The 100,000th episode of the ISS EDU Learn Ask Me Anything podcast, hosted by Mike Pierre, celebrates a significant milestone in the realm of international education. The episode features insights from the ISS team, including Liz Duffy, Tom Hawkins, and Chandler Clayton, who discuss their roles within ISS and the impact of the podcast over the past two years. The podcast serves as a platform for educators to connect, learn, and share experiences regarding international schooling. The hosts express their excitement about the growth of the podcast, its approach to outreach, and the importance of discussing various aspects of international education, including operational management, marketing strategies, and the value of community and personal development.

🎉 Milestone Celebration: The podcast celebrates reaching 100,000 downloads, marking a significant achievement in its journey.

🌍 Diverse Conversations: Episodes feature discussions about international education, bridging gaps between educators, administrators, and experts.

🎙️ Expert Guests: The podcast includes insights from the ISS team, enhancing the conversation around international education.

📚 Professional Development: ISS offers over 150 courses, many for free, to support educators in their professional growth.

🌐 Global Opportunities: The podcast emphasizes the career opportunities available through ISS’s resources and job fairs.

💬 Community Engagement: The ISS podcast aims to foster a sense of community among educators across the globe.

Key Insights

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  🌐 Technology’s Role in Education: The conversation highlights how technology has transformed communication in education, allowing real-time discussions and collaborations across international schools. This shift has made it easier for educators to share experiences, tackle issues, and celebrate successes in a more connected world.

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  📈 Business Savvy in Education: Tom Hawkins emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of education, particularly in international schools. Effective operations, marketing, and financial sustainability are essential for schools to thrive, showcasing the need for educators to develop skills beyond teaching.

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  🎓 Personalization in Learning: Liz Duffy discusses the significance of personalized learning experiences for adults, mirroring the emphasis on student-centered learning in classrooms. This notion underlines the importance of providing flexible resources that cater to educators’ diverse needs and preferences.

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  🧠 Mental Health Matters: The team acknowledges the growing importance of mental health discussions, not only for students but also for educators. This insight points to a broader need for support systems within international education, fostering well-being among all stakeholders.

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  🌍 Future of International Schools: The evolving landscape of international education raises questions about quality delivery amid increasing competition and access to resources. The podcast encourages listeners to think critically about how to maintain high standards and equitable access to quality education globally.

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  🤝 Building Community Connections: The podcast aims to highlight the power of community in education, encouraging educators to connect over shared experiences and challenges. This approach strengthens the support network available to those working in international schools.

• In conclusion, the ISS EDU Learn Ask Me Anything podcast celebrates its journey, offering valuable insights into the world of international education while laying the groundwork for future growth and engagement. The hosts and guests share their passion for education, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, community building, and innovative approaches to professional development. This episode encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and the commitment to making a positive impact in the global education landscape.

In this episode, Josh Bishop, Head of School at Surabaya Intercultural School in Indonesia, shares his insights on navigating the financial challenges faced by small international schools. With a focus on managing limited budgets while meeting the expansive educational needs of their students, Josh offers innovative financial strategies and budgeting techniques. The discussion covers smart resource allocation, the importance of data in budgeting, and how to leverage the school’s existing expertise to reduce costs. Josh’s experience with both small budgets and large needs offers valuable lessons for school administrators and financial officers around the world.

Join us as Josh explains how his school turned around its financial situation despite facing challenges like transitioning during the pandemic, a fluctuating expat population, and the intricacies of implementing new technology in a budget-conscious environment. He shares practical tips, including a smart approach to technology adoption and creative problem-solving strategies that have helped Surabaya Intercultural School thrive. For deeper dives into these strategies, Josh’s full course “Small Budgets and Big Needs” on the ISS Edu platform offers further resources and insights.

Episode Highlights

Introduction of Josh Bishop [3:29]

Navigating budgetary challenges smaller schools face [4:31]

Effective ways of introducing new technology in schools [8:34]

Small budgets, big needs [14:57]

The 5 Why’s Protocol [19:44]

A systems approach to thinking and decision-making [23:23]

Macro to micro [25:49]

AI is a timesaver [26:55]

Strategic Fundraising [27:53]

Key Takeaways

Using long-term data trends helps small schools better forecast and manage enrollment, leading to more accurate budget planning.

Thriving in international education requires openness to change and cultural differences.

Introduce technology with a clear educational benefit, and ensure staff and students are properly trained to use it effectively.

Cultural competence and inclusivity are essential in international school settings.

Quotes

"Oftentimes, in education, when we’re confronted with a problem, we assume that’s the problem. And I would argue, we don’t ask enough deep questions to understand if it’s the root problem, or if it’s a causation of a deeper problem.”

"We tell our staff and our students the same, failure is an important part of learning so long as you learn from it and don’t repeat it.”

