There are no bad children. They are children who make bad choices. How do we help that child not to make bad choices? In this episode, Laura Benson, ISS curriculum and professional development director, joins us on the show as we discuss conferring as an essential skill for educators. In this episode, we discuss the importance of listening & affirming kids' feelings, why punishment is not the best way to get feedback, as well as how to confer with kids and help them process horrific memories. Besides, we expound on why secondary teachers need to confer with kids despite their busy schedules and embrace peer conferring. Moreover, Laura discusses some of the best resources for conferring and how teachers can create relationships with kids of any age. Timestamps [01:41] Housekeeping items [02:11] Introducing today’s guest “Laura Benson” [03:30] Do kids have feelings & at what age it starts? [04:38] How to make children feel heard and give them a voice [06:12] Whether negative feelings deserve punishment [12:16] The power of conferring and how kids process horrific memories [14:18] How secondary school teachers can confer with kids amidst their busy schedules [20:02] The importance of peer conferring [23:21] Book recommendations on conferring [25:11] Projects Laura is working on [26:16] Advice to teachers on creating relationships with kids of any age [28:03] How to connect with Laura Benson   Quotes ●      “There are no bad children. They are children who make bad choices.” ●      “Kids try out things & the best place to try it is in our schools or homes.” Mentioned Books -Conferring: The Keystone of Reader's Workshop by Patrick A. Allen -Conferring with Readers: Supporting Each Student's Growth and Independence by Jennifer Serravallo & Gravity Goldberg -How's It Going?: A Practical Guide to Conferring with Student Writers by Carl Anderson -Teaching with Intention: Defining Beliefs, Aligning Practice, Taking Action, K-5 by Debbie Miller -On Solid Ground: Strategies for Teaching Reading K-3 by Sharon Taberski & Shelley Harwayne   Let’s Connect Connect with Laura Benson on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LBopenbook ●      Website:  https://www.iss.edu/ ●      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-benson-she-her-675aa73/ Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan   More resources ●      Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ●      Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

In this episode, Adrienne Waller, the founder of Worldwide Educator and Assistant Principal at Cayman International School, joins us on the show as we expound on empowering educators worldwide. In the session, we discuss Adrienne's journey to becoming an assistant principal, a unique interview process for the position, the importance of mentorship, the representation of women in leadership roles, as well as the joy of teaching and seeing students have "light bulb" moments. She also discusses the importance of building relationships with people and shares her experience of starting a Worldwide Educator. Moreover, she delves into the power of manifestation, affirmations, long-term plans, and why educators need to take time for review, nurturing themselves, and establishing boundaries. Tune in for more insights! Timestamps [00:47] Housekeeping items [01:14] About Adrienne Waller [01:52] How long she has been in Cayman international school, and her best part about teaching [04:47] Adrienne’s journey to becoming an Assistant Principal and the importance of mentorship, more so for black women like her [07:48] Black women leaders in International Education [08:54] Adrienne’s unique interview process for the Assistant Principal position to the extent of taking five interviews for the same position [10:46] How she started as a worldwide educator [11:51] The role of manifestation to where she is today [15:33] Benefits of human relationships and connections [20:05] Adrienne’s plans in 20 years [21:00] Adrienne’s final advice to educators Quotes ●      “Sometimes getting jobs is not around competencies. It is around the relationship and being able to cultivate that in leadership.” ●      “The more you have people talking about you, and you’re not even in the room, the more you can amplify your impact.” ●      “Have relationships that can endure without constant watering.” ●      “If you can dream it, you can believe it.” Let’s Connect Connect with Adrienne Waller on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/worldwideeduc8r ● Website: https://worldwideeducator.org/ ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwideeducator/ ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwideeducator ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennemwaller/ Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Race, Nationality, Sexual Orientation, or Gender should not hinder your path to becoming a leader or international educator. Welcome to this episode as we expound on Diversity Collective in international schools with our guests Alan Phan & Aparna Sundaram. Alan is the Founder of Diversity Collective and General Principal - at North London Collegiate School HCMC while Aparna is the COO of Recruitment & Consulting at Diversity Collective with 30 years in education. In the session, we delve into the inspiration behind the diversity fair for people of color, LGBT candidates & leaders, Alan & Aparna’s career experiences as persons of color, the importance of relationship building as well as Aparna’s perspective on what great education entails. Moreover, we expound on recruitment bias training available at Diversity Collective that helps you hire better, as well