The Principals' Training Center

By Bryan Dennie
11-Mar-26

Grounded in the reminder that “somebody is learning how to be a person by watching you,” the true measure of leadership lies in the emotional imprint we leave on others... ..more

Hold Space for Others to Thrive

By Darby Sinclair
25-Feb-26

In this Pearl, Darby reveals how “holding space” transforms everyday moments into powerful leadership that helps colleagues thrive... ..more

We Can Choose How We React

By Kasey Shiver
11-Feb-26

A visualization strategy can help distinguish between minor and meaningful annoyances, clarifying which issues to carry forward and which to let go… ..more

Legitimacy Brings a Curriculum to Life

By Marzia Mauffrey
28-Jan-26

In this Pearl, Marzia reflects on how curriculum gains meaning not through authority or documentation alone, but through lived experience, culture, and community... ..more

Learn Before You Lead

By Angela Collins
14-Jan-26

Experience showed that taking time to understand hesitant teachers, parents, and mislabeled classes changes narratives and builds trust... ..more

Coaching Starts One Strength, One Shift, One Conversation at a Time

By Vickie Swann
18-Jun-25

Coaching isn't a role, it’s a mindset. Discover how asset-based conversations can empower students, teachers, and leaders to thrive... ..more

Beyond Strategies: How Counselor Training Transformed My Practice and Perspective

By Ashley Maxson
04-Jun-25

Insights into practical tools, cultural understanding, and real-world strategies to support student wellbeing, equity, and connection… ..more

How to Coach Teachers from Around the World

By Tristan Reynolds
23-Apr-25

International teachers come from around the world; that means teacher coaching has to start from a place of nonjudgmental observation and discussion... ..more

Tailoring Teacher Support: A Strategic Approach to Coaching

By Danielle van Zijl
26-Feb-25

Shifting from traditional, one-size-fits-all professional development to a more personalized, reflective approach can empower educators... ..more

Learning With Teacher Leaders: Takeaways From a Course Facilitator

By Luiz Mello
15-Jan-25

A human-centered approach, encouraging readers to consider empathy, flexibility, and continuous professional growth in navigating leadership complexities… ..more

Imperfection Is Not Failure, It’s Growth

By Teresa Araujo
10-Dec-25

Embracing imperfection is essential for authentic growth, for ourselves and for the learning communities we lead... ..more

Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

By Andrew Dutton
19-Nov-25

Thoughtful reflection helps weigh the potential benefits against the inevitable ripple effects of each choice… ..more

Empathy and Leadership

By Rafael Oscar Espinal Trejo
05-Nov-25

In this Pearl, Rafael shares a heartfelt reflection on the power of empathy in education and the importance of seeing each child as an individual before focusing on performance or outcomes... ..more

Lead With Empathy

By Craig McVicar
22-Oct-25

In this Pearl, Craig shares a powerful story about shifting from judgment to understanding as a leader… ..more

Looking After Yourself

By Jinjie Shi
08-Oct-25

Highlighting the paradox that while leaders are expected to support others' wellbeing, they frequently neglect their own... ..more

Whoever Does the Thinking Does the Learning

By Andrew Hay
24-Sep-25

Empowering teachers and leveraging collective wisdom can transform school initiatives and create a culture of shared ownership... ..more

Keep Making Changes

By Megan Geshel
10-Sep-25

In this Pearl, Megan shares the importance of pushing forward with meaningful changes even when they’re met with resistance... ..more

Reflect on Wellbeing

By Steve Petraglia
13-Aug-25

In this Pearl, Steve shares a reminder that cuts through the noise of back-to-school planning: prioritize wellbeing, both yours and your students’... ..more

As a Leader, You Don't Have to Know It All

By Brianne Sheets
16-Jul-25

In this Pearl, Brianne shares how leaning into vulnerability, not perfection, is the key to authentic leadership... ..more

Embrace the Chaos

By Nausheen Siddiqi
18-Jun-25

In this Pearl, Nausheen shares two powerful analogies to define leadership, highlighting the importance of vision, empathy, and adaptability… ..more

When We Work Together

By Brendan McCabe
04-Jun-25

In this Pearl, Brendan shares how collaboration was key to driving significant literacy gains at his school... ..more

Go Slow to Go Fast

By Courtney Carreon
21-May-25

This Pearl emphasizes the importance of thoughtful, collaborative planning... ..more

The Answer Should Never Be...

