episode, hosts Mike and returning educators Dana Specker Watts, Katlyn Darling, and Celiah Bunsie, along with Dr. Nadine Richards, dive deep into the practicalities of teaching overseas. This segment offers crucial advice on navigating employment contracts, understandin...

📝 Episode Description: Join host Mike P. and leadership search guru Celiah as they welcome Maymouna Sakho, a passionate educator, inclusion and equity advocate, and systems builder. Maymouna, founder of Sakho Learning Consultancy, shares her journey and insights on innovating and implementing equitable and inclusive practices in education and beyond. Drawing from her experiences growing up betwee...

📝 Episode Description: In this crucial episode, host Mike P. and co-host Katlyn Darling welcome Dr. Cathy White, a specialist in trauma-informed practices and suicide prevention, to discuss the vital importance of addressing these issues in educational settings. The conversation delves into recognizing signs of trauma and distress, implementing preventative measures, and effectively responding to...

📝 Episode Description: Join Mike P., Dana Watts, Katlyn Darling, and Celiah Bunsie as they delve into a crucial conversation with Tricia Friedman about adapting LGBTQ+ support within international school communities. Tricia shares insights on creating inclusive environments, building trust, and fostering genuine conversations. This episode explores the importance of intersectionality, challenging...

📝 Episode Description: Mike P., Dana, Katlyn, and Celiah dive into the transformative topic of AI in elementary education with guest Jason Prohaska. Explore how AI is revolutionizing education, strategies for thoughtful integration, and addressing ethical and safety implications. Discover practical ways AI can support educators and enhance learning experiences in the K-12 setting. 💬 Quotes from...

📝 Episode Description: Join Mike P. and Katlyn Darling in an empowering discussion focused on financial skills for women in leadership roles. This episode features Diana Rosberg, who provides valuable insights into overcoming financial challenges, building confidence, and achieving financial freedom within the unique context of international education. Learn essential strategies for budgeting, in...

📝 Episode Description: Join Mike P, Katlyn, and Dana as they welcome Tom Kaster, a seasoned educator turned data visualization expert. Tom shares his journey from firefighting to teaching across seven countries, and how he founded Datafied Classroom to make student data accessible and usable. Discover how his tools are helping educators leverage data to improve teaching and learning, and explore...