as the implicit bias training to make you more introspective and raise your awareness of biases. Ultimately we discuss some common biases in international schools and how to be intentional & deliberate in understanding biases! Tune in! Timestamps [00:47] Housekeeping Items [01:27] Introducing today’s guests (Alan Phan & Aparna Sundaram) [02:17] About Alan Phan [03:50] Why Alan considers himself a person of color [04:48] About Aparna Sundaram [09:01] What the term “Great Education” entails [12:02] Relationship building & focusing more on human values [14:47] Whether education improving for the future as we move from one generation to the other [17:00] Implicit bias versus recruitment bias training [20:00] Male versus female employee biases [23:40] How to acknowledge & understand our biases [32:20] Projects Alan & Aparna are working on [37:39] Advice to international educators out [39:01] How to connect with Alan & Arpana Quotes ●      “We are constantly assessing students, but we don’t give them enough opportunity to assess us as teachers, administrators, and leaders. We just don’t do it.” ●      “The best education is where a student feels that they belong, are seen, are met where they are, and they are able to go to where they imagine being able to go in their learning and experiences.” Let’s Connect Connect with Alan Phan on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TweetAlanPhan ●      Website: https://www.diversityfair.org/  Connect with Aparna Sundaram; ●      Website: https://www.diversityfair.org/ Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan   More resources ●      Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ●      Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

As the world is adjusting to this new post-pandemic world, students’ trauma predispositions have aggravated and surfaced in the forefront. Dr. Orletta Nguyen, director of special education and an educational psychologist, joins us on the show to discuss some of the best practices in helping our students deal with trauma. In the session, Orletta expounds on the definition of trauma, different levels of trauma, and how to recognize it, as well as bits of advice to students and parents on becoming aware of traumatic incidents. Additionally, she expounds on how trauma affects student brain, learning, and behavior. Moreover, she shares some strategies for educators to create a safe space for students and help them understand their triggers. Timestamps [00:47] Housekeeping items [01:13] Introducing today’s guest, “Orletta Nguyen.” [01:45] A recap of our previous workshop with Orletta [04:23] Levels of trauma before Covid and after Covid. Is it the same? [06:21] Orletta’s heart, body, and soul connection, and does she wish they connected a little earlier? [10:01] Must you have previously experienced trauma to recognize it? [11:19] Advice to parents and students so they can be more aware of traumatic incidents [13:38] Are developmental or behavioral changes in teenagers caused by trauma? [17:00] Strategies for educators to help students understand their triggers [23:20] The first responder for teachers [24:30] Orletta’s definition of trauma [26:14] How to connect with Orletta Nguyen [26:34] Projects Orletta is currently working on Quotes ● “The more we learn & study, the more we uncover and become aware of trauma.” ● “It’s human nature to react to danger. That's our primitive brain; I don't think we can unwire that. I think we can definitely recognize it’s happening. Be aware of it, know the symptoms & get help.” Let’s Connect Connect with Orletta Nguyen on; ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orletta-nguyen-5684595a/ ● Email: orlettanguyen@gmail.com Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

In today’s world, face-to-face communication is more important than ever, but for kids, it’s scary. How can teachers help kids get better at face-to-face interactions? In this episode, Liza Garonzik joins us on the show as we discuss the importance of REAL discussions. Lisa is the founder and CEO of R.E.A.L Discussions, which focuses on helping teachers teach today’s kids how to communicate in person. Liza shares what inspired founding R.E.A.L Discussions company in 2013, the importance of paying attention to other people & making space for them as well as what makes a successful discussion. Moreover, we discuss the benefits of face-to-face conversations and the negative side of virtual discussions, more so during COVID.   Timestamps [00:54] Housekeeping items [01:33] Introducing today’s guest “Liza Garonzik.” [01:47] About Liza’s company “R.E.A.L Discussions.” [05:14] Was “REAL Discussions” a result of Covid, or was it established long before covid? [07:16] How Liza learns about group education outside REAL discussions [09:04] How to differentiate what success looks like in a discussion [11:28] Benefits of REAL discussions [15:43] Negative of using Virtual discussions all the time [20:21] How to connect with Liza [21:23] The tonnes of schools she’s working within the States   Quote ●      “Attention is the purest form of generosity.” (07:27-07:30) ●      “A real discussion should help push you all into a new way of learning.” (15:10-15-16)   Let’s Connect Connect with Liza Garonzik on; ●      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/r-e-a-l-discussion/ ●      Website: https://www.realdiscussion.org/ ●      Email: liza@realdiscussions.org   Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/teachwatts   Connect with Mike Pierre on; ●      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan   More resources ●      Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23.

