Welcome to the Voice of TIE podcast, a space for stories, insights, and conversations that uplift the profession of teaching and inspire positive change in international schools.
For nearly 40 years, The International Educator has served this community through recruitment resources and a dedication to amplifying the voices of international educators around the world.
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the middle of conflicting values in your school community, or unsure how to navigate tough conversations as an educator, this episode is for you.
In the premiere episode of The Voice of TIE podcast, host and Director of TIE, Stacy Stephens sits down with internationally respected author and educator Jennifer Abrams for a powerful, timely conversation about what it means to lead and communicate effectively in an increasingly polarized world. Jennifer brings decades of experience helping educators strengthen their "adult-to-adult" communication skills—especially in moments of tension, disagreement, and high emotion.
What makes this episode especially valuable is its relevance: Jennifer speaks directly to the real-world dynamics educators face right now—where school communities are more diverse, opinionated, and emotionally invested than ever before. With empathy and clarity, she offers practical insights for managing difficult conversations, staying grounded under pressure, and finding your voice as a leader.
You’ll also get a sneak peek at her upcoming TIE article series, which will roll out over the next few months and into the new school year, offering concrete tools and mindsets to help educators start strong and stay centered and lead through polarizing times. This isn’t just a podcast about theory, it’s about what you can do on day one to communicate with care, lead with confidence, and show up with purpose.
Whether you're a school leader or teacher this conversation will leave you with insight, encouragement, and a renewed sense of direction.
Show Notes:
Previous TIE Articles by Jennifer:
Taking Responsibility for Your Communications
Stacy Stephens is the Director of TIE.