Audrey Forgeron and David Carpenter

Educators Going Global

A How To , Education and Society & Culture podcast

About the show

Our mission is to inform both veteran and aspiring international educators about working overseas - What it’s like and how it's changing, Where to find more information, Why "going global" is so attractive and How and When to work through the recruiting process. We do this via targeted episodes where we give informational interviews as well as sharing personal vignettes related to all aspects of international education. We work to tell the full story so you are really in the know about international schools. We invite you to travel, teach and connect with us!

Newest episodes

113. International Educators Raising Children: The "Pleasures and Perils" According to Dr. Ettie Zilber

Oct 30, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Is it a good idea or a bad idea to raise kids overseas as international educators? The answer to that intriguing question became the basis of Dr. Ettie Zilber’s doctoral thesis and led to a lot of very interesting research. In today’s conversation, we delved into her results. Ettie joined Audrey once again for this episode and shared some of the stories that her many interviewees – which included adult EdKids, parents and counselors – told her. If you are an educator raising kids overseas, or the child of international educators, or even a staff member at an international school, these stories are sure to resonate with you! Guiding Question: “What are some of the pleasures and the perils of having international school families in an international school community?” Topics Addressed: Ettie shared a bit about her research/what got her interested in this topicThe unusual dynamic that forms when educators with families decide to go work at an international school outside their country?Pleasures:Educator parents and their children are all part of the same community and school culture. Everyone knows each other.Same schedule: Families spend a great deal of time together, developing a very strong bond.Kids get to observe their parents at work.The parent-teachers are vested in making this the best school possible for their kids.Perils: Too many overlaps (social and school-related) at times. This can be particularly problematic when the "whole community is privy to a familial problem".Awkward social dynamics, especially when parents are in an administrative role.Kids behaviour and grades are often closely scrutinized. Recorded on September 2, 2026 Categories: school life | families Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on...

112. Transitions Life Coaching Scenario 3: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Oct 18, 2026 30 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! How would you respond to this statement: “Everyone can benefit from having a life coach”? It’s hard to argue with the idea that having a supportive, non-judgemental listener to share our journey with can be super helpful. This episode continues our series that centers on Transitions Coaching for International Educators. We have selected some realistic transition difficulties that could be – and have been – experienced by educators in the international school space. We want to emphasize that these are unscripted sessions where David is doing his best to represent real educators experiencing realistic situations related to transitions and Audrey is delivering the in-the-moment life coaching that could help to address the issues involved. Please be gentle with us as we seek to demonstrate the power of life coaching for those faced with a transition from a comfortable, known school-city-country-culture to a new and unfamiliar one. Whether you are currently experiencing your first transition or your umpteenth, we hope these episodes will be helpful – and that they may even prompt you to seek transitions coaching for yourself! Scenario 3: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" After years abroad, you’re considering returning to your home country—or at least wondering about it. Episode recorded on May 19, 2026. Categories: School Life | Transitions Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

111. International Education -- Shaping a Giving Spirit

Sep 28, 2026 49 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! How does being a student in an international school shape a person? There are many ways, and of course, each person’s experience will be different. One result of having the experiences that students gain through their international education is that they become a teacher in an international school. From there, they may move on to become an administrator or a school head - or even the head of a whole association of schools! This has been the pathway of today’s guest, Dr. Michael Adams. Michael has been living, teaching, leading and raising a family in the warm atmosphere of Colombia for many years. So many, in fact, that he now considers Colombia to be his home. Join us as we discover what shaped Michael into the person he is today – and the humanitarian venture that he is now sponsoring as a result! Dr. Adams is a long-time LATAM leader, educator, administrator, colleague, and friend!! More importantly, he is a very proud husband (going on 36 years with Clara Rico), father of three adult boys (David, Nicolas, and Tomas), and grandfather of two amazing little boys (Eduardo and Lucas)! After growing up as a TCK in Tokyo, Japan, attending ASIJ, and then going for his undergrad degree and graduate school in Texas, Michael has spent the past 33 years in Colombia and Mexico, an experience that has made him the person he is today: a true global citizen! Guiding question: “How has being a student – and then an educator – at international schools shaped who you are today?” Topics addressed: Michael’s background as a student and then an educator in international schoolsWhat led Michael to become an educator, then a leader in international schools, and finally the head of a regional organisation of international schoolsWhy Michael has such a huge affinity for ColómbiaHow Michael’s experiences of getting help fostered his desire to give backThe origin story of the Solidarity for Colómbia fundraising campaignThe importance of Service...

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All episodes

113. International Educators Raising Children: The "Pleasures and Perils" According to Dr. Ettie Zilber

Oct 30, 2026 1 hr 1 min

112. Transitions Life Coaching Scenario 3: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Oct 18, 2026 30 min

111. International Education -- Shaping a Giving Spirit

Sep 28, 2026 49 min

110. Coming to America: A Conversation With International Educator-Authors Who Relocated to the US

Sep 13, 2026 1 hr 18 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! For many of us, the phrase “Going Global” elicits an image of someone leaving North America to head off to an exotic destination overseas. But how many of us think about folks for whom “Going Global” meant leaving their home country to teach in North America? Our guests on this show did just that! Coreen Anderson, Ed.D., has built a career demonstrating that education knows no borders, from classrooms in Jamaica and the United States to online universities. As an international educator and university instructor, she creates teaching and learning environments that prepare students for success in a globalized world. She helped reshape teacher preparation in the United States by collaborating with other stakeholders to develop curriculum for teacher education programs in one state, strengthening the preparation of the next generation of teachers. Her commitment to teacher excellence is longstanding; over the years, she has mentored and coached numerous educators. That same commitment inspired her recently authored book, which positions international teachers to succeed in U.S. classrooms. Dr. Anderson has received numerous awards for her impact on education, and her commitment extends beyond classroom walls and university halls. She is a key driver behind the Louisetta James Memorial Foundation Scholarship in Jamaica, which awards scholarships to students at the primary, high school, and post-secondary levels. Dr. Anderson’s belief that quality education is the master key to unlocking most doors continues to shape her practices and endeavors. Subhadra Desaraju is a highly accomplished science educator and academic leader based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry from Delhi University before pursuing further qualifications in education, including an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Old Dominion University. In her c...

109. What Prompts us to Go Global for the First Time? A Conversation With Dr. Ettie Zilber

Aug 7, 2026 57 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! If you spoke to 20 international educators and asked them what factors led them to take the initial leap into international education, you would likely get 20 very different answers! And if you interviewed as many as 94, well, you can imagine the stories you would hear. Such is the task that Dr. Ettie Zilber set herself. Ettie joined Audey for this episode and shared the eight categories of Catalysts, as she has dubbed them, that emerged from her doctoral research on this topic. She also shared many of the stories that her interviewees told her. We know you will connect with the 8 categories of Catalysts as well as with some of the stories. Before retiring from paid employment, Ettie enjoyed a long career in international schools in Israel, Singapore, Spain, Guatemala, China and the USA, serving first as an educator and then as a school Director. She served on the Boards of several Regional Associations and taught graduate courses for four universities which catered to international school educators. After doctoral research on Third Culture Kids, she published the book Third Culture Kids: Children of International School Educators. Other publications relevant to international schools include “Catalysts for a Career in International Schools,” “A Primer for Administrators applying to Proprietary Schools,” and many more, available on www.ettiezilber.com She continues to conduct workshops on Cross Cultural Understanding at schools and other multi-national organizations. She lives in Arizona with her husband of 52 years, and enjoys visits with her children and grandchildren (one of whom is also a TCK/CCK). Guiding Question: “What are some factors that prompt teachers to leave their home countries and seek employment in international schools overseas?” Topics Addressed Included: Definition of terms (TCK, TCA, ACCK, CCA, multiracial/cultural children, Children of immigrants, Children of refugees, Children of minorities, Internat...

108. On Being a Head Here and There: A Comparison Among Schools, with Lee Fertig

Jul 3, 2026 1 hr 6 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! What are international schools like? One way to find out is to compare them with schools in your home country. Since David and I both hail from North America, we thought it would be interesting to ask someone who has been a head of school in multiple oversea countries and in the U.S. to help us draw some of these comparisons. So we turned to Lee Fertig, who was a director in Brazil, Spain, and Belgium and is now the head of an independent school in California. Veteran International Educators, it will be fun for you to consider how closely Lee’s observations match yours; aspiring International Educators, I’m sure this look at the insider view will be enlightening for you. Lee talked about some of the similarities and differences he has observed among overseas and U.S. schools. While avoiding sweeping generalisations, he was able to give us a taste of some of the characteristics that can be found in either type of school, while also giving us a sense of what his current school, the Nueva School in San Francisco, is like. Lee is someone I would love to work with again – and after hearing this conversation, I’m betting you will want to work with him, too! Lee is currently the Head of the Nueva School in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has 40 years of leadership and teaching experience in a wide variety of educational settings including five international schools (in Ethiopia, Brazil, Spain, and Belgium), a leading independent school in New York City, and a voluntary integration public magnet school in Minneapolis. Lee has been training for the Principals’ Training Center (PTC) for many years, has taught in the College of Education at the University of Minnesota, and is a guest speaker on contemporary educational issues at a wide variety of community events. He provides consulting services for schools and educational organizations around the world in the areas of governance, development and fundraising, learning innovation, studen...