"I think AI is taking a lot of things off their plate so that they have more white space to think critically and creatively.”

This podcast episode delves into the topic of LGBTQ+ safety and belonging during school trips, featuring insights from Emily, an LGBTQ+ consultant for international schools. The episode unpacks the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students and staff during travel and highlights the importance of proactive policies, harm reduction strategies, and inclusive practices. Emily shares her professional journey, beginning as a school counselor and evolving into an advocate for systemic change in international schools. She discusses her research-backed frameworks for supporting LGBTQ+ safety, addressing stigma, and creating affirming environments that transcend cultural and legal boundaries.

Listeners will learn about the complexities of international school travel, including privacy concerns, cultural sensitivities, and strategies for collaborating with external providers. Emily emphasizes the importance of leadership, clear policies, and early intervention to prevent harm and promote belonging. Her practical tools, including pre-screening home stays and questionnaires for external providers, empower schools to take actionable steps in creating safer travel experiences for all students.

Episode Highlights

Introduction to the Course and Emily’s Work

Overview of the LGBTQ+ safety and belonging course for school trips.

Emily’s background as a school counselor and LGBTQ+ consultant.

Challenges in International School Travel

Privacy concerns for transgender students regarding passports.

Cultural sensitivities in countries with varying LGBTQ+ laws.

Research-Backed Frameworks

Development of frameworks addressing stigma and discrimination.

Application of child development research to international contexts.

Proactive Policies and Harm Reduction

Importance of implementing identity-based anti-harassment policies.

Strategies to ensure safety without outing LGBTQ+ students.

Practical Tools for Schools

Pre-screening home stay families for inclusivity.

Using questionnaires to vet external trip providers.

The Role of Leadership

Emphasis on sturdy, calm, and decisive leadership during challenges.

Steering school policies with courage and clarity.

Nuances of International School Settings

Differences between local and international school systems.

Complications of students traveling to less inclusive regions.

Catalysts for Change

Common triggers for schools to seek LGBTQ+ consulting.

Benefits of proactive approaches over reactive measures.

Addressing Bias

Reflecting on biases that educators bring into diverse contexts.

Examples of overcoming misconceptions through personal experiences.

Supporting Students and Staff

Importance of affirming policies for both LGBTQ+ students and allies.

Balancing community opinions with institutional values.

Resources for Schools

Emily’s website as a hub for templates and starting points.

Tools for initiating conversations and training staff.

Final Insights

Encouragement for schools to prioritize safety and belonging.

The importance of courage and determination in creating systemic change.

Episode Takeaways

- Proactive measures, such as implementing inclusive policies and pre-screening trip arrangements, are critical to ensuring LGBTQ+ safety and belonging during school travel.

- Leadership plays a pivotal role in steering schools toward clear and affirming values, even in the face of community resistance.

- Utilizing research-backed frameworks and practical tools can empower schools to navigate the complexities of international travel with LGBTQ+ students and staff.

Quotes

“Leadership requires thinking about what the school actually believes and steering the airplane straight—even in turbulence.”

“There’s always a way to make a school safer, no matter the context. It’s about finding the right entry point.”

“Proactive policies are like building the plane before you fly it—it’s easier, safer, and more effective.”

In this episode we dive into the world of international education, focusing on the art of interviewing. We are joined by Danielle View, Associate Director of Global Recruitment at ISS, who shares her expertise on how educators can effectively present themselves in interviews. The discussion covers a range of topics from storytelling techniques to the nuances of cultural competence, providing listeners with valuable insights into the international education landscape.

Listeners will gain an understanding of how to navigate job fairs, utilize AI for interview preparation, and the importance of transparency and self-awareness. The episode is a comprehensive guide for educators looking to enhance their interviewing skills and make informed decisions about international teaching opportunities.

Episode Highlights

• Danielle’s introduces herself and what she does at ISS (3:41)

• Importance of Storytelling in Interviews (6:26)

• Danielle discusses how storytelling can enhance interview performance, whether in person or virtually.

• Cultural Competence in Education (10:27)

• Insights into how educators can demonstrate cultural awareness.

• Common mistakes in the interview process (17:25)

• Using AI for Interview Preparation (19:47)

• Danielle explains how AI can assist in preparing for interviews.

• Follow-up after the interviews

• Navigating Job Fairs (22:30)

• Tips on how to approach job fairs and secure interviews.

• Professional Development at ISS Job fairs (25:25)

• Overview of resources available through ISS.

  Final Thoughts and Advice (27:19)

• Danielle shares final tips for educators.

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  Takeaways

  • Storytelling is a powerful tool in interviews, helping candidates to effectively communicate their experiences.

  • Cultural competence is crucial for educators in international settings, requiring openness and adaptability.

  • AI can be a valuable resource for interview preparation, offering insights into potential questions and key themes.

