ISS EDUlearn: Ask Me Anything

Sam Passeport is an education consultant specialising in relational pedagogies for international schools and higher education institutions. Her doctoral research focused on student experiences of feedback, and now through consulting  Sam offers educators practical, relationship-based approaches that challenge conventional ideas in education. She is passionate about resisting the commodification an...

In this episode, we sit down with Mikolai Napieralski, a seasoned author, copywriter, and content marketing professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Mikolai shares his journey in writing and self-publishing, offering invaluable insights for aspiring authors, magazine creators, and content producers. From the ideation process to marketing and distribution, he emphasizes practical str...

In this episode, we are joined by Anna Kramer and Shawn Connolly, middle school science teachers at the International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile. With a combined experience of over 20 years, Anna and Shawn bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for student-centered, inclusive learning environments. Together, they discuss the critical aspects of building classroom culture that foste...

In this episode, Ross Parker, an educator and technologist, discusses the themes of his book, “Screens that Eat Children.” He explores the impact of digital technology on childhood and education, sharing personal anecdotes and practical strategies for creating balanced digital lives. Parker emphasizes the importance of whole-school policies on digital use and the potential for government regulatio...

The intersection of AI and creativity transforms how we approach art, education, and innovation. AI is no longer just a tool; it’s a creative partner, reshaping traditional boundaries and opening new avenues for expression. From generating unique art pieces to enhancing learning experiences and driving technological advancements, AI empowers creators and educators alike. As we explore this dynamic...

Decolonizing education empowers diverse voices by integrating cultures, histories, and perspectives into classrooms. Challenging dominant narratives, fosters inclusivity, validates student identities, and promotes equity. Embracing diversity in teaching practices ensures that every student is reflected in the curriculum, creating a more just and transformative educational experience for all.   In...

In today’s digital world, our constant use of social media can affect our mental health in surprising ways. At first, checking notifications gives us a quick dopamine boost, making us feel happy and connected. However, this quick fix can lead to a cycle of disappointment. We may compare our lives to others and feel left out or anxious. The more we rely on digital connections, the less we may feel...

Creating inclusive classrooms ensures every student feels valued and respected. Building strong relationships fosters trust and belonging, making learning meaningful. Teachers empower students’ voices, boosting self-expression and engagement. Honoring diversity celebrates each student’s unique background, enriching the learning environment. In this episode, we are joined by Joel Jr Llaban, Directo...

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is an educational changemaker, known for his dedication to bringing social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion into schools. As the founder of Identity Talk 4 Educators, a global educational consulting firm, Kwame is doing instrumental work; empowering K-12 educators to become identity-affirming teachers. His work is grounded in anti-bias, anti-racist (ABAR) education prin...

Upstream Collaborative is dedicated to the transformative power of mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) for individuals, families, and schools. Founded by Kailyn Fullerton, an experienced educator with a deep passion for these practices, Upstream Collaborative aims to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and a sense of belonging through personalized programming. Whether it's g...

In this episode we dove into the world of international education with guest Laurence Myers, Service Learning Coordinator at the American School of Dubai. We explored the dynamic intersection of project-based learning (PBL), service learning, and systems thinking, highlighting the importance of real-world strategies in education. Laurance shared his experiences with innovative projects like the sc...

MindPrint Learning is a unique and powerful assessment tool that uses objective cognitive data to help students understand how they learn best. By offering personalized strategies tailored to each student’s learning strengths and needs, MindPrint empowers educators, parents, and students to enhance learning outcomes. The platform is used by hundreds of schools and tutoring organizations worldwide...

In today’s episode, we bring together experts from International Schools Services (ISS) to discuss the intricacies of school governance and leadership in international education. Our special guests, Tom Hawkins and Glenn Odland, are both former heads of schools and current leaders in school startups and management at ISS. The conversation dives deep into the roles and responsibilities of school bo...

In this episode, the ISS podcast dives into the world of international education, featuring guest Brian Lalor, a seasoned expert in the field. Brian shares his journey from accidentally stumbling into teaching in Jakarta, Indonesia, to becoming a deputy head of school in China. He highlights the hidden benefits of teaching internationally, such as rich resources, excellent professional development...

Interview with Robert Stearns Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity in International Education explores how international schools, like Ambatovy in Madagascar, create enriching learning environments through their diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This approach celebrates a wide range of cultures and ensures that all students receive equal opportunities to thrive academically. In this epis...

Empowering education involves fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments that cater to diverse student needs. Schools can cultivate a lifelong learning culture by integrating innovative teaching methods, supporting professional development for educators, and emphasizing 21st-century skills. This holistic approach ensures students are well-prepared for future challenges and opportuniti...

Explores the innovative efforts to provide equitable access to professional development for educators across diverse international communities. By addressing disparities between well-funded and less-funded schools, this initiative ensures that every teacher, regardless of their school's resources, has the opportunity to grow and excel. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of the E...

In a rapidly evolving world, the challenge of achieving true educational inclusivity has never been more pressing. This exploration delves into how we can break down barriers and foster an environment where every learner, regardless of background, has access to quality education. We examine the critical role of inclusive practices in driving educational growth and innovation, and how such initiati...

Exploring diversity and inclusion, insights from the Cayman Islands and Guangzhou reveal how multicultural perspectives enhance professional development. In the Cayman Islands, a focus on cultural integration fosters innovation, while Guangzhou's emphasis on inclusive practices drives growth. Together, these regions highlight how embracing diversity fuels both personal and professional advance...

Empathy and global citizenship are important parts of education today. Empathy means understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Global citizenship is about being aware of and caring for people from different countries and cultures. Together, these ideas help students learn to be kind and responsible members of a larger world. Schools that focus on empathy and global citizenship teach studen...

The Learning to Action Team is a group focused on turning knowledge into real, practical actions. They help people use what they have learned to solve problems and make positive changes. The team works together to share ideas, plan projects, and take steps to achieve goals. They believe that learning is not just about gaining information but also about using that information to improve our lives a...

AI-powered learning in elementary education is a new way of teaching that uses computers and smart software to help young students learn. These tools can make lessons fun and interesting by using games, quizzes, and interactive activities. They can also help teachers by giving them useful information about each student's progress. With AI, students can get more personalized attention and learn...

Promoting inclusivity in schools is important for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Schools can use several strategies to achieve this. First, they can educate teachers and staff about different cultures, abilities, and backgrounds. This helps them understand and respect each student's unique identity. Second, schools can encourage students to celebrate diversit...

Stories that spark action are powerful tales that inspire us to do something. These stories can be about real people who overcame challenges, or they can be about imaginary heroes who make us dream big. They make us feel strong emotions, like hope or courage, and they push us to take steps toward our own goals. Whether it's starting a new project, helping someone in need, or making a change in...

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming education in international schools by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences. These technologies enable students to explore virtual field trips, conduct experiments in risk-free environments, and visualize complex concepts in 3D, making learning more engaging and effective. In this episode, we are joined by Hao Zhai...