107. Transitions Life Coaching Scenario 2: "Why Isn't This Transition Going Smoothly? I've Managed it Successfully in the Past!"

Jun 19, 2026 29 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! How would you respond to this statement: “Everyone can benefit from having a life coach”? It’s hard to argue with the idea that having a supportive, non-judgemental listener to share our journey with can be super helpful. This episode continues our series that centers on Transitions Coaching for International Educators. We have selected some realistic transition difficulties that could be – and have been – experienced by educators in the international school space. We want to emphasize that these are unscripted sessions where David is doing his best to represent real educators experiencing realistic situations related to transitions and Audrey is delivering the in-the-moment life coaching that could help to address the issues involved. Please be gentle with us as we seek to demonstrate the power of life coaching for those faced with a transition from a comfortable, known school-city-country-culture to a new and unfamiliar one. Whether you are currently experiencing your first transition or your umpteenth, we hope these episodes will be helpful – and that they may even prompt you to seek transitions coaching for yourself! Scenario 2: The “Why isn't this move easier after so many moves?” Moment. Episode recorded on May 3, 2026. Categories: School Life | Transitions Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

106. Full Immersion: Navigating That Initial International Transition -- With Limited Support: Meet Author and Former International School Head, Janet Flaugher

Jun 5, 2026 51 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! What would it be like for American educators to relocate to China for a few years? And in what ways would doing so in the early 2000s have increased the level of challenge? With 1.5 billion citizens at the turn of the millennium, China represented a fifth of the globe’s population. It also brought with it suspicion as a human-rights depriving, communist country, and curiosity, with its rich cultural history that dated back thousands of years. There are historic landmarks such as The Great Wall, Peking Man, and the Forbidden City. Janet Flaugher and her husband accepted the opportunity to live in Beijing for three years when she accepted a position in 2002 as the superintendent of a prestigious international school. What resulted from her experience two decades later is a multi-award-winning book, Two Bottles of Water. It is an engaging and zany exposé about what life in China is really like for a couple of immigrant newbies. It’s always something, from kitchens that smell of sewer gas, to surviving mystery meat stew, to underappreciated efforts at communication in Chinese. The book follows the misadventures of a pair of Americans plunked down in an alien environment they struggle to comprehend. Her stand-alone essays collectively tell the story of an impactful adventure. “It was a difficult, confusing, sometimes unfriendly, place for any westerner, and especially for one plunked down in a totally unfamiliar setting, unable to communicate, with a minimal support system,” writes Flaugher in her book. “In spite of all the difficulties we encountered in our stay, I'm glad we did it. It was the experience of a lifetime to be an immigrant and learn firsthand what it was like to be a stranger in a strange land. It also provided great insight into culture shock, unconscious bias (mine), and racism (theirs).” Our guiding question for this show was, “What lessons did you learn during your 1 ½ year relocation to a scho...

105. Short-Term International Subbing Demystified: A Chat With Nadine Tyro of True Teaching's Flying Squad

May 22, 2026 1 hr 19 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! How cool would it be to be able to hop around the world doing stints as a sub? To get a taste of a school/city/country without the longer-term commitment? To travel light and scratch that itch for adventure? These are some of the aspects of international substitute teaching that have long appealed to me. However, we’ve learned through interviewing Nadine Tyro of the True Teaching Flying Squad that the process is not as straightforward as I may once have thought. True Teaching was born from Nadine’s lifetime (40+ years) of international education experience, gained while living and working across the Pacific, Asia, Middle East, and Europe. This venture allows her to stay connected with the international school sector and use her deep knowledge to help new educators navigate the complex smorgasbord of global education offerings. As a New Zealander, Nadine began her journey teaching K-6 students at Kerevat International School in Papua New Guinea in the 1980s. Her international career then took her to Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia and Vienna International School in Austria. A major highlight was serving as the Founding Director of Concordia International School in Bangkok, Thailand, at the turn of the century. This demanding role established a bespoke learning environment that delivered the IB frameworks in English, Mandarin, and Thai. Nadine then moved to the UAE, where she headed a school in Sharjah and later spearheaded a high school educator upskilling project with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). After a stint in business development for a London-based recruitment agency, she founded her own agency, True Teaching, in 2013. The True Teaching Flying Squad database connects experienced educators with long-term and short-term placements. The agency invoices schools upon a successful match, ensuring educators are never charged for registration or services. Nadine believes her extensive career provides the crit...

104. Transitions Life Coaching, Scenario 1: "Was This The Right Move?"

May 8, 2026 33 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Have you ever taken a job in a new location and, after a few months, started asking yourself if you had made the right choice? Maybe something felt "off". Or maybe you just didn't feel like you "fit in". If you have, then this episode may prove to be helpful for you. Audrey will be modeling how a life coach might approach this question with a client. Even if you haven't experienced this kind of feeling during a transition, you may be curious to know what life coaching is like. If that's you, then check out this episode! This episode kicks off a new series for us that centers on Transitions Coaching for International Educators. We have selected some realistic transition difficulties that could be – and have been – experienced by educators in the international school space. We want to emphasize that these are unscripted sessions where David is doing his best to represent real educators experiencing realistic situations related to transitions and Audrey is delivering the in-the-moment life coaching that could help to address the issues involved. Please be gentle with us as we seek to demonstrate the power of life coaching for those faced with a transition from a comfortable, known school-city-country-culture to a new and unfamiliar one. Whether you are currently experiencing your first transition or your umpteenth, we hope these episodes will be helpful – and that they may even prompt you to seek transitions coaching for yourself! Scenario 1: The “Was this the right move?” Moment. Episode recorded on May 3, 2026. Categories: School Life | Transitions Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTub...

103. Want Global Citizens? This Episode, and Scott Jamieson, Will Inspire You To Go For It!

Apr 24, 2026 1 hr 7 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! If you’re reading this, you're likely passionate about helping students grow into global citizens. Chances are, your school’s mission statement includes that phrase—or something close to it. But what does it really take to turn that mission into action? What’s your/your school's blueprint—your strategies, programs, and systems—for cultivating global citizenship? And how effective is it? In this episode, Scott Jamieson of Inspire Citizens helps us explore the heart of designing and implementing a holistic global citizenship program. Scott shares powerful strategies, tools, and big-picture insights that can help elevate this key aspect of your school's mission. Get ready to be inspired with actionable ideas that support your global citizenship vision—in the classroom and beyond! Prior to joining Inspire Citizens in 2020, Scott spent 17 years as a teacher and school administrator in international schools in the Middle East, China, and SE Asia. He is passionate about designing learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, develop empathy and lead to meaningful and reciprocal community partnerships. With Inspire Citizens, Scott partners with schools to design whole school programs for global citizenship education that focus on student leadership, service learning, and community engagement. These programs are designed to create opportunities for students to live their school mission and take an active role in shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and joyful future. Scott is also the host and producer of the Empathy to Impact podcast. Guiding Question: “How can schools design and implement a holistic global citizenship program?” Topics: Defining holistic global citizenship and how students can embody being global citizens Inspire Citizens' frameworks, systems and programsA breakdown of some of Inspire Citizens' approach to consulting with schools: Self Discovery ToolPartnershipsStudent Leadership & Changemaker ProgramsLead...

102. Leading From the Heart: A Tribute to Allan Bredy

Apr 10, 2026 45 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Disclaimer In this episode we speak about suicide and mental health. Please take care while listening, and feel free to pause or step away if you need to. If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone, and support is available. You might consider reaching out to someone you trust or a support service in your area. Introduction This show is unlike our usual. It is a tribute to a well-known and beloved international educator who died by suicide in May, 2024. His name was Allan Bredy. We have included statements about Allan from his family, friends and colleagues. Audrey will be narrating, and has inserted quotes from the celebration of his life as well as some recorded testimonials. Even if you didn't know Allan, we think there will be some impactful take-aways for you -– on how to live fully, to lead with heart and to lift others up using all you’ve got. Allan was born in New Jersey to Canadian parents and grew up in Germany, France, and Oklahoma. As a younger man, he was a wrestler, shoe salesman, oil rig derrick hand, and farm hand. He met Julie in an Anthropology class; they were engaged in 3 weeks and married in 6 months. They lived in Spokane, Washington, before Allan became principal of Port Angeles High School. In 2000, he and his family moved to Singapore, where he was middle school principal at Singapore American School. He later became director of Lincoln School in Nepal, then of American Cooperative School in Tunisia, and then of American School of Brasília in Brazil. Eventually, Allan and Julie returned to the farm on Lummi Island, Washington. Later, he served as Interim Head at Dar es Salaam American School in Rabat, Morocco, and as an administrator at The Index School in Washington. He was also an active member of Lummi Island Church and The Gathering Place. Themes: Allan as Coach and Team Builder | Allan's Warrior Code | Allan as Defender and Protector | A Life Fully Lived | Allan’s Love of Music a...

Learning 101: More Lessons From a Master Learner - Part 2 of a Conversation With David Carpenter of EGG.

