As I sit at my desk, curating this special issue of The International Educator (TIE) newsletter, I am reminded of the remarkable journey that has brought me here. My career as an international educator has taken me across continents, immersed me in diverse cultures, and enriched my understanding of education in ways I could never have imagined. Today, as an editor, I find myself in a unique position to connect with educators worldwide, share their innovative practices, and contribute to the field of international education.
The Beginning of a Global Adventure with TIE
My journey as an educator began with a desire to make a difference. From my early days as a teacher in my home country in India to my roles in schools across the world, I have always been driven by the belief that education is the key to unlocking potential and transforming lives. Each new country and school presented its challenges and opportunities, and each experience added a new layer to my understanding of what it means to be an educator. But my global adventure truly began when I joined TIE as the Editor. This opened up a world of opportunities for me, opportunities to learn, to support, and to inspire. TIE’s vision of advancing the highest professional teaching standards and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIJ) in the international school community has been my guiding light. Here began my journey of reaching out to international educators across the world to listen and share their stories with a community of international educators. Through this journey, I was able to gain a deep understanding of education and the power of educators to transform lives. The hope for a better world being at the heart of international education inspires and brings us all together even though we have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, ideologies, and experiences.
Diversity is at the Heart of International Education
Working in different countries exposed me to a rich tapestry of educational philosophies, practices, and cultures. Whether it was the rigorous academic standards in Europe, the emphasis on holistic development in Asia, or the focus on student agency in Africa, each region offered unique insights into how education can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners. This diversity is at the heart of international education, and it has profoundly influenced my approach to teaching, curriculum development, and educational leadership. This also helped me to establish relationships with educators whom I had never met before. My job as an editor required me to encourage peers to share innovative ideas, practices, and stories with TIE. The first year was challenging as I had yet to establish a bond of trust with the authors. Writing requires authors to be vulnerable and honest, especially when sharing it with their community. The fear of judgment can restrict educators from sharing their stories. But the TIE family trusted me and helped me form new connections as I traveled and met education leaders as well as reached out to educators who were doing some inspirational work. The vision of encouraging diverse perspectives and conversations; the focus on authentic experiences; and the noble cause of empowering students by giving them a voice have been my guiding principles.
From Educator to Editor
Adding another role, that of editor, to my international educator profile was a natural progression in my career. As an educator, I have always been passionate about sharing knowledge and best practices with my colleagues. As an editor, I now have the privilege of amplifying the voices of educators from around the world, bringing their stories to a global audience, and fostering a community of learners who are committed to excellence in education. In this role, I am uniquely positioned to observe and analyze the trends shaping international education today. For example, from the integration of technology in the classroom to the growing emphasis on social-emotional learning and the rise of inquiry-based approaches, international education is continuously evolving. One of the most exciting aspects of this job is the opportunity to learn from the people behind the innovative practices being implemented in schools and share these insights with our readers.
What I love most about my job as an editor is the constant learning it offers. Every article, interview, and podcast, provides a new perspective, a fresh idea, or a different approach to education. The collective wealth of knowledge within our community is humbling. Most of the contributors are not seasoned authors; many have never been published before or even attempted to write something resembling an article. They are teachers, principals, coordinators, and consultants. At TIE, we provide a space free of charge for all educators to extend their impact beyond the classroom, connect and learn from each other, and contribute to a broader dialogue that enriches the teaching profession and supports continuous growth.
It has been empowering to work alongside TIE's editorial focus of elevating the profession of teaching by sharing the incredible array of strategies, knowledge, and experiences present within our community, providing a space to amplify the voices of the underrepresented, and work towards a more inclusive environment for our students. Knowing that the work we do at TIE can influence the future of education and positively impact students' lives worldwide is a source of great pride and fulfillment. I feel a great sense of responsibility in this position. An editor just like an educator must be a guardian of integrity.
The Future of International Education
As I reflect on my journey and the trends in international education, I am filled with optimism for the future. The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities for growth and innovation. As educators, we have the power to shape the future of learning, anticipate challenges, and find solutions. Hence, whatever the future holds we will continue to grow if we learn from each other. Through my work as an editor, I am committed to highlighting issues and trends in education, this raises awareness for topics that need to be addressed. By constructive discussion and dialogue we can create a solid foundation for the future of international education. TIE will continue this work to shape the future of education to be more inclusive and accessible. We will address the integration and implementation of DEIJ policies in international schools; the ways schools are using artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom; the need for child safeguarding and teacher wellbeing; and much more…
My journey as an international educator has led me to the role of TIE Editor, which I deeply love. This love is the one I experience when reading the contributions that push me to continue hunting for more inspirational stories. Please share yours with us to help us empower you.
Empowering others is the act of lighting a fire within them, giving them the confidence and tools to rise, lead, and create change beyond their own limits.
-Shwetangna Chakrabarty