Susie March joins us in this episode as we dive deep into comprehensive sex education within international schools. Susie provides Child Protection through Education specialist services based on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Personal, Social, Health & Economics (PSHE) concepts and programs, working exclusively in international schools, colleges, and universities. In the session, Susie expounds more on the different levels of sexual harassment, responding to sexual harassment, the importance of communication between parents & their kids, and supporting in understanding when they’ve gone too far. Moreover, she expounds on changing the perpetrator's habits through SEL, creating a safe space to have these conversations, as well as different stakeholders' roles in implementing CSE programs. Tune In! Timestamps [01:06] Housekeeping items [01:34] Introducing today’s guest “Susie March.” [02:35] Is sexual harassment between boys and boys, or is it only for one gender versus the other [07:08] How students should respond to sexual harassment [10:40] How to know when you’ve gone too far [12:46] Can a perpetrator become a non-perpetrator, and does Social Emotional Learning (SEL) solve perpetrators' habits [17:14] How to show interest in somebody they are interested in without showing they are hitting in them [22:21] Stakeholders in implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education programs (CSE) and is there a stakeholder who’s more important than the other [29:40] How to connect with Susie March Quote ● “Sexual harassment takes so many forms. There is the form of just casual comments about your body. Oh, you’ve not been working out, or something quite simple like you have gained a few pounds during Christmas, what have you been eating, and all those types of things are about our bodies. They might not feel that sexual, but actually, they can become quite sexual and hurtful.” Let’s Connect Connect with Susie March on; ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-march-a2176748/?originalSubdomain=de ● Website:  https://www.susiemarch.com/ ● Email: susie@susiemarch.com Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

On today’s episode, Patricia Foster & Keith Cincotta join us on the show as we explore the business side of International Schools. Patricia Foster is the Director of Finance and Operations (CFO) at The American School of Doha, while Keith is the Director of School Services/Senior Leadership Executive serving in purchasing, consolidation and shipping needs of over 100 international schools. In the session, our guests share their experience in the business side of international schools and how different it is from the corporate world as well as business challenges during COVID. Moreover, they share the acceleration of the use of technology in schools from the pandemic that has stuck since. Ultimately, they expound on how CFOs can understand the importance of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) and how International schools promote SEL in schools. Tune in for more! Timestamps [00:42] Housekeeping items [01:17] Introducing today’s guests “Patricia Foster & Keith Cincotta.” [01:54] Why Patricia got into her International Schools Career [03:14] Keith’s transition from the pure education world to the business side of running schools [04:55] Do they use business terminologies on the back end while running schools [07:16] Challenges during COVID in business and how they are improving [13:07] The importance of socialization both for the kids and teachers [15:10] How CFOs can understand the importance of social, emotional, and well-being [17:06] How international schools are promoting Social & Emotional Learning in Schools [18:52] Books, article,s or other resources to keep up with in their industry. Quote ● School is a business in that you create your budgets, targets, and look at policies, procedures & controls. Everything you do in the business world translates into how you manage schools. Let’s Connect Connect with Patricia Foster on; ● LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-patricia-foster-202921134/ Connect with Keith Cincotta on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcincotta Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PDs that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Ellen Mahoney joins us on the show as we discuss Social & Emotional Learning in International Schools. Ellen is an SEL Consultant and the CEO of Sea Change Mentoring, an organization that helps International Schools build Social-Emotional Learning programs. She’s also an alumnus of the Singapore American school and understands what it feels like to be a TCK. In the session, Ellen shares her upcoming event on Adult SEL with ISS, her 17 years of career journey in relationship-based learning and well-being in international schools, as well as some of the most significant improvements she has experienced in SEL. She also expounds on the ideal SEL for international schools and why some schools resist SEL. Ultimately, Ellen delves into five competencies in Casel’s Social Emotional Learning Framework and three bits of advice for educators and administrators trying to implement SEL. Tune In! Timestamps [00:38] A