Mar 27, 2026 42 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Have you ever paused to reflect on your life as an international educator? What lessons have you learned so far both in the classroom and from your experiences living overseas? Whether or not you have, you are sure to gain some insights and ideas from this second conversation with the wise, thoughtful, über-intentional David Carpenter as he reflects on his life, experiences, and “lessons learned” in his extensive foray into international education. David is a retired international educator who started his career in 1990. He worked at ten international schools and finished up his career in SE Asia. David partnered with Jeff Utecht on the Shifting Our Schools podcast and with Mark Hofer on the EdTech Co-Op podcast. David now works with Audrey Forgeron on the Educators Going Global Learning Hub and Podcast. David is enjoying his nomadic retirement with lots of art, adventure and travel. He hopes to one day become a grandfather. Guiding question:: “What are some of your lessons learned as an international educator?” Topics covered: Library and Technology ProgrammingAIWellness Program DevelopmentTravelRetirementBig Life TakeawaysResources shared in this episode: A Guide for Leaving International Education - Blog post David’s Portfolio Lessons Learned - David’s blog Wellness@ES - David’s integrative approach of wellness into the elementary school. Supporting Episodes: Caroline Makepeace on International Family Life and Travel - Episode 60 Patrick Green on Digital Wellness - Episode 92 The Pivot: Life After International Teaching on The International Schools Podcast - Episode 164 David's Contact Information: Instagram: @clubcarp15 | LinkedIn Recorded November 24th, 2025. Categories: Wellness | School Life | Parenting | Travel | Retirement | Life :) Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us wi...

100! Lessons Learned from a Master Learner: A Chat With David Carpenter of EGG.

Mar 14, 2026 47 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! When was the last time you paused to reflect on your life as an international educator? What lessons have you learned so far both in the classroom and from your experiences living overseas? Whether or not you have taken the time to look back on your overseas teaching life so far, you are sure to gain some insights and ideas from this, the first episode of my two-part conversation with the wise, thoughtful, über-intentional David Carpenter as he reflects on his life, experiences, and “lessons learned” in his extensive foray into international education. David is a retired international educator who started his overseas career in 1990. He worked at several international schools before finishing up his career in SE Asia. David partnered with Jeff Utecht to start the Shifting Our Schools podcast and with Mark Hofer to start the EdTech Co-Op podcast. David now works with Audrey Forgeron to co-publish the Educators Going Global Learning Hub and Podcast. David continues to live internationally enjoying his retirement with lots of art, adventure and travel. His biggest hope is to one day become a grandfather. Our guiding question for this show was: “What are some of your lessons learned as an international educator?” Some of the topics covered include: Methods and tools to reflect and document one’s learningRecruitingTransitionsRaising Children OverseasFollowership and LeadershipInstruction and PDResources shared in this episode: David shares so many resources and related episodes that we've exceeded the character limit here! So we've created this Google Doc with all of his helpful suggestions. Access it at this link. It is well worth the extra click! David's Contact Information: Instagram: @clubcarp15 LinkedIn This episode was recorded on November 24th, 2025. Categories: School Life | PD | Parenting | Recruiting | Pedagogy | Followership Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more informat...

99. Advisory Advice: Crafting a Sustainable, Effective Advisory Program, with ISB's Andy Vaughan

Feb 27, 2026 1 hr 12 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Advisory programs. It seems we either love them – or dread them. The same goes for our students. David and Audrey have encountered a lot of different advisory programs over the years and at various schools, but never one that is as comprehensive and as in tune with all of its stakeholders as the one at the International School of Bangkok. In this show we chatted with Andy Vaughan, Dean of Students at ISB and head architect of their advisory program. Andy is a Kiwi who has been living overseas with his family for the past 20 years teaching and leading in South East Asia. Currently working as the High School Dean of Students at International School Bangkok, Andy was previously the Athletics Director at ISB and in the past has taught Physical Education, Science, Health and Outdoor Education. He is passionate about establishing systems in schools that proactively ensure we support student well being to ensure all students feel like they belong and are cared for. Our guiding question was: “How can schools create effective advisory programs?” Here are some topics covered in this episode: Definition and Purpose of an Advisory ProgramThe Importance and Benefits of Having an Advisory ProgramPossible Settings and Locations for Conducting Advisory SessionsKey Participants in Designing the Advisory ProgramScheduling: When Advisory Sessions Typically OccurInsights and Lessons Learned from Designing and Implementing Advisory ProgramsResources shared in this episode: CASEL for SEL RULER Approach for SEL Geelong Grammar School - Positive Education/Psychology approach to wellness Mario Platform Wellness@ES - One approach to integrating wellness at the elementary school level Supporting Episodes: The Role of Dean of Students -- A Key Piece of the SEL-Academics Puzzle: Meet Andy Vaughan (Ep 83) Fostering Lasting Change in Schools: Four Factors to Consider, With Jim Reese (Ep 81) Get Well Soon(ish)! Laying the Groundwork for Much-Needed, Su...

98. Get Sticky With It! How to Provide Effective PD and Sustain Its Implementation, With Jim Reese

Feb 13, 2026 54 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Teachers know great professional development when we see it. It resonates and makes sense. It is actionable, preferably right away. Implementing ideas from PD improves our practice and our students’ learning. We know it when we see it—but what is the best way to plan for it? And how do organizers, participants, and school leaders know it made a difference? This episode focuses on the Project Zero Classroom Summer Institutes that our guest, Jim Reese, helped coordinate for many years. Before listening, we recommend our first interview with Jim for an overview of Project Zero and its mission. Jim lives in Washington, DC. After a long career teaching in international and U.S. schools, serving as Director of Studies and founding the Professional Development Collaborative at Washington International School, he now works as a consultant. He has long been affiliated with Project Zero at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Guiding Question: “What are some ways to make the learning experiences at professional development conferences more apt to be integrated into the teaching practices of participants?” Main Topics: How PD conference organizers can ensure better participant follow through in applying their learning to their practices How teachers can make the most of conferences and design a pathway to carry their learning into their classroom practices How school administrators can support their teachers attending PD conferences to make the most of their learningWhat professional learning might look like going forwardRelated Resources: Greg Moncada Episode 94 interview on “Appraising Teacher Performance” Harvard Project Zero Website Jim Reese Episode 81 interview on “Fostering Lasting Change in Schools” Justin Hardman Episode 65 interview on “Teacher Professional Learning” Washington International School Summer Institute for Teachers (WISSIT) Website Jim's Contact Information: LinkedIn Recorded April 14th, 2025. Categories: PD...

97. Service + Learning + Trip = Deep Understanding: Creating Teachable Moments with Kimberly Haley-Coleman of GlobeAware

Jan 30, 2026 39 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Are you lucky enough to work at an international school that offers service learning travel opportunities for students and staff? Many schools organize “weeks without walls” — immersive experiences that blend service, experiential learning, and travel. In this episode, we dive deep into all three as we speak with Kimberly Haley-Coleman who works with individuals, schools and organizations to design short-term volunteer abroad programs. Kimberly shares valuable tips and practical insights on how international schools can strengthen their programs to create more meaningful learning experiences for students. Kimberly is the Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, a U.S.- and Canada-based nonprofit that has mobilized volunteers for short-term service projects in more than 25 countries since 2000. With a background in international business and finance, Kimberly has held leadership roles at organizations including CNBC, Space Services International, and Investtools. Kimberly holds an MBA in International Business, an MA in Art History, and a BA from Emory University. A multiple patent holder and SMU Guest Lecturer, she has received the Texas Business Hall of Fame Award and serves in leadership and advisory roles with IVPA, UN ECOSOC, and numerous international service and community development organizations. Our guiding question for this show was, “How can international schools foster the global awareness and citizenship of their students through service learning trips travel service learning programs?” Some of the topics covered include: Defining “service learning” and “global awareness”What “travel” service learning entailsWhat some learning objectives look like in actionHow schools can optimize their current "Week Without Walls" programs Tips for planning your own travel volunteer experience Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Global Aware - https://www.globeaware.org/ Connect with Kimberly: Globe Aware website | Link...

96. Forge Your Best Life: A Conversation About Life Coaching, Featuring Audrey Forgeron

Jan 21, 2026 43 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Who can benefit from life coaching? If you ask Audrey or David, our answer is “Everyone!” When we first learned about life coaching many years ago, with corporate leaders having executive coaches. Over time, however, life coaching has expanded to offer its benefits to a much broader audience. We felt that, as soon-to-be or current international educators, you would benefit from a show about how valuable life coaching can be for you. Thankfully, here at Educators Going Global, we have a resident life coach in Audrey Forgeron. Audrey is a 34-year veteran of living and teaching overseas who has now rebranded herself as a life coach specializing in Mental Fitness for International Educators. She loves connecting with people and spreading the love and joy of international education to anyone who will listen! She is also a co-host of this podcast. Our guiding questions for this show were, “What is life coaching?” “What is Audrey’s approach?” “What services does she offer?” And “How is all of this connected with international education?” Resources mentioned in the episode: Forge Your Best Life - Audrey’s life coaching site Audrey’s Contact Information: LinkedIn This episode was recorded on April 11th, 2025. Categories: Wellness | Life Coaching Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

95. Inclusion in International Schools: A Challenge -- and an Opportunity! Meet Maymouna Sakho

Jan 9, 2026 51 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! We all want to feel valued and included, just as we are. So do our students. And yet, it can be a challenge to create and sustain a supportive, inclusive, equitable environment — especially in diverse international school settings. In this important conversation with Maymouna Sakho, we discussed what it really means to foster belonging, the practical realities and opportunities for inclusion in international schools, and the steps school communities can take to better understand, value, and support neurodiversity. Founder and CEO of Sakho Learning Consultancy, Maymouna is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations to innovate through embracing and implementing equitable and inclusive practices and systems. Her passion for this work stems from her experience growing up between two cultures. She is a connector of people and ideas and loves to engage in conversations about inclusion and serving others, particularly children, to reach their fullest potential. Maymouna has served as Chair for the SENIA International Africa Board, mentor for the AIELOC Aspiring Leaders of Color Program, co-founder/co-trainer for AIELOC’s Learning Support Affinity Group and on MSA and CIS Accreditation Evaluation Visiting Teams. As Head of Elementary Student Support at the International School of Dakar she was instrumental in developing an inclusion program for 300 elementary students. Currently, Maymouna is a Middle School Principal in the Middle East. Guiding question: “How do international schools create and support a community where inclusion and neurodiversity are understood, valued, and supported for true equity?” Topics addressed: Defining inclusion, neurodiversity and equitySupporting BelongingStudent Support ServicesMaymouna's consulting, coaching and collaboration practicesCurrent opportunities and barriers seen in international schools as they seek to expand support of inclusion and neurodiversityAIELOC and its mentoring pro...