By Nicholas Pitt
07-May-25

In this Pearl, Nicholas emphasizes the importance of questioning outdated school practices and embracing fresh perspectives... ..more

People Don't Care What You Know Until...

By Clinton Olson
23-Apr-25

In this Pearl, Clinton shares how a tough teaching assignment early in his career taught him one of the most powerful lessons in education... ..more

Make Time and Pay Attention to the Details

By Lorna Mallory
09-Apr-25

In this Pearl, Lorna shares that small, thoughtful gestures can transform good relationships into excellent ones... ..more

Embrace Simplicity and Clear Communication

By John Stringer
26-Mar-25

John shares his experience simplifying an AI policy at school, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and simplicity... ..more

The Importance of Honesty and Transparency

By Yim Pheng Wong
26-Feb-25

In this Pearl, Yim emphasizes the vital role of honesty and transparency in leadership… ..more

Find Your Board of Directors

By Ema Alatini
12-Feb-25

In this Pearl, Ema shares the importance of building a "board of directors" to support and guide you throughout your leadership journey... ..more

Reflections on Teaching Essential Skills for the International School Counselor

By Heidi Mermis-Cava
12-Feb-25

Facilitating an online course for international school counselors allowed for professional growth, collaboration, and adaptive teaching strategies... ..more

Believe in the Power of Yet

By Neelu Kalro
29-Jan-25

In this Pearl, Neelu reflects on her three decades of learning, highlighting the importance of tapping into personal strength during challenging times… ..more

High-Stakes Hiring Requires High-Quality Training

By Stacy Stephens
10-Sep-25

Recruitment is one of the most powerful levers we have to shape student outcomes, strengthen school culture, and ensure long-term sustainability... ..more

Standards with Purpose - With Ginny Prairie

By Stacy Stephens
18-Jun-25

Listen to hear how the International School of Kenya is using standards not as a mandate, but as a meaningful framework for growth… ..more

What Makes Your Country My Country

By Kristen Register
24-Sep-25

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders... ..more

The Role of Professional Standards in Elevating Teaching Practices for Gen Z Learners

By Lianne Dominguez
25-Sep-24

By embracing professional standards, we don’t just teach—we inspire, empower, and shape the future for every student we serve… ..more

Learn by Doing, Learn by Caring, with Nueva School’s Lee Fertig

By Josh Reppun
08-May-24

This episode dives into the PTC’s commitment to excellence and innovation and the Nueva school, a community dedicated to learning by doing and caring… ..more

Know Yourself, Believe in Yourself, Acknowledge your Limits

By Oliver Chua
20-Nov-24

We need to take care of ourselves, be kind to ourselves, and set realistic yet impactful decisions that will make a significant change… ..more

Strive To Be a Joyous Leader

By Bryony Maxted Miller
20-Nov-24

In this Pearl, Bryony shares her story of centralizing joy as she transitioned from a classroom teacher to a leadership position... ..more

You Are a Leader If...

By Loretta Fernando Smith
06-Nov-24

In this Pearl, Loretta says, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, to do more, to be more, and to do better, then you are a leader…” ..more

Know Yourself as a Leader Before Trying to Lead

By Khaldoon Al Ababneh
23-Oct-24

This Pearl explores how self-awareness not only enhances communication but also enables leaders to inspire and support their teams more effectively... ..more

Reflect, Rest, and Reset

By Claire Febrey
09-Oct-24

In this Pearl, Claire shares her insights on the importance of self-reflection and rejuvenation and shares practical strategies for implementation... ..more

An Accidental Teacher

By Mathew Steuer
09-Oct-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders… ..more

The Value of Navigating Blind Spots

By Jenny-Lee Moore
25-Sep-24

We need to invest in seeing each other as we truly are. As diamonds hide in the dark, the true value in our teams may not be visible until we look for it… ..more