  • Job fairs provide unique opportunities for networking and securing positions, but require preparation and professionalism.

  • Transparency and self-awareness are key to successful interviews, allowing candidates to present their true selves.

  Quotes from Danielle

• "Substance is substance. Whether virtual or in person, it's about the content of your answers."

• "Know yourself, realize what your strengths are, and be able to talk about them well."

• "The more research a person does before the interview, the more they can display their cultural competency."

In this heartwarming and practical episode, we explore how educators, counselors, and support staff can navigate the holiday season with mindfulness, balance, and resilience. Featuring insights from Aaron Beighle, a professor at the University of Kentucky with expertise in physical education and wellness, we delve into strategies to combat holiday stress while fostering joy in personal and professional environments. From embracing realistic expectations to promoting emotional regulation in classrooms, this episode equips educators with actionable tips to thrive during this busy time of year.

Discover the importance of living joyfully, managing emotions, and creating habits that promote well-being for both educators and their students. Through shared experiences and expert advice, Aaron highlights the parallels between fostering a harmonious classroom and a peaceful holiday gathering, all while emphasizing the importance of flexibility, gratitude, and meaningful connections.

Episode Highlights

Aaron introduces himself [03:26]

The Hallmark Myth and Holiday Expectations [4:13]

Social and Emotional Learning During the Holidays [9:00]

Using physical activity and mindfulness to regulate emotions.

Leveraging Excitement for Learning [11:00]

Turning holiday excitement into opportunities for engaging, hands-on activities.

Conflict Resolution Tips for Families [13:15]

Navigating Family and School Dynamics [16:38]

Strategies for managing difficult conversations with empathy.

Fostering Community and Gratitude [20:18]

Celebrating diverse holiday traditions and encouraging gratitude and shared experiences among students.

AMA Rapid Fire game [23:22]

Episode Takeaways

- Embrace what can realistically be accomplished and let go of perfectionism.

- Prioritize emotional regulation techniques like deep breathing and activity breaks.

- Create year-round excitement for learning through innovative hands-on activities.

- Celebrate diverse traditions and promote thankfulness to foster inclusion and joy.

Quotes

“You can prepare as much as you want, but the holiday season still has a way of snowballing. The key is to be real with yourself about what’s possible.”

“Sometimes, the most disarming thing you can say in a heated moment is, ‘You might be right.’ It’s a simple way to keep the peace.”

“Leverage the excitement of the holidays—teach students to channel their energy into creativity, focus, and joy.”

Resource mentioned: Book – How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins

Contact information:

beighle@uky.edu

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-beighle-ph-d-2623544/

Cheryl-Ann discusses the challenges women face in balancing family responsibilities and personal well-being, highlighting the need for self-awareness and intentional self-care practices. The episode encourages listeners to redefine holiday traditions to focus on connection rather than perfection, and to implement small, manageable changes that prioritize personal health and happiness. Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, the hosts and Cheryl-Ann provide listeners with actionable insights to navigate the holiday season with more ease and joy.

Episode Highlights

• 00:02:06 - Introduction to the "Seasonal Serenity" episode focusing on mindfulness and self-care during the holidays.

• 00:04:04 - Cheryl-Ann Weeks introduces herself and shares her background as a high school counselor and touches on the importance of mental health and mindfulness for educators.

• 00:06:05 - Dana Watts shares personal experiences about holiday stress and the need for self-care.

• 00:06:50 - Cheryl-Ann talks about the societal expectations on women during the holidays and the importance of setting boundaries.

• 00:09:31 - Practical steps for setting healthy boundaries with family and friends.

• 00:13:13 - The “responsibility” of being the peacekeeper.

• 00:19:02 - Being open to change/creating new traditions.

• 00:21:01 - Cheryl-Ann shares self-care tips, including mindfulness, breathing techniques, and the role of music in stress relief and emotional regulation.

• 00:25:06 – Self-care looks different for everyone.

• 00:28:02 – The real meaning of peace and planning ahead for possible stressful scenarios.

• 00:32:32 – Rapid fire game

Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness and self-care are essential for managing holiday stress.

• Setting personal boundaries can prevent burnout and resentment.

• Redefining holiday traditions can help focus on connection over perfection.

• Self-awareness and intentional practices are crucial for well-being.

  
  

Important Quotes from Cheryl-Ann

• "You can't pour from an empty cup."

• "We have to first set boundaries with ourselves…what do I need to stop doing, do less of, and do more of?"

• "The tradition should be the connection, not the perfection."

Connect With Mike Pierre

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/⁠⁠

Connect With Dana Specker-Watts

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/

Connect With Celiah Bunsie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiah-bunsie-11406a64/

Connect With Katlyn Darling

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katlyn-darling-7019558a/

More Resources:

• • Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.
  • Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu
  • Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org
  • Check out Inspire Citizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org