few housekeeping items [01:05] Introducing today’s guest [02:12] Ellen’s upcoming workshop with ISS on Adult Social and Emotional Learning [03:37] How long has Ellen been in her career [04:05] How she got into her career with international schools [06:40] Ellen’s experience as a TCK and some of the benefits [09:12] Biggest improvement in SEL [11:18] Resources in regards to Social & Emotional Learning [15:07] What is the ideal SEL for international schools [17:53] Why some schools experience SEL resistance [21:55] Where mindfulness falls within SEL [23:42] Advise educators & administrators in international schools who are attempting to implement SEL [27:30] How to connect with Ellen Mahoney Notable Quotes ● When schools don’t give educators the time, spouse, and resources to develop those competencies, it can negatively impact the social and emotional development of people in their school. ● A perfect world for Social Emotional Learning starts with adults doing the inner work. That’s when things fall into place. Mentioned Resources ● https://casel.org/ ● https://www.edutopia.org/ ● https://globalonlineacademy.org/ ● https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Social-Emotional-Learning-Research/dp/1462527914 Let’s Connect Connect with Ellen Mahoney on; ● LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/sea-change-mentoring/ ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seachangementoring/ ● Website: https://www.seachangementoring.com/ ● Email: ellen@seachangementoring.com Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

On today’s episode, Robert Stearns (Bob) & Glenn Odland join us on the show as we expound on quality leadership skills in International Schools. Bob & Glenn are retired heads of international schools currently serving as Senior Leadership Executives with ISS. In the session, we delve into Bob’s career path from a frustrated Biochemistry researcher, finding there was nothing much beyond the lab bench to become an educator and Glenn’s experience as a Third Culture Kid (TCK). Moreover, we discuss how being a TCK builds your resilience & capacity to manage change, as well as how to go up the ranks to becoming head of an international school. Ultimately, our guests share a powerful message to aspiring leaders, advice to minorities trying to get into leadership roles despite the existing barriers & a wide range of resources to keep up with the best leadership skills. Tune in for more! Timestamps [00:26] Introducing today’s co-host, Stephen Plisinski [01:07] Housekeeping Items [01:50] About the guest interviewees for the day Glenn & Bob [03:21] Bob & Glenn’s biggest change they have experienced in international schools [06:13] How Bob got started with his career in international schools [08:48] Glenn’s career path [11:03] Defining TCK & benefits of being a TCK [13:14] How to go up in the ranks of an international school [16:11] Message to aspiring leaders [18:58] Advise minorities trying to get into leadership roles but see the existing barriers [23:23] Resources to keep up with leadership skills [30:11] Last piece of advice & how to connect with our guests Mentioned Books ● The Song of the Trees by David George Haskell ● Leading in a Culture of Change by Michael Fullan ●  Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott ● Quiet by Susan Cain ● The Wounded Healer by Omar Reda Let’s Connect Connect with Glenn Odland ● Email: godland@iss.edu Connect with Robert Stearns ● Email: rstearns@iss.edu Connect with Stephen Plisinski on; ● Email: splisinski@iss.edu Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Today, Francesca Mullazi joins us on the show as we expound on Mindful Leadership. Francesca is a Mindful school leader & head of Upper School at Saint George's School with over 24 years as an educator. In the session, we delve into Francesca's struggle with mindfulness & reactivity, her ten years' journey to mindfulness & navigating challenges in her first school leadership role. Ultimately, she expounds on self-compassion, common humanity & self-kindness as mindfulness tactics. Ultimately, Francesca expounds on cognitive restructuring, the benefits of mindfulness, and pausing amidst challenges to recenter as one of the best mindfulness practices. Tune in for more insights! Timestamps [01:02] Housekeeping Items [01:27] Introducing today’s guest “Francesca Mullazi.” [02:35] How she got started in her career in international schools in 8th grade [04:55] Whether education & mindfulness came before the actual practice of mindfulness for Francesca [06:39] Francesca’s challenges in her first school leadership role [10:29] The benefits of mindful leadership [12:09] How Francesca works around the heavy workload & external circumstances to be effective in her job & maintain mindfulness [14:30] How the Mindfulness Community helps people deal with the fear of failure [17:44] Practices to cognitive restructuring [22:06] Whether schools should have a Mindfulness department Mentioned Book ● Emotional Agility by Susan David Mentioned Resource ● https://centerhealthyminds.org/ Let’s Connect Connect with Francesca Mullazi on; ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-mulazzi/ Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Today, Kailyn