94. Appraising Teacher Performance by Focusing on Student Learning: A Case Study With Dr. Greg Moncada

Dec 26, 2025 54 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Teacher evaluations can vary wildly—sometimes they are regularly scheduled; at other times they happen at the last minute before the school year ends. These appraisals typically involve an administrator observing a classroom lesson, which can feel contrived and stressful, resembling a mere "check-the-box" exercise. Frequently, the focus centers on teacher behaviors rather than examining the impact on student learning outcomes and the actions contributing to those outcomes. In this episode with Dr. Greg Moncada, we delve into the teacher appraisal system and explore how it can be transformed to prioritize student learning, better align with the school’s mission, and more effectively support the professional growth of educators. Greg is the Head of Harare International School (HIS) in Zimbabwe and was previously the founding director of the Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST), the Qatar Foundations’ new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) school. Prior to his leading role at HIS and QAST, Dr. Moncada started new schools and programs throughout his career, including a progressive middle school based on the “This We Believe’ model and district-wide STEM programs in Elementary, Middle, and High School settings. Dr. Moncada specializes in developing student-centered learning models, progressive learning models, and multiverse organizational structures between schools and organizations. With more than 30 years of experience, Greg has held teaching and leadership positions in International schools in Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, as well as in the United States. Greg holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Minnesota, an MA in Leadership from Lehigh University, PA, and an MA in Science Education from Louisiana State University. Our guiding question for this show was: “How can teacher appraisal systems be designed to ensure improved student learning?” Some o...

93. Going Global Within Your Classroom: Tips and Tricks From Erin E. H. Austin

Dec 12, 2025 37 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Could blending global awareness with local relevance enhance our students’ ability to develop true global understanding and empathy? Our guest, Erin E.H. Austin models this “glocal” approach. Erin is a U.S. National Board Certified French teacher, an author and an NEA Foundation grant reviewer who presents nationally on Global Education, mentors National Board Certification candidates and serves on the board of a yoga-based non-profit in Wisconsin whose mission is to bring yoga to those with financial or geographic barriers. Guiding Question: “How can international educators deepen their classroom efforts to 'go global’ with their students?” Resources: Erin shared so many helpful resources that our word count exceeded the limits for the podcasting apps' show notes! So we've compiled them in this Google Doc for those who would like to further explore these ideas. Recorded: July 11, 2025. Categories: Curriculum | Global Education | Teacher Entrepreneurs Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

92B. Season 3 Wrap Rap! Featuring David on Beat Box :D

Dec 10, 2025 6 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! A short episode to celebrate the culmination of our third season. Special thanks to all of our guests, to David for providing the beat, and to ChatGPT for creating the rap lines. Enjoy! Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

92. Screening Your Screentime for Optimal Wellness: Actionable Strategies from Patrick Green

Nov 28, 2025 1 hr 0 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Screentime is something we all need to be mindful of—the more time on our devices, the less time we spend socializing, moving, or sleeping. And those hours can add up fast! Our guest, Patrick Green, is a leading voice in digital wellness with over two decades of experience helping international schools, parents, and students build a balanced, healthy relationship with technology. He blends research-backed strategies with his real-life parenting experience to help families manage screentime while strengthening meaningful connections online and offline. A former Middle School teacher and Education Technology Coordinator, Patrick has led initiatives in digital citizenship and purposeful online learning. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, and YouTube Star Teacher. Patrick is the author of Classroom Management in the Digital Age and 50 Ways to Use YouTube in the Classroom, with his new book, Winning Screentime, launching soon. Our guiding question was: “What tips do you have for parents as they seek to raise mentally healthy children in this digital age?” Topics covered: Comparing digital citizenship and digital wellnessPatrick’s approach to working with parents/caregivers and different school populationsConstructively approaching technology use while avoiding techno-panic Resources mentioned in the show: Patrick provided many helpful resources. To save space in the show notes, they are linked in this Google doc. Patrick's Contact Information: Winning Screentime - Patrick’s website LinkedIn YouTube: Youtube.com/pgreensoup Recorded on July 28th, 2025. Categories: Wellness | Digital Wellness | School Life | PD | Parenting Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, ...

91. Get to Know Latin America: The Many Pros, Along With a Few Cons: An Honest Chat With Mark Webber of Webber's Ed

Nov 14, 2025 1 hr 14 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Are you thinking of recruiting for a school in Latin America? If so, how much do you know about the region? In this episode we learn a great deal about Latin America by interviewing Mark Webber of the Webber’s Ed recruiting agency. Mark answers lots of questions like, “When is the main recruiting season? What are some of the less-tangible benefits of working in Latin America? And what is school life like?” Mark Webber began his career in education as a Theatre, Debate and Public Speaking teacher in Texas and moved into international education in 2001 after backpacking the route of Che Guevara throughout South America. He has taught IB Theatre and served as a Director of Fine and Performing Arts in Venezuela, Malaysia, Sudan, and Mexico, where he decided to start his own consulting company, which quickly turned into a boutique recruitment company for international schools in Latin America in 2012/13. Mark has continued his teaching of Debate and Public Speaking as the founder of the Mexican Debating league, coach of Team Mexico for the World Schools Debating Championships (2011-2017) and owner and operator of an online Debating Academy. Since leaving Mexico, he has lived in Colombia and Costa Rica and is now back in Mexico, living in Chiapas with his lovely wife, who is a Head of School, and their two little dogs. Webber’s Ed-Teacher Talent has been named the Best International Schools Recruitment Agency for Latin America every year since 2019, except for 2022 when no award was given. Our guiding question for this show was: “What does recruiting for schools in Latin America entail?” Some of the topics covered include: Approaching your Latin America recruitment focusing on individual schools and countriesSome commonalities to school lifeSalary and benefit packagesNuts and bolts of recruiting in Latin America TrendsLots of “under the hood” insights!Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Webber’s Ed Blog Post - Why Do Educators...

90. Students Help Students Transition Best! A Chat About the SPAN Student Ambassador Program Guide With Lina Paumgarten and Amy Shuflin

Oct 31, 2025 56 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! How does your school support new students? Do your students lead the way as transition ambassadors? And wouldn’t it be great to have help with this process? In this second episode, Lina and Amy unpacked SPAN's Student Ambassador Guide, which you can access to help incorporate the program into your current transition support efforts! Amy worked for 17 years in Venezuela and Malaysia. She is currently the SPAN Resource Lead. She is passionate about schools caring for the needs of the full community and has integrated transitions care into her various roles. She has a B.A. in Youth Ministry, an MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction and is a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Amy enjoys meeting people, cooking, and spending time with her family. Lina previously served as a Counselor and Wellness Coordinator in Chile. She is now working on her PhD in Psychology, focusing on suicide prevention in international education. Lina likes to explore the outdoors, stay active, and spend time with friends, family and her dog. She believes in the power of embracing our full humanity through life’s inevitable changes, which are also an opportunity for growth. Guiding Question: “How can schools build or enhance a Student Ambassador Program rooted in positive transitions-care?” Recorded: July 13, 2025. Resources: Safe Passage Across Networks - SPAN Safe Passage (Book) by Dr. Doug Ota International School Counselor Association - ISCA Life Without Nico by Andrea Maturana Amy: Finding My Voice, LinkedIn Lina: linapaumgarten.com, Instagram, LinkedIn, LINDEN Global Learning & Support, Categories: Transitions | School Lif Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app:...

89. Finding Our Way Forward Through Tough Transitions: The SPAN Program, with Amy Shuflin and Lina Paumgarten

Oct 17, 2025 51 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! We all seek to belong. It’s a human need. If you’ve moved schools, you know transitions can be tough. Thankfully, the Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) program, created by Dr. Doug Ota, provides a transitions care framework for schools. In this episode, we spoke with Amy Shuflin and Lina Paumgarten, developers of resources for SPAN. Amy worked for 17 years in Venezuela and Malaysia. She is currently the SPAN Resource Lead. She is passionate about schools caring for the needs of the full community and has integrated transitions care into her work in various roles. She has a B.A. in Youth Ministry, an MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction and is a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Amy enjoys meeting people, cooking, and spending time with her family. Lina previously served as Counselor and Wellness Coordinator at Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile. She is now working on her PhD in psychology, focusing on suicide prevention in international education. Lina likes to explore the outdoors, stay active, and spend time with friends, family and her dog. She believes in the power of embracing our full humanity through life’s changes, which are inevitable -- and an opportunity for growth. The guiding question was: “How can schools build or enhance a program rooted in positive transitions-care?” Topics covered: An overview of SPAN Supporting arrivers, leavers, and stayersReasons why schools need transitions care programs and practical strategies Recorded: July 13, 2025. Resources mentioned: International School Counselor Association - ISCA Life Without Nico by Andrea Maturana LINDEN Global Learning & Support Safe Passage Across Networks Lina’s LinkedIn, Instagram, linapaumgarten.com Amy’s LinkedIn Categories: Transitions | School Life Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestion...