Leading by Example

By Stacey Frallicciardi
11-Sep-24

In this Pearl, Stacey reminds us of “the transformative power of leading by example”… ..more

Be Flexible if You Want To Be Successful

By David Thomas Gates
11-Sep-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders... ..more

Norms

By Pete Goodman
14-Aug-24

In this Pearl, Pete shares that it’s important to create norms that acknowledge experience while also considering the context we’re in now… ..more

Contribute Back to the Community

By Werner Paettzold
14-Aug-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders... ..more

Bring Your Authentic Selves to School

By Jacqueline Manuel
17-Jul-24

In this Pearl, Jacqueline says, “encourage people in your community to bring their authentic self to school without being judged..” ..more

Live the Culture

By Seamus Doran
17-Jul-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders... ..more

Lessons From Being Queer in Leadership: Bring Your Authentic Self to the Table

By Ange Molony
05-Jun-24

In this Pearl, Ange shares her leadership journey and what it looks like for her to show up authentically with her colleagues and students… ..more

Adjust Your Lens

By Constance Darshea Collins
19-Jun-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders… ..more

Take-Aways From the 2023/ 2024 School Year With the PTC

By Sue Easton
11-Sep-24

In the 2023/2024 school year and June/July courses, 315 schools from 89 countries, and 103 different nationalities were represented... ..more

Reflecting on Why Standards Are So Important

By Stacy Stephens
20-Nov-24

At TIE, we are not just advocating for change; we’re building the tools to make it happen... ..more

Reframe Complaints as Requests

By Ligia Diniz
19-Jun-24

To improve relationships and morale, instead of looking at somebody and assuming they were complaining, transform the complaints into requests… ..more

Connect to People From All Over the World

By Kindall Tyson
05-Jun-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders… ..more

We Are Very Much the Same Yet Unique

By Derek Harwell
22-May-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders… ..more

Give Your Students Space to be Young and Stupid

By Chris Holmquist
22-May-24

In this Pearl, Chris shares that through adventures and failure, we can learn from our mistakes. Let students fall and then help them get back up… ..more

Be Intentionally Caring and Present in Relationships

By Kustave Heino
08-May-24

In this Pearl, Kustave shares his journey and three aspects that he tries to intentionally work on to build relationships… ..more

Survey Results: A Shift in Recruitment and Job Seeking Practices

By Stacy Stephens
25-Sep-24

Results of the TIE survey “How Did You Get Your Job,” examining the changing trends… ..more

I Get To Play and To Innovate

By Ruth Herrin
08-May-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders... ..more

Lead with Kindness, Empathy, Brain Tricks

By Dina Sonbol
24-Apr-24

In this Pearl, Dina she shares how difficult conversations are better discussed when the brain is not in panic mode... ..more

Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

By Eryn Sherman
24-Apr-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders. ..more

The Plop, the Pink, the Possibilities

By Kathryn Rymarz
10-Apr-24

In this Pearl, Kathryn shares a personal experience where she discovered that there are lots of good things to learn from making mistakes… ..more

Know Yourself Better as a Human Being

By Loretta Fernando-Smith
10-Apr-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders... ..more

Through Preparedness and Trust-Based Relationships Leaders Can Do Anything

By Cindy Beals
27-Mar-24

In this Pearl, Cindy shares how the team at Percherk School International (Kyiv, Ukraine) handled the many crises they’ve faced over the past few years… ..more

It Makes the World Less Difficult to Traverse

By Mathew Steuer and Constance Darshea Collins
27-Mar-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders… ..more

Go For It

By Katherine Benson
13-Mar-24

Join us as we delve into the stories of these inspiring educators and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education across borders… ..more

Take a Deep Breath

By Joe Cloutier
13-Mar-24

In this Pearl, Joe encouragingly reminds us that “you can handle any crisis that happens at your school…” ..more

Value of Positive Narratives of Students

By Richelle Pearce
14-Feb-24

The power of the narrative not only drives vision and curriculum implementation but has the power to inspire, enthuse, and move people to action… ..more

Clarify the Purpose of Discussion

By Sally Wen
28-Feb-24

In this Pearl, Sally shares that there two ways of having dialogue: conversation to increase understanding and discussion for making the decisions... ..more