Fullerton joins us on the show as we delve into bringing mindfulness into classrooms. Kailyn is a mindfulness enthusiast, a doctoral student at @AntiochU, & founder of Upstream Collaborative, which focuses on helping children, schools, and communities develop mindfulness and social-emotional learning competencies through hands-on training and reflection. In this episode, Kailyn expounds on her passion for building a healthy classroom community, embracing mindfulness as a personal practice & ensuring parents are part of the mindfulness conversation. She also explains mindfulness as a sense of kind awareness and what you pay attention to. Moreover, Kailyn delves into some of the best resources that keep her updated with the best practices and useful tips for anyone struggling with mindfulness & anxiety. Tune in for more! Timestamps [00:42] Introducing today’s guest, Kailyn [01:52] What got Kailyn started with her career for international schools [03:41] Kailyn's passion for student health & well-being [07:52] Who should be practicing mindfulness? [10:42] Whether Kailyn experiences any harsh thoughts from parents for bringing mindfulness into the classroom [13:44] Kailyn’s mindfulness definition [16:04] Resources to keep up with mindfulness [19:03] Tips & tricks for anyone struggling with mindfulness [24:03] To connect with Kailyn Fullerton Mentioned Book ● Awake in the Wild: Mindfulness in Nature as a Path of Self-Discovery by Mark Coleman Mentioned Resource ● The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program Let’s Connect Connect with Kailyn Fullerton on; ● Website: https://upstream-collaborative.org/ ● Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/upstream_collaborative/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaifull/ ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaifull Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Today, Ken O’Connor joins us on the show as we expound on standards-based grading & reporting. Ken is an independent consultant specializing in issues related to grading & reporting. He helps individuals, schools, and districts improve communication about student achievement. In the session, Ken talks about his passion for standards-based grading for about 27 years, improvements over the years, and why high schools have a long way to go in standard-based grading, unlike other grade levels. He also delves into the importance of moderation in schools, ways to communicate student achievement & a life-changing experience that inspired his career. Ultimately he advises teachers to focus on standard-based grading, unlike assessment-based methods, using levels of proficiency, not points or percentages, and separating behaviors from students' achievement! Tune in for more insights! Timestamps [00:40] A few housekeeping items [01:14] Introducing today’s guest, Ken O’Connor [02:25] What led Ken to his passion for standard-based grading & reporting [05:43] Improvement in standard-based grading over the years [06:25] Why High Schools still have a long way to go in terms of standard-based grading [11:44] How teachers can prepare better in defending whatever communication they send to parents in respect of student’s grades or progress [14:25] Importance of moderation in schools [15:20] Ken’s dream of standard-based grading in schools [17:28] Whether markings or numbers are appropriate at any levels [20:11] Ken’s favorite authors [22:52] Most inspiring moment in Ken’s career [24:26] Advice for teachers having difficulties with standard-based grading [26:33] What got Ken started his career with International Schools [30:06] How to connect with Ken Mentioned Books ● http://www.planteachassess.com/books ● https://books.apple.com/us/author/matthew-g-springer/id452819927 ● https://www.amazon.com/Student-Self-Assessment-Notebooks-Portfolios-Learning/dp/1952812852 Let’s Connect Connect with Ken O’Connor on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenoc7 ● Website: https://www.oconnorgrading.com/ ● Email: kenoc@aol.com Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Damian Cooper joins us on the show to discuss rebooting classroom assessments. Damian is a former high school English, drama & Special Education teacher, and an independent education consultant. He specializes in helping schools and school districts across Canada, the United States, and internationally to improve their instructional and assessment skills. In the session, Damian expounds on his career journey dating back to the 70s, navigating between his consulting business & the dynamic technology changes in classrooms, the future of standard-based grading, and why the pandemic was a silver lining for educators in accelerating the enforcement of alternative terms of assessment! Moreover, we delve into why assessments must be a shared responsibility and not something that teachers only do to students, cheating problems in assessments, as well as standard grading versus shared-based reporting. Ultimately, Damian explains the features of student portfolios, why report cards are just a crude summary of what has been going on in the classroom, and using brief video snippets to assess students' learning progression throughout the term. Tune in for more! Timestamps [00:40] Upcoming events [02:30] About our guest “Damian Cooper” & how he started his career in international schools [04:20] Navigating consulting business & dynamic technologies in the classroom [05:22] The most inspiring thing about standard-based grading & its future [08:03] Damian’s favorite assessment [11:25]Retraining teachers on assessments without putting extra burden on them [15:13] Addressing the cheating problem in assessments [16:24] Standard grading report versus shared-based reporting [20:08] Advice to schools administrators responsible for ensuring the school has a guaranteed & viable curriculum, yet assessments are individually personalized [23:24] Features & benefits of a student portfolio [29:22] How to connect with Damian Cooper [29:56] Book recommendations on grading & reporting systems Mentioned Books/ Newsletter ● Get Set, Go: Creating Successful Grading and Reporting Systems by Thomas R. Guskey ● On Your Mark: Challenging the Conventions of Grading and Reporting by Thomas R. Guskey ● Canadian Assessment For Learning Newsletter ● Rebooting Assessment: A Practical Guide for Balancing Conversations, Performances, and Products by Damian Cooper Let’s Connect Connect with Damian Cooper on; ● Website: http://www.planteachassess.com/ ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/cooperd1954 ● Email:  damiancooper11@gmail.com Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More Resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's

Today, Zachary Hartzman joins us on the show to expound more on our previous Game-based learning workshop. Zack is a high school teacher at ELLIS Preparatory Academy and the founder of Hey Listening Games. He talks about his perspective on using Video games in his lessons. In the session, Zack shares his perspective on using game-based learning in his lessons and measuring its results by observing student engagement during the activity. Do they have fun during the activity? What’s your students' feedback? Moreover, he shares some of his books on the game-based learning concept, how social media has pushed game-based learning forward, and his passion for video games from a young age that led to successful incorporation into his students’ curriculum. Ultimately, he advises teachers trying to implement video games to start small with the games they are familiar with and start a video games club in their schools to prove students’ interests. Timestamps [00:25] A few housekeeping items [01:36] About today’s guest “Zachary Hartzman.” [02:45] Zack’s experience in our previous game-based learning workshop [04:03] Is game-based learning difficult to do? [04:58] How to measure if the results of game-based learning are met [06:10] Books or online references to understand teaching with video games concept [07:34] How Zack got into teaching with video games [09:19] Does Zack create video games or search online for different types of new games? [10:27] Whether Zack coined game-based learning [11:21] Zack’s main competitors in his field [12:16] Advise anyone having issues trying to tie a game to a particular subject [13:29] How to use Sports games in game-based learning [14:02] Interesting projects Zack is working on at the moment [15:30] Advise teachers trying to implement game-based learning in any subject [16:30] How to connect with Zack Mentioned Books ● Teaching With Video Games: A Strategy Guide by Zachary Hartzman  ● Teaching With Video Games: An English Language Arts Unit by Zachary Hartzman Let’s Connect To connect with Zack Hartzman ● Website: https://www.heylistengames.org/ ● Twitter:   https://twitter.com/HeyListenGames_ More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Today, Alon Abraham joins us on the show as we discuss how to increase your school’s visibility & enrollment. Alon is the Co-Founder and Head of Growth & Product at TAG Direct, a digital agency specializing in customer acquisition and conversion. He focuses on helping clients in the education space get online & get results. In the session, Alon delves deep into the best school media account scheduling tools such as SKED, organizing the company’s budget to get the best out of marketing, using google ads & SEO to drive website traffic, as well as building a sound & strong website focused on conversions. Moreover, we delve into four conversion metrics, advice to small schools looking to increase their enrollment on a minimal budget, and how to find balance in the number of your social media platforms based on your resources. Ultimately, he expounds on conducting a competitor analysis to understand which platforms yield the best results, how to keep up with social media trends, and advice to schools struggling with enrollments. Tune in for more insights! Timestamps [00:22] A couple of housekeeping items [01:54] About today’s guest “Alon Abraham” and his company [03:12] Free scheduling tool or organizer for school social media accounts [04:57] How a company can organize its budget to get the best out of its marketing [07:20] How much should you spend on marketing [08:00] Marketing metrics organizations should be looking out for [10:09] Should schools invest in social media or websites? [11:26] Advice for small schools looking to increase enrollment but have a minimal budget [13:00] Is there such a thing as being too much on social media? [13:46] How to identify platforms that will yield the best results [14:41] Suggestions on how to keep up with social media trends [15:48] Marketing books recommendations [16:19] Alon’s advice to schools struggling to get students [17:26] How to connect with Alon Abraham [18:08] Updates they are doing on the company’s website Mentioned Books ● This Is Marketing by Seth Godin ● Permission Marketing by Seth Godin ● Tribes: We Need You to Lead by Seth Godin Let’s Connect Connect with Alon Abraham on; ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonabraham/ ● Website: https://www.tagdirect.com.au/ ● Email: alon@tagdirect.com.au Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. mmm\