88. Pre-launch: Hear From Hannah and Jared, a Couple Who are Keen to Go Global, and the Amazing Pre-work They have Done So Far!

Oct 3, 2025 1 hr 8 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! There’s nothing quite as inspiring as learning from a great role model. If you aspire to become an international educator, our guests today—Hannah and Jared Keen—will truly impress you as they share invaluable insights, backed by their careful planning and resourcefulness. Join us to hear their story and learn what it takes to thrive in the highly competitive world of international school recruiting. Side note: Did you listen to episode 87 with Diane Jacoutout of Edvectus in which she she shared tips for first-timers to international recruiting? If you missed it, do check it out: It wil set you up for this interview with the Keens. Jared and Hannah have been teaching in US public schools for 10 years. Jared teaches Language Arts and Social Studies while Hannah has taught in Primary English & Spanish Dual Language programs across all subjects. The Keens thrive on exploring new places and are eager to expose their two young boys to other education opportunities while also immersing them in cultural environments that broaden their worldview. Our guiding questions were: “What makes you so keen to go global? What steps are you taking to become international educators?” Topics covered include: Exploring the experiences, skills, and character strengths that inspired Hannah and Jared to consider international teaching. Reflections on how our “Thought Experiment: Is International Teaching for Me?” blog post helped clarify their motivations and readiness for this career path.Insight into how they developed a purposeful recruiting plan, including steps taken and resources utilized.How working with an expert recruitment consultant is shaping their approach and easing their concerns.Discussing their openness to various regions of the world, and how they weigh various options, including leveraging resources like our blog post and spreadsheet, “Profiling Schools, Cities and Countries” .Focusing on the needs of their young children while...

87. Truth Bombs About Recruiting for and Accepting a Job Overseas: A Candid Conversation with Diane Jacoutot of Edvectus

Sep 19, 2025 1 hr 12 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Are you new to international education? If so, imagine sitting down with a trusted guide to get helpful tips on what to expect during recruiting and onboarding—and red flags to watch for. Someone with years of experience working with both teacher candidates and hiring schools. Incredibly, we found such a person. If you listened to our first interview with Diane Jacoutot of Edvectus, you are familiar with her candor and willingness to share her wisdom around recruiting. In this show, Diane led us through what can be a minefield for folks new to this process – and even, TBH, for international teaching veterans. After a career in computer development at IBM, Diane got her start in recruitment bringing international teachers to US state schools. She has founded two international school recruitment companies including Edvectus. Diane believes in ethical, transparent recruitment and founded Edvectus to solve the biggest problem she encountered: Teachers don’t know what they don’t know about teaching overseas. Our 3 guiding questions were: What can first-time international teachers expect during the recruitment process? We explored this in segments. young educators with limited teaching experience mid-career teachers with solid experienceseasoned veterans nearing retirement from their home country systems.What common red flags should candidates watch out for during the international school recruiting process? If a teacher lands at a school that is poorly managed or different from what was portrayed during recruitment, how do you suggest they address the situation? Some of the topics covered include: What educators can expect when recruiting internationally for the first timeRed flags to be aware of during recruiting The importance of timing when you apply to schoolsWhat to expect from onboarding and orientation at your new schoolReal-life examples of experiences teachers may face in transitioning to their new schoolsResources m...

86. The Deets on All Things Recruiting: A Candid Conversation with Diane Jacoutot of Edvectus

Sep 6, 2025 1 hr 16 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! As we head into the busy recruiting season, you may be asking yourself, “What is the current state of international school hiring?” Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of international education or starting to build your foundational knowledge, this episode is for you. We’re excited to welcome Diane Jacoutot, Managing Director and founder of Edvectus, a leading international recruiting company, to answer pressing questions that go deeper than the usual approaches to recruiting. Diane shares what has changed — a great deal — and what remains constant in the ever-shifting landscape of international recruitment. After a career in computer development at IBM, Diane got her start in recruitment bringing international teachers to US state schools, and has founded two international school recruitment companies, including Edvectus. She believes in ethical, transparent recruitment and founded Edvectus to solve the biggest problem she encountered: that teachers don’t know what they don’t know about teaching overseas. Our guiding questions were: “What is the state of international recruiting? How does your company, Edvectus, support both educators and schools, especially with hiring for diversity?” Some topics covered include: What has changed in recruiting and what hasn't General recruiting strategies that Diane shares with her educator and school-leader clientsSpecialized recruiting pathways tailored to British and Irish, US and Canadian, New Zealand and Australian educators, as well as by subject and levelHow both schools and candidates can best align with the recruitment calendar to maximize successThe growing trend: Increasing diversity and inclusivity in recruitment effortsClimbing the "ladder" of international schoolsResources mentioned: Diane’s guest blog post on how the pandemic changed recruiting Edvectus - Bespoke International Recruitment Expatistan - Cost of Living Comparisons Numbeo - Cost of Living Comparisons Profiling Sc...

85. Changing Schools? What Factors Will You Prioritize? Carefully Consider Criteria With Our Panel of Vets!

Aug 22, 2025 58 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! What is your plan for the next time you recruit? What stage are you at in your life and career? What experiences are you hoping for in your next school, city, and country? To assist you in making this big, life-changing decision, we once again reached out to our trusted veteran panel of Amy Hunt, Rob Howe, and David Ross — this time to discuss how to make such an important life pivot. Amy is currently teaching Psychology and Science of Mind at Nueva School in San Francisco. She left the US at age 25 to teach IB English in Ethiopia, where she met her husband, Lee. They taught together in Rio, Minnesota, Barcelona, São Paulo, and Brussels before returning to the US in 2020. Amy is also a yoga therapist who reads, loves murder shows and pickleball, takes hikes and cold plunges, and tries to coax her three 20-something children to fly the nest. David is retired He began teaching in Los Angeles, then moved to Malaysia with his family for 6 years. He then took a one-year sabbatical with his family to bike across Europe, then taught in Vietnam for nine years. He enjoys SCUBA diving, free diving, playing in a band, pickleball, staying fit, and cooking. He is also a proactive investor and proponent of financial literacy. Rob Howe is a businessman and international educator. He began his career in the technology industry. After a 1.5-year sabbatical, he met his wife, an international teacher, and decided to become one. He first taught for 2 years in Jakarta, Indonesia. He then returned to the USA, started a new career in sustainability consulting, and adopted two children from India. In 2014, he returned to overseas teaching in Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and finally Vietnam. Our Guiding Question was “When putting your recruiting plan together, what are some key criteria to guide you when looking at potential schools, cities and countries?” Here are some of the topics covered in this episode: Assessing your current stage in life/career, alo...

84. We Are Women; Hear Us Roar! Meet a Panel of Exceptional Women Leaders.

Aug 9, 2025 1 hr 9 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! We have wanted to do this show for ages. We so admire women leaders, and some major players joined us for this interview! Kim Cofino is a well-known voice in the areas of women in leadership and instructional coaching. Madeleine Maceda Heide was a head of school on three continents and is a co-founder of the AMISA Women in Leadership organisation. Rhonda Norris is Superintendent of International Schools Group in Saudi Arabia and was a head of school in the Caribbean and in Asia, and Heather Naro is Head of Schutz School in Alexandria, Egypt. Their wisdom runs deep and their compassion is overflowing. This was a heartfelt, intimate conversation where the ladies shared their best tips for aspiring women leaders, with a big one being: “Go for it!” Check out our website for the full bios of these incredible women. Our Guiding Question was “What have been some of your most useful lessons learned as a woman leader in International Education?” Here are some of the topics covered in this episode: Reasons for becoming leadersPathways to leadershipBarriers to women becoming leadersSteps to take to become a leaderAdvice not to take along the wayThe importance of mentoring, modeling, perspective taking, service, adaptability and more!Resources mentioned: The Association for the Advancement of Instructional Coaching in International Schools - AAICIS AMISA Women in Leadership website Carney Sandoe Kim’s Website, Eduro Learning, book co-authored with Christina Botbyl - Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership Kim’s Coach Better Podcast Episode 82 with Claire Gaul On Followership and the Complexities of International Teaching International Schools Group Contact Info: Kim Cofino Heather Naro Madeleine Maceda Heide Rhonda Norris The show was recorded on June 16, 2025 Categories: Leadership | School Life Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon c...

83. The Role of Dean of Students -- A Key Piece of the SEL-Academics Puzzle: Meet Andy Vaughan

Jul 28, 2025 1 hr 11 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! The data is quite conclusive: young people around the world are struggling. Research and books such as The Anxious Generation highlight the negative effects of technology and social networks on our students. We also know that two common themes in international schools are academic pressure and high expectations for students applying to university. On a more positive note, we are seeing a growing trend of schools placing greater emphasis on a holistic approach to supporting students. In this interview, we learn how the Dean of Students at one school helps lead and coordinate efforts to stay ahead of these trends. We speak with Andy Vaughan, a Dean of Students at an international school, about his role in providing leadership to help students develop the life skills needed to overcome struggles and chart their pathway toward full and healthy lives. Andy is a Kiwi who has been living overseas with his family for the past 20 years teaching and leading in South East Asia. Currently working at the High School Dean of Students at International School Bangkok, Andy was previously the Athletics Director at ISB and in the past has taught Physical Education, Science, Health and Outdoor Education. He is passionate about establishing systems in schools that proactively ensure we support student well being to ensure all students feel like they belong and are cared for. Our guiding questions were: “What does a Dean of Students do? How has the role of Dean of Students evolved over time? What trends are you observing around this role in international schools going forward?” Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode: The impetus for and evolution of the Dean of Students role at Andy’s schoolA breakdown of the job descriptionThe importance of using data to support studentsLessons learned from the roleObservations about digital wellnessAdvice on how to move into leadership positionsTrends in the role of Dean of Students and in interna...

82. On Followership and the Complexities of International Teaching

Jul 11, 2025 50 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! What does the term "followership" mean to you? Our guest, Claire Gaul, joined us to delve into what it means to be a follower in international schools. She wrote a blog post for our learning hub that really got us thinking about how being a follower connects to leadership in international schools—a theme that runs through many of our shows. Claire describes the interaction of followership and leadership as a type of dance. I think this description makes a lot of sense. Claire provides a 360-degree view of it in our discussion. Claire Gaul teaches MYP Individuals and Societies at an international school in China. She is an avid runner and reader. Her favorite authors include Joan Didion and Elif Shafak. She has lived all over the world as both a student and a teacher. Claire has 11 year old twins (Luke and Leia), a husband, and a hamster who needs to be rehomed before Claire moves to India in July with her family. Our guiding question for this show was, "What is followership in our schools, and how does it go hand in hand with leadership?" Claire shares her thoughts and wisdom, with the following being a few of her main points: Her impetus for writing the blog postA definition of followership that includes constructive followershipHow to lean into being constructiveThe possible personal and professional costs of not having healthy boundaries regarding followershipSuggestions to help our listeners gain perspective on themselves and their interactions with othersHer recent recruiting experience Resources mentioned in the episode: Profiling Schools, Cities and Countries blog post Claire’s blog post on our website. Claire's Contact Information: LinkedIn This episode was recorded on March 15th, 2025. Categories: Wellness | Leadership | School Life | Recruiting Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal!...

81. Fostering Lasting Change in Schools: Four Factors to Consider, With Jim Reese

Jun 27, 2025 1 hr 1 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Change. It can be exciting. It can also be tough. And it happens a lot in international schools. At first, new ideas and the buzz around implementing them can feel electrifying. But here’s the catch: often, the people involved, the processes, and the long-term sustainability of these ideas—whether they’re initiatives or programs—don’t quite make it past the starting line. So, why does this happen? And how do we successfully navigate the twists and turns of the change process? Audrey and David have been through countless new initiatives in schools over the years, and we have often wondered what makes some changes "stick" while others fall flat. That curiosity led us to Dr. Jim Reese. Many of you may know Jim, either as the previous facilitator of the Harvard Project Zero Summer Institutes or as a trusted consultant in your own school. Jim lives in Washington, DC. After a long career teaching in international and U.S. schools, he now works as a consultant with schools, museums, and educational organizations. Jim has a long-term affiliation with Project Zero, a research group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2004, along with Dr. David Perkins from Harvard, Jim co-authored an article about managing change in a school to help it last. The article was called "When Change Has Legs: Four key factors help determine whether change efforts will be sustained over time." Each "leg" refers to one aspect of the change; all 4 are required for the change to last. Our guiding question for the episode was, “What are proven ways to bring about sustainable change in international schools?” The Four Legs of Sustainable Change are: Frameworks — Structures that guide and support learningLeaders — People who champion and drive the processCommunity — Collective buy-in and engagement from everyone involvedInstitutionalization — Embedding change so it becomes part of the school’s DNAResources cited in the episode: When Change Has Legs...

80. How Would You Reimagine Your Teaching? Your School? Education Itself? Hear Suggestions from Author Paul Halford.

Jun 13, 2025 1 hr 6 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Let’s be honest. Teaching and learning have changed somewhat over the years, but schools as institutions can still “feel” very similar to how they did when my grandfather was a school superintendent back in the 1940s. So what are some ways we can reimagine school? It takes a real visionary to think outside of this rigid box, wouldn’t you say? Our guest on this episode, educator and author Paul Halford, is one such visionary. Paul guides us through his perspective on reimagining schools. Paul Halford has worked in education for over 50 years including 35 in management. His diverse career included Catholic, Jewish, Anglican, Islamic, government, international and alternative schools. He has twice been nominated for National Excellence Awards. In 2004 and in 2006 his schools received National Awards for Excellence and Improvement. He has led International schools in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. Our guiding question for this episode was: “How do educators and schools go about reimagining themselves?” In this show, Paul covers several topics, including: Paul’s reasons for writing his book, My Educated Life: Lessons from Leading and Reimagining SchoolsSchools’ search for legitimacyPaul’s early career working at a parent-designed alternative school in AustraliaThe importance of trust, care, and hope in schools, as modeled by school leadersLeadership tools to promote trust, care, and hopeConnections to the work of school change pioneer Michael FullanThe process of reimagining schools moving forwardResources mentioned in the episode: My Educated Life: Lessons from leading and reimagining schools by Paul Halford Michael Fullan The New Meaning of Educational Change This episode was recorded on March 20, 2025. Categories: School Life | Leadership | Change Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgo...

79. Would You Be a Good Fit for a Brand New School? A Conversation With Greg Parry of GSE, the School Starters

May 23, 2025 1 hr 11 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Where do new schools come from? Our research and guest insights reveal that new schools are regularly emerging, with many others planned for construction in the near future. What does this mean for you as you seek to be an informed international educator while navigating the recruiting process? What are some “under the hood” aspects of startup schools you should be examining? What are the advantages and potential disadvantages of working at a newly-established school? With these questions in mind, we reached out to Greg Parry, an expert in starting schools. Greg leads Global Services in Education (GSE), a company he founded that collaborates with investors, developers, and school management providers to design, build, and manage new schools. Greg is a visionary leader, educator, and acclaimed author with an exceptional track record in the field of international education. From his home country of Australia to the United States, India, Africa, Myanmar, China, South America, South Korea, Japan and the Middle East, Greg's insights have transformed education systems and elevated learning outcomes. He has trained teachers and principals worldwide, focusing on critical thinking, language development, and leadership. Greg's expertise in school start-up projects, curriculum development, and effective leadership strategies has solidified his authority in the field. For this episode, we focused on a few guiding questions: What do international educators need to know about the rapid growth of new international schools? Who are some of the major players, and what criteria should educators consider when evaluating these schools?What are some current trends in international education?Resources mentioned in the episode: Global Services in Education (GSE) Global Services in Education Blog Greg’s TEDx Talk Steps to Setting Up a New School Five Trends That Will Redefine International Schools in 2025 Educators Going Global: Profiling Schools,...

78. Getting to the Art of the Matter: A Discussion With a Panel of Experts in the Arts

May 14, 2025 1 hr 17 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! How can schools integrate Social-Emotional Learning, Belonging, Global Citizenship and Creative Expression in one beautiful package? By prioritizing a crucial aspect of schooling: The Arts. And yet The Arts are often relegated to “encore” status, underfunded or even dispensed with duiring budget crunches. For this show, we assembled a talented panel of guests who represented years of experience and an array of artistic disciplines: Film, Theater, Art and Music. David Gran has developed and taught film programs for 20 years in the U.S., Shanghai, and Chile. He was a co-founder of SAS’s Innovation Institute and Nido’s Changemakers program, the Shanghai Student Film Festival and the InThinking site for IB Film. David is also a former columnist for School Arts Magazine. Tina Casey is the HS Theater Teacher and the Performing Arts Director at ISKL. She has been working overseas for over 30 years, including 15 years in Malaysia. This year marks Tina’s final year at ISKL, after which she will return home with her husband to Northern Ontario for a "nap year" before deciding on next steps. Nick Stonehouse is an art and design educator currently working in HCMC, Vietnam. He has taught in multiple curricula at a range of ages, from Early Childhood to Secondary. At present, Nick is thoroughly enjoying teaching grades 2 and 3 art. Nick is also an avid photographer, artist, art enthusiast, and world traveler. Scott Rogal has taught in Canada, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Currently, he teaches Band at the American School of Bahrain and conducts the Jazz Orchestra of Bahrain, a semi-professional ensemble featuring many of Bahrain’s top musicians. He is also an active composer who writes and publishes through ApRo Music in Canada. Our guiding question for the show was “What are some characteristics that describe international school arts programs?” Our panelists shared many insights around implementing an arts program while also sharing specifics...

77. Bahrain: A Middle Eastern Island Oasis: Our Second Chat With Dave McMaster of ASBahrain.

Apr 25, 2025 34 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! We enjoyed our first interview with Dave McMaster so much that we spoke with him a second time! If you missed the first interview on what it is like to start an international school, definitely check it out – it’s Episode 74. Dave also recorded two Going Global Stories for us. Head to our information hub to enjoy those. Dave has 35 years of K-12 education experience, primarily in leadership roles in Canada, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. He joined the Esol organization in Bahrain in September 2018, and led the founding team in establishing the American School of Bahrain, which opened its doors to just over 100 students amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and has grown to nearly 800 students in its first five years of operation. Prior to this role, Dave served as Principal and Head of School at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong. During his tenure, he spearheaded the authorization process for the full slate of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Within six years, CDNIS DP students ranked in the top 10% of IB schools worldwide, and CDNIS was recognized as the top international school in Hong Kong for seven consecutive years. Dave has founded three schools, including the American School of Bahrain. Dave’s authenticity as an educational leader motivates the entire school community to continually improve, ensuring excellence in educational provision. He strongly believes that cultivating a school culture based on mutual respect, happiness, and high yet realistic expectations will lead to a fruitful educational experience for students. He emphasizes the "smile index" as a key barometer for assessing a school's success. Dave also has extensive experience in recruiting, hiring, and retaining top educators, which he considers crucial to the success of founding ASB. Dave holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University. He also earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. Our Guiding Quest...

76. Chapters of Our International Careers and What They Teach Us: Meet Long-Time Veteran Mark Lewis

Apr 13, 2025 58 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! As international educators, like so many others, in a sense, we tend to write chapters to our life stories. These stories can be organized by countries, schools, travel, and, of course, the regular categories of relationships, family, children, aging, and so on. We were fortunate to catch our guest, Mark Lewis, just as he was reflecting about the chapters of his international experiences, with his retirement coming up in a couple of months. Mark is a seasoned international educator with experience at the International School Manila, American International School Riyadh, Concordia International School Shanghai, Bodwell International School, International School Ho Chi Minh City-American Academy, and BASIS Park Lane Harbour. He is currently a principal and teacher in the public school system in Canada. One of Mark’s core beliefs is that many of the world's future leaders will emerge from students educated in international schools. These students are often multilingual, have received top-tier education, networked with ambitious peers, come from families of means, and almost always pursue higher education degrees—traits that are well-suited to leadership roles. This leadership may manifest in local communities, small business ventures, significant corporate positions, or even public office. It is crucial that international schools continue preparing their students for leadership roles by fostering a skill set that goes beyond academic excellence. We asked "soon-to-be-retired" Mark the guiding question: “What are some of your lessons learned from the various roles you experienced during your years of going global?” With such a long career in international schooling, Mark had a lot of gems to share with us: Commonalities of international schools in AsiaCharacteristics of international schools specifically in ChinaClarifications between legacy international schools, bilingual schools, and local-student-majority schoolsA look at for-...

75. Get Well Soon(ish)! Laying the Groundwork for Much-Needed, Sustainable, Holistic Wellness Programs.

Mar 28, 2025 1 hr 14 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Where does your school stand in terms of designing, implementing and measuring the effectiveness of its whole-school wellness program? Several of our thought-leader guests have told us that wellness is at the top of the to do list for many international schools. Along with Wellness, another recurring topic in our episodes is change management, especially around the development of new programs. We hear stories about initiative fatigue and the dropping of programs when their champions leave the school. With so much talk around wellness and change management we decided to invite Alison Leathwood on the show to share an overview of how to design and implement a schoolwide wellness program that is sustainable. Alison is an international school physical education teacher who is passionate about wellness. She is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need for both physical and emotional wellbeing. She extends this passion beyond the classroom, having served in various leadership roles including HS Advisory Curriculum Coordinator, EC-12 Personal Development Coordinator, Wellness Committee Chair and currently serving as the Head of Department for PE. Through these leadership roles, Alison strives to create a lasting positive impact on the social-emotional well-being of the entire school community. Our guiding question for this show was, “How might international school leaders approach the development of a school- and community-wide wellness program based on Positive Psychology?” Alison offered such a detailed framework along with so many practical strategies that it is futile to try and summarize them here. So I will share just a handful of the topics to whet your appetite for designing an effective wellness program at your school! Here they are: Using a Positive Psychology approach to wellnessLeveraging Character Strengths and the PERMAH pillarsThe who, what, when, where, why and how of implementing a wellness progra...

74. Smile! You're Starting a New School. A Candid Conversation with a Master School Starter, ASB Director Dave McMaster.

Mar 14, 2025 54 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! If you’ve ever visited the International Schools Services website, you may have noticed at some stage that they added a button at the top that said “start a school”. The button has now moved to the bottom of the page, but it’s still there. For us, it always felt like that line from the movies, “I wonder what happens if I press this button?” Well, Dave McMaster is a brave soul who has “pushed the button” on starting a school, not once, but three times. We think it’s fair to say that Dave knows what happens! Dave has 35 years of K-12 education experience, primarily in leadership roles across Canada, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. He joined the Esol organization in Bahrain in September 2018, and led the founding team in establishing the American School of Bahrain, which opened its doors in September 2020. The school began with just over 100 students amid the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown to nearly 800 students in its first five years of operation. Prior to this role, Dave served as Principal and Head of School at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) from 2002 to 2014. During his tenure, CDNIS was recognized as the top international school in Hong Kong for seven consecutive years. Dave has founded three schools, with the most recent being the American School of Bahrain. Dave’s authenticity as an educational leader is a recognized force that motivates students, parents, staff, and management to continually advance the status quo, ensuring excellence in educational provision and learning. He emphasizes what he calls the "smile index" as a key barometer for assessing a school's success. Dave also possesses extensive experience in recruiting and retaining top international educators, which he considers crucial to the success of founding ASB. Dave holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. He also earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. Our Guid...

73. Retrospective: The Lincoln School, Kathmandu - At 71, Still A Special Place

Feb 28, 2025 41 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! How do international schools get their start- in particular the original ones from so many years ago? Many of them had very humble beginnings, with a handful of students, a few parents (usually spouses of diplomats or business people who had moved overseas) and a large house or a few rooms where lessons could be held. At 71 years of age, The Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Nepal is one such school. In this “case study-style” interview, we were lucky enough to be able to speak with Barbara Butterworth, who was head of the school from 1998 - 2005. Barbara is an educator whose career originally took her to Nepal as a Peace Corps Volunteer, where she taught math and science. She also taught science education at two different colleges and served as a principal/director at four different schools: a private elementary school, a public elementary school, an international school, and a noted Nepali high school. From 1998 to 2005, she was the director of the Lincoln School, the American international school in Nepal. A graduate of Wellesley College, Cornell University, and Stanford University, Barbara’s career in education has also included leading a major USAID teacher training project in Cambodia. Our Guiding Questions were, “At 71 years of age, Lincoln School is one of the “OG” international schools. How did the Lincoln School get its start and what makes the Lincoln School community a special place to be?” Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode: Lived values and characteristics of Lincoln School and its communityOrigin story of the school comparing to similar early international schoolsHow the Lincoln School and community deal with struggles and difficult timesHow some international schools celebrate their milestone anniversariesRecruiting during pre-internet times Resources mentioned in the episode: Lincoln School The show was recorded on February 10, 2025. Categories: School Life | Crisis Management | School Mission...

72. Going "Unglobal": More Stories From Our Trio of Vets --Transitioning Out of International Education

Feb 14, 2025 1 hr 9 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! International educators, are you ready for the day when you go “unglobal”? We gazed into our crystal ball again with our all-star panel of Amy Hunt, David Ross, and Rob Howe, this time to learn how to transition out of international education. David Ross is a retired international educator. He began teaching in California, then moved to Malaysia with his family to teach at ISKL. He then took a sabbatical with his family to bike across Europe and ended up in Vietnam. He taught for nine years at SSIS. He enjoys SCUBA diving, playing in a band, pickleball, and cooking. He has also been a proactive investor and proponent of financial literacy. Rob Howe is a business professional. He began his career in the technology industry. After a 1.5-year sabbatical, he met his wife, an international teacher, and decided to become one. His first position was in Indonesia. He then returned to the US, started a new career in sustainability consulting, and adopted two children from India. In 2014, he returned overseas. Posts included Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and Vietnam. Amy Hunt teaches Psychology and Science of Mind at Nueva School in San Francisco. After a year in outdoor education, Amy left the US to teach in Ethiopia, where she met her husband, Lee Fertig. They later moved to Brazil, then back to the US, followed by stints in Spain, Brazil, and Belgium before returning to the US in 2020. A curious risk-taker, Amy is also a yoga therapist. She reads a lot, loves murder shows, pickleball, taking hikes and cold plunges. Our Guiding Question was, “What are some of your takeaways after transitioning out of international teaching?” Panelists shared their experiences moving out of international education to return to the US. Here are a few topics covered: Leaving your “tribe” and finding a new oneCharacter strengths/skills of international educators that help with transitionThe RAFT approach to transitions> Reconciliation | Affirmation | Farewells |...