Full Circle Moment

By Cheryl-Ann Weekes
28-Feb-24

Cheryl shares how she got into international school counseling and what she loves most about being an international counselor… ..more

The Win-Win Strategy

By Ngozie Okorie
31-Jan-24

Relationships are important and valuable. When faced with certain leadership challenges, the win-win strategy is effective... ..more

Value of Relationships, Listening, and Applying Intercultural Skills

By Erika Egawa
17-Jan-24

Listening as a leader is different than listening as a friend or colleague. In this Pearl, Erika offers advice for those new to leadership… ..more

The Catalyst for Change: Why We Chose to Implement International School Standards

By Lianne Dominguez
25-Oct-23

Adopting the international school standards of practice is our collective testament to prioritizing holistic growth… ..more

Elevating Student Learning: The Impact of Standards-Based Growth and Appraisal Systems in International Schools

By Sue Easton
11-Oct-23

In the ever-evolving landscape of international education, the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning is a fundamental goal... ..more

Schools in Turkey Seek Resources From the International School Community

By Melike Ates and Arzu Özçetin
15-Feb-23

Our greatest wish is to see schools become physically, socially, and emotionally safe environments as soon as possible… ..more

What Are International School Principals Talking About?

By Bambi Betts
29-Mar-23

In our role as leaders, what do we do to address the five core questions at the heart of the daily endeavors in a school... ..more

Prioritize What Will Most Impact Learning

By David Gates
06-Dec-23

In struggling with prioritizing, “We have to prioritize the outcomes that are going to have an actual effect on student learning and teacher performance"... ..more

Leaders Don’t Always Need To Be Fixers

By Abenaa Uttenthal
22-Nov-23

What we need to do is create space for other people to step in and rise to the occasion… ..more

Pursue Your Passion

By Shanez Cabraal
08-Nov-23

In this Pearl, Shanez shares her journey following her passions, determined to become the teacher she herself had needed... ..more

Managing Change

By Flor Portocarrero
25-Oct-23

Whenever we need to drive change, consider ways to shrink the challenge, show the path, and boost the motivation narratives… ..more

Creating Belonging

By Heena Vaswani
11-Oct-23

To create an intentional sense of belonging we require creativity, strong leadership, and hard work. It’s all about working together for a common purpose… ..more

Leadership is a Practice

By Ellen King
27-Sep-23

In this pearl, Ellen shares that “growth doesn’t happen when you’re in your comfort zone”... ..more

Celebrating PTC's Season of Growth and Learning

By Sue Easton
13-Sep-23

The successful 2023 June-July Institutes underscore the pivotal role PTC plays in shaping the leaders of tomorrow's international education landscape… ..more

Build Others Up

By James Howard
13-Sep-23

In this pearl, James shares his experience with a positive leader who helped reinvigorate his energy, focus, and belief that educators can change lives… ..more

Empowering Others to Succeed

By Ana Leticia Daza
16-Aug-23

In this pearl, Ana shares the importance of having and being a strong, empowering leadership example… ..more

I'm Seen, I Matter, I Belong

By Helen Sharrock
19-Jul-23

In this Pearl, Helen shares that it’s important to “give everyone a sense of being appreciated and belonging to your school family” … ..more

Focus on the Students

By Leigh Anne Toler
21-Jun-23

In this Pearl, Leigh Anne reminds us that “we don’t work for adults. We work for kids…” ..more

Remembering Why We Teach

By Elinor Osborne
07-Jun-23

Sometimes we don’t realize how a simple interaction with a student can have such a profound effect on them… ..more

The Ratio of Empathy

By Nico Rivas
24-May-23

Nico shares a story of a student experiencing the power of empathy when a school community was willing to embrace inclusion and move toward positive change... ..more

The Stay Interview

By Tim Rogers
10-May-23

In this pearl, Tim shares practical advice for creating a culture of trust and increasing teacher retention… ..more

Efficiency and Micro Impacts

By Luiz Mello
26-Apr-23

In this pearl, Luiz offers an invitation to school leaders to “refine their systems so they become more effective but also more efficient”... ..more