Today, Sherri Spelic joins us on the show as we discuss handling imposter syndrome. What defines imposter syndrome? What are the best strategies to go through it? Sherri is an educator with over 26 years of experience and an elementary physical education specialist at the American International School of Vienna. In the session, she expounds on Imposter Syndrome as not showing up, feeling you don’t belong, or not entirely qualified even though you’re best suited for the task. Besides, Sherri delves into transforming a self-doubt environment into self-confidence, getting out of the imposter syndrome mindset, owning greatness, and passing it along to others. Moreover, Sherri talks about the power of community building based on your interests & passion, tapping online networks, and tips to educators & professionals dealing with imposter syndrome. Tune in for more! Timestamps [00:24] A few housekeeping items [02:08] Introducing today’s guest [04:25] Defining Imposter Syndrome [05:45] Does imposter syndrome come from within the self or from what’s around? [07:20] How to have an environment that transforms self-doubt into some sort of self-confidence [10:55] Getting out of the imposter syndrome mindset & starting to own greatness [13:13] When you receive your greatness, how do you transform it so that others can receive it? [16:38] Community building [19:51] Book recommendations on dealing with imposter syndrome [23:35] How to connect to Sherri Spelic [23:52] Advice to educators and professionals going through imposter syndrome Let’s Connect To connect with Sherri Spelic ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/edifiedlistener ● Blog:https://edifiedlistener.blog/ ● Newsletter:https://bendingthearc.substack.com/ More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Today, John Burns joins us on the show for part two of our previous workshop on how to make mobile applications without knowing how to code. John is the Chief Innovation officer for international school services and founder of the L5 space for students, educators, and the wider community to explore design thinking and innovation in education. He focuses on sparkling creativity and innovation across the ISS learning community. In the session, John delves deep into a few questions from our previous workshop from the difference between mobile apps and web apps, the best alternatives to outsourcing if you want to design it yourself, ensuring you accept legit contractors, and how to check out for loopholes while interacting with online investors. Moreover, he expounds on what to look out for in a contract with freelancer developers, the non -negotiables, including the developer-level documentation to make it easier for future developers, as well as how long it takes to create an app. Ultimately, we discuss having user design concepts in place prior to building any user interface, three things that entail a user design (user behavior, user research, & user testing) and how user design is important for products. Tune in for more! Timestamps [01:03] A few housekeeping items [02:28] Introducing today’s guest, “John Burns" [04:30] Difference between web app and mobile app [06:14] Alternatives to outsourcing and where to start when designing it yourself [10:15] Once you get a contract, how do you ensure it’s legit and close all possible loopholes [13:51] What to look for in a contract with a freelance developer [18:56] How long it takes to build an app [22:20] User interface versus user design [25:10] Three things that entail user design [31:10] Examples of user interface Let’s Connect To connect with John Burns ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnburns4/?originalSubdomain=au More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Check out our previous workshop with John Burns by purchasing your passport at https://www.iss.edu/services/professional-development/passport. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