71. Fostering Global Citizens Through Service Learning: Stories of Changemaking, with LeeAnne Lavender

Jan 31, 2025 1 hr 19 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Most international schools make it part of their mission to nurture global citizens who are in service to their community. Like all big, worthy goals, this needs lots of planning, implementation support, and accountability to determine if the school is on track. The usual questions come into play: who, what, why, etc. -- with the "how" being most prominent in our interview with LeeAnne Lavender, who helps schools with their service learning and global citizenship development efforts. LeeAnne is a consultant, coach and facilitator for international educators. She partners with schools and teachers to create learning experiences that have impact and lead to deep learning and service as action. LeeAnne is also the Service Learning Program Coordinator for the Association of International Schools in Africa. You can learn more on her website. Our Guiding Questions were, “What is service learning? What is global citizenship? What are some ways to integrate both into the culture of a school?” Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode: Digital storytelling: a powerful tool for student agency and creativityUsing the design cycle for integration Leveraging Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiationService learning as experiential learning to support life skill developmentDeep listening: connect with community membersThe intersectionality of service learning, global citizenship, and other initiativesResources mentioned in the episode: LeeAnne’s Website LeeAnne on LinkedIn LeeAnnes’ Blog Post on students advocating for wildlife conservation Thoughtbox Education The Disengaged Teen Future Learning Design Podcast - episode about The Disengaged Teen Zoe Weil Book & Webinar entitled “The World Becomes What We Teach” The show was recorded on January 13, 2025. Categories: School Life | Curriculum | School Missions Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider...

70. Prepare to Be "Bolled" Over By All Things AI for Teachers! Meet Michael Boll.

Jan 17, 2025 45 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! We catch up with Michael Boll who is always on the bleeding edge, playing with the latest and greatest finding ways to use technology for teaching and learning. We have huge admiration for his tech savvy and also his adventurous spirit and his willingness to share his knowledge with us lesser mortals. Not to mention that his dry wit and self-deprecating humor weave through every interaction we have with him. Michael is a jack-of-all-trades educator, instructor, and designer, and is no stranger to juggling his expertise in education, training, startups, technology, and marketing – all while balancing on a unicycle. His mission, as he has chosen to accept it, is to fearlessly blend existing and newfangled technologies in the classroom, creating an educational smoothie of epic proportions. Michael and his wife Lori are parents to an adult child with profound autism. Their family experiences have motivated them to assist all educators to provide all students with inclusive learning opportunities in education. Our Guiding Question was, “How can teachers learn to effectively use AI in their teaching? What are some instructional techniques that they can tap into right now?” Here are a few topics covered in this episode: Michael’s start with AI and his PD platformAI improving efficiency and productivity for busy teachersAI for Individualizing LessonsAI and School Data and PrivacyAI supported instruction in the ES, MS and HS classroomsMoral and ethical issuesPossible future outcomes of AI and schools Michaels’s Contact Information: AI Teacher Tips Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Visit Michael’s AI Teacher Tips for the resources shared in the interview. The show was recorded on December 17, 2024. Categories: Instruction | School Life | PD Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comm...

69. Got kids? You May Want to Listen Up: The Doctor is IN! A Chat With Dr. Jeff Devens, PhD.

Jan 6, 2025 58 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! In all forms of school, there are some educators who really stand out as having “a way” with kids. Their ability to develop relationships of mutual trust and respect is second-to-none. Jeff Devens is one such educator. He has a way of putting everyone at ease. Jeff joined us for another episode – not to talk about finance this time, but to talk about his day job – working to support students and parents in international schools. As Audrey noted in her introduction to the episode, get your notebook and pen handy as Dr. Devens shares so much helpful information! For 29 years, Dr. Devens has worked in international education as a school psychologist, counselor, and classroom educator. Jeff completed his Ph.D. in School Psychology in 2006. His dissertation research focused on depression rates among international students. Growing up on public assistance and the only one of five children to graduate from high school, Jeff uniquely appreciates the hurt, heartache, and angst that parents encounter when raising kids. His first book, A Parent’s Guide to Raising Kids Overseas, was released in 2018. Jeff’s wife, Nanette, is also an international educator. They have two children: Cylas, a college freshman, and Cora, a high school sophomore. Our Guiding Question was, “Is parenting overseas different from parenting in one’s home country? What are some things to think about?” Here are a few topics Jeff covered in this episode: What first-time overseas parents and students can experience with the start of schoolHow family systems can change when living internationallyThe importance of community with the school at the center of itCultural considerations and variationsStressed out studentsParenting stylesThe importance of valuesFostering life skillsWhere to learn more: The Facebook group Expat Financial Education run by Andrew Hallam Jeff’s Book - A Parent’s Guide to Raising Kids Overseas Resources Mentioned in the Episode: David’s Wellne...

68. Season's Greetings: Our Season 2 Wrapped Up For You!

Dec 20, 2024 56 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Join us for our second anniversary show as we review and celebrate all the incredible guests from this past year. Our review provides some insights for each interview that might lead you to return to shows you previously enjoyed – and to seek out those you missed – to take a listen! We organized the episodes into the themes of: Recruiting and TransitioningInternational Teacher Experiences with Lessons LearnedDiversity, Equity and InclusionBelongingTechnology/ Online LearningLeadershipFuture of EducationInternational FamiliesStandalone Topics - Professional Development & Reviewing Our Resource LibraryThe show was recorded on December 14, 2024. Categories: Transitions | School Life | Travel | Recruiting Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

67. International Kid Turned International Teacher: The Journey of Maxwell Carpenter

Dec 6, 2024 49 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! We found Maxwell Carpenter globe-trotting into his first gig as an international teacher. We spoke to him about his experiences along the way. Maxwell Carpenter is an IB Physics teacher at St George's British International School of Rome. He began teaching in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington DC after studying Physics, Math, and Education at Virginia Tech. He is interested in exploring interdisciplinary approaches to education, drawing from his interests in philosophy, mythology, history, and comparative religion. In his free time, he enjoys reading and collecting, drinking and sharing tea. The Guiding Questions were, “What has your move to being an international educator looked like — from recruiting to onboarding to transitioning to orientation? Now, with a couple of months of international teaching experience under your belt, how goes it?” Here are a few topics covered in the interview: Why go global? Recruiting using a variety of pathwaysLessons from interviewingEmotional ups and downsOnboardingOrientation - school and personal effortsUS versus International teaching comparisonLife outside of schoolThe reveal of Max’s new home and school The show was recorded on October 19, 2024. Categories: PD | School Life | Travel | Recruiting Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

66. Tales From a Trio of Intrepid Educators: Adventures and "Lessons Learned" As Told By a Panel of Veteran International Teachers

Nov 27, 2024 1 hr 14 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! Get ready to learn a lot about international education as we interview three long-term veterans while sharing a few insights ourselves. David Ross is a retired 58-year-old international educator. He began teaching elementary school in Los Angeles, then moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with his family to teach at ISKL for six years. He then took a one-year sabbatical with his family to bike across Europe and ended up in Saigon, Vietnam. He taught grade four for nine years at SSIS and coached middle and high school men’s volleyball. He enjoys SCUBA diving, free diving, playing in a band, pickleball, staying fit, and cooking. He has also been a proactive investor and proponent of financial literacy. Rob Howe is a 56-year-old business professional and international educator. He began his career in the technology industry. After a 1.5-year sabbatical from work, he met his wife, an international teacher, and decided to become one. His first opportunity was in Jakarta, Indonesia, for two years at NJIS. He then returned to the USA, started a new career in sustainability consulting, and adopted two children from India. In 2014, he returned to overseas teaching. Posts included Beirut, Lebanon, Harare, Zimbabwe, and Saigon, Vietnam at SSIS. He participated in the Sustainability Council at each school and is an avid hiker, biker, gardener, and explorer. Amy Hunt is currently teaching Psychology and Science of Mind at Nueva School in the San Francisco Bay Area. After earning an MAT and spending a year in outdoor education in 1987, Amy left the US at age 25 to teach IB English in Addis Ababa, where she met her husband, Lee Fertig. They moved together to Rio, where Amy also began teaching IB Theory of Knowledge. They moved to the U.S. for awhile and then went back overseas, for more beautiful experiences in Barcelona, São Paulo, and Brussels before returning to the US in 2020. A curious risk-taker and boundary-stretcher, Amy has taught m...

65. Teachers Are Learners, Too!: Professional Development from 21st Century Learning

Nov 8, 2024 52 min

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! What makes great professional development? We spoke with Justin Hardman, the founder and Director of 21st Century Learning, about professional development for international educators. Since 2012, 21st Century Learning has connected more than 20,000 K-12 educators with a wide variety of face-to-face and online professional learning opportunities. Beyond professional learning, Justin has a passion for supporting schools in better-integrating technology into school programs with a focus on strategy, leadership, and planning for systemic change. He was Director of Technology at Hong Kong International School and has led EdTech consultancy projects with many of the leading international schools in the Asia Pacific region. Our Guiding Questions were, “What does the landscape of professional learning opportunities look like? What is the menu of offerings for educators to design personalized learning plans?” Here are some of the topics covered: The mission of the 21st Century Learning companyThe learning pathways it provides for international educatorsWays that educators can become PD providersA menu of professional learning offerings The role of Generative AI in professional developmentSome thoughts on how school leaders can design and implement professional learning opportunities for their communitiesWays that schools can design PD programs that connect to student learning while working to gather data on their implementation, thus building in feedback loops for PD. Justin’s Contact Information: 21st Century Contact Page | X: jahardman Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Breathing Fire Into Web 2.0 The show was recorded on September 3, 2024. Categories: PD | School Life | Wellness Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow...

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113. International Educators Raising Children: The "Pleasures and Perils" According to Dr. Ettie Zilber

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Created by: Audrey Forgeron and David Carpenter
Status: Active
Latest episode: Oct 30, 2026
Episodes: 122
Release period: Every two weeks
Avg. episode length: 49 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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