I Decide, You Decide, We Decide

By Guillermo Machado
26-Apr-23

In this pearl, leaders are encouraged to ask themselves, “How much of myself is necessary in this process…and how much can I delegate and give away”… ..more

Be Transparent and Take Action

By Angela Langlands
29-Mar-23

In her Pearl, Angela encourages educators to “be the Pied Piper of the inclusivity you want to see at your school” through five simple steps… ..more

Understand, Care, and Grow Together

By Eda Go
15-Mar-23

In this Pearl, Eda encourages us to ask clarifying questions before assuming intent and inspire growth instead of reflecting on defeats… ..more

Voice of the Counselor

By Dan Chaney
15-Feb-23

In this Pearl, Dan discusses the power of voice and advocates for the role of the school counselor… ..more

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice

By Ryan Persaud
01-Feb-23

In this Pearl, Ryan encourages educators “not to be performative in your DEIJ work but to be authentic, strategic, and purposeful.”... ..more

Community Building

By Kristen Dickhaut
18-Jan-23

If you build up the people, the programs will be successful… ..more

Congratulations to the 2022 PTC Graduates

By Sue Easton
09-Nov-22

Each graduation certificate is recognized by international schools as evidence of a commitment to personal and professional growth... ..more

A Summer of Learning With the PTC

By Sue Easton
12-Oct-22

The PTC approach of intense, focused in-person learning, and relaxed, job-embedded virtual learning continues to elevate international education... ..more

From Monolingual Mindsets to The Multilingual Turn

By Dr. Virginia Rojas
17-Aug-22

A look at the policies and practices of multilingualism misaligned with current research… ..more

Be Present, Happiness Is Now

By Katherine Clemmens
07-Dec-22

Living to get through everything stops you from seeing how valuable that moment really is… ..more

Never Assume

By Clara Swinehart
23-Nov-22

Never assuming applies to our own experiences, interactions, and exchanges with our students, parents, and teachers… ..more

Creating Joy and Practicing Gratitude

By Celeste Krochak
26-Oct-22

A small mental shift can make a big impact on your ability to view life from a solid foundation of gratitude… ..more

Mental Health and Wellbeing

By Aleksandra Golder
12-Oct-22

A short reflection activity reminds us that simple moments can have a great impact on our students’ wellbeing... ..more

Looking at the Bigger Picture

By Clara Williams
14-Sep-22

We need to actively promote and demonstrate conflict solving and working with the whole community… ..more

Teaching Through Living

By Koray Öztoprak
17-Aug-22

In this Pearl, Koray encourages us to “live” what we teach, to model and practice all that we teach... ..more

Diversity, Equity, Inclusions, and Justice

By Abenaa Uttenthal
13-Jul-22

In this Pearl, Abenaa Uttenthal reflects on the Ghanian term sankofa that asks us to “go back and fetch” so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past... ..more

What Does Kindness Look Like?

By Jacqui Patrick
08-Jun-22

In this Pearl, Jacqui bravely shares her journey with the notion of kindness and the role of difficult conversations... ..more

What Are International School Principals Talking About?

By Bambi Betts
11-May-22

Amidst the complex, ever-changing landscape they navigate daily, principals and curriculum leaders have been reaching out to each other in a big way... ..more

Looking for Your Next Leadership Book?

By Kristen MacConnell
11-May-22

At the Principals’ Training Center (PTC), a group of school leaders from around the world created a “Must Read” list, sharing some of their favorite books on leadership and learning... ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: The Importance of Trust in Leadership

By Rasha Saadeldin
11-May-22

Rasha examines the quote "If you want to be trusted, be honest. If you want to be honest, be true. And if you want to be true, be who you are..." ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Positive Intent

By Stefanie Bell
27-Apr-22

Stefanie reminds us that the idea of presuming positive intent, although we have been talking about in for years, is STILL an essential ingredient for effective, productive teamwork. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Having Empathy for Those in Your School Community

By Philip Cogbill
13-Apr-22

In this Pearl, Philip reminds us of the Maya Angelou quote, “People will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Identity is Important

By Marjorana Karathanasis
30-Mar-22

In this Pearl, Marjorana shares a practical example of a strategy her school used to help teachers and leaders get focused on the importance of identity. ..more

What Are International School Principals Talking About?

By Bambi Betts
02-Mar-22

Whether they are in the world, international school principals share some very similar challenges and issues. Find out what topics are being discussed most right now... ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Applying What You’ve Learned

By Jill Stubbs
02-Mar-22

In this Pearl, Jill talks about applying the knowledge and skills you gain from professional learning opportunities like the Principals' Training Center. ..more

Principals' Training Center Announces New Director of Programs

By Bambi Betts
17-Feb-22

The Principals’ Training Center (PTC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sue Easton as the new Director of Programs commencing September 2022. ..more

Leading Learner Centered Team Meetings

By Kristen MacConnell
02-Mar-22

Leading a high functioning team that transforms learning is easier said than done. Learn about several improvement tools to ensure the team you lead is keeping learning at the center. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Connecting with Students

By Nixon Nyangaga
16-Feb-22

In this Pearl, Nixon offers sage advice, make sure your kids know you are a human! ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Bravery and Leadership

By Lural Ramirez
02-Feb-22

Lural challenges us to lead more than we manage, to be brave in the face of challenges, and particularly when it comes to the challenge of social justice. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Showing Appreciation

By Jessica Applewhite
19-Jan-22

In this Pearl, Jessica shares a practical strategy a team leader can use to help build a culture of appreciation and awareness of each others’ strengths within our team. ..more

Reflecting on My Entry Plan

By Tania Mansfield
08-Dec-21

Using the PTC Effective Leadership course as a guide, I reflect on my entry plan into a new school community with hopes of sharing my knowledge, objectives, and experience with others. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Be the Well

By Margaret Stuhan
08-Dec-21

Margaret helps us understand that, in your role as principal, your teachers need you. She offers five strategies for being the “well” and at the same time taking care of yourself. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Owning Success and Being Vulnerable

By Sylvia Johnston
24-Nov-21

In her Pearl, Sylvia says it’s important to “own your successes, share your problems, never be afraid to expose yourself in front of the staff and be vulnerable.” ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Don’t Venerate the Past, and It is OK to Not Be OK

By Heath E. Capello
10-Nov-21

Heath challenges us to be critical with our past in order to “harness lessons for the future.” He reminds us that mental health and well-being are a part of our personal and professional success. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Communicating and Avoiding Assumptions

By Nicole Ifi
27-Oct-21

In this Pearl of Wisdom, Nicole reflects on lessons learned about delegation and communication. Don’t make assumptions and always communicate thoroughly. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Being a Resilient and Purposeful Leader

By Proserpina Dhlamini-Fisher
13-Oct-21

“As leaders we need to know that the journey is not easy. We need to be resilient, hopeful, and be very clear on what our personal purpose is" ..more

The Shifting Landscape of Professional Learning

By Dr. Kristen MacConnell
15-Sep-21

As educators look forward to a new school year filled with many unknowns, learning continues to be at the heart of all conversations. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Being Deliberately Conscious

By David Miles
29-Sep-21

We must be “conscious and deliberate in all that we do... we either reinforce old narratives or contribute to the creation of newer stories.” ..more

The International Schools Podcast with Dr. Kristen MacConnell, Director of the Teacher Training Center Programs

By John Mikton and Dan Taylor
15-Sep-21

Kristen shares her experience pivoting the TTC courses to an online format. The learnings, opportunities, and pinch points of moving hundreds of educators to this new venue and approach. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Handling Overwhelming Emotions

By Sajitha Chacko
15-Sep-21

A practicing international school counselor offers a helpful, practical strategy for helping students struggling with difficult emotions. ..more

Captains Board First: Leadership Lessons

By Meghan Svenonius-Lydon
01-Sep-21

Maximizing teacher effectiveness is a vital element of improving teaching and learning. It is also one of the most challenging tasks for international teacher leaders to navigate. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: Problem Solving

By Nancy Fairburn
01-Sep-21

When a problem presents itself, and it seems to be an ongoing problem, go upstream to consider what’s the bigger issue up there. ..more

Pearls of Wisdom: A Call for Champions

By Leda Cedo
04-