People will forget what you said, what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. What’s the power of consent and respecting boundaries? How do you navigate without being offensive when your boundaries are pushed aside culturally? Today, Cheryl-Ann, a mental health expert, global school counsellor, workshop facilitator, and founder of Weekes Enterprise LLC, joins us in the show! In the session, Cheryl-Ann shares her career journey transitioning from the business world to finding her passion in counselling, why boundaries are important for students and educators, the power of consent, and how to gain trust from your students as an educator. Additionally, she discusses the power of listening rather than being defensive and why impact is more important than intention. Ultimately Cheryl-Ann expounds on the challenges of communicating through the screens with your students, why it’s hard for kids to be vulnerable in front of computers, and the need for weekly or biweekly advisory lessons in every school. Besides, what is the best way to help an educator who is not comfortable doing an advisory program? Is it up to the educators to figure it out? Tune in for more! Timestamps [00:25] A couple of housekeeping items [01:59] Introducing the episode [02:24] Cheryl-Ann’s background [03:21] About Cheryl-Ann’s TCK workshop and what it means [04:12] How Cheryl-Ann got started in her counselling journey [07:07] When Cheryl-Ann delved into the topic of consent and boundaries [10:52] How Covid has helped people have conversations around consent and boundaries [15:05] Gaining trust from your students as an educator [18:12] How to make students know they matter in a virtual world [21:30] Challenges of communicating with your students through the screens [24:03] What Cheryl-Ann would fight to teach in her industry [25:47] Should there be an advisory period inside every school [27:28] Best way to help educators who are not comfortable doing an advisory program [29:24] To connect with Cheryl-Ann Let’s Connect To connect with Cheryl Ann ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/bajanweekes?s=20 ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-ann-weekes-b077878a/ ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bajanexpatschoolcounselor/ ● Website: https://weekesenterprise.com/ More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Today, Dereck Rhoads, the director of AMISA, and Dr. Dana Watts, Director of Learning, Research, & Outreach at ISS, join us on the show. In the session, we briefly overview the different types of international schools, non-profit schools as the most prevalent type of international schools, the set criteria for AMISA member schools, and the importance of accreditation in determining legit schools. Moreover, we discuss recruiting tips and tricks from networking, being open to locations, having a QR code on your business card that connects to your CV, and being open-minded to the opportunities around you. Ultimately, we discuss the recruiting and interview process, possible interview questions, tiers in international schools, the value of working overseas, and the benefits of working in the AMISA region. Tune in! Timestamps [00:26] About Dana Watts [00:35] Introducing Dereck, the director of AMISA [01:31] Dana’s career journey [04:21] A brief overview of the types of international schools [08:30] Non-profit international schools [09:51] Criteria for AMISA member schools [13:35] Recruiting tips and tricks [21:33] The interview process & what questions to expect [26:39] The value of working overseas [31:11] Certifications with regard to teaching overseas [37:14] What’s unique about AMISA, and why would one prefer to teach in the region [40:39] Do AMISA have schools in Africa Let’s Connect To connect with Dereck ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhrhoads/ ● Website: https://dereckrhoads.com/ More resources ● Register for the upcoming ISS & AMISA Atlanta, GA job fair-https://recruit.iss.edu/login ● Check out AMISA at https://www.amisa.us/ ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

Change has always been a factor in international school communities, but recent global events have made the change even more challenging & impactful than ever. Today, our facilitators guide us in leading the way & navigating organizational resistance. In the session, we explore reducing organizational resistance by predicting how people might react and addressing the issues before the change happens. Additionally, we delve into why making the change process transparent and helping people understand your principles in decision-making comes a long way in curbing change resistance. However, how much is too much to share? Ultimately, we discuss why 70% of change efforts fail, having a strong “why” in implementing your change, and what changes we can foresee in schools in the next 12 months. Tune in for much more! Timestamps [01:14] How organizations can reduce resistance to change [04:13] Making the change process more transparent [07:49] Having multiple levels of communication in communicating change [09:05] The solution to resistance is transparency. Is there too much oversharing? [16:24] Why 70% of change efforts fail [19:09] Why you need a strong “why” in implementing change [20:56] The 5 p's (Proper preparation prevents poor performance) [21:15] What changes can we foresee in schools for the next 12 months [25:45] Having discussions with communities, understanding what they are going through & implementing change one person at a time Mentioned Book Start with Why by Simon Sinek Let’s Connect Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. Join the Diversity Collaborative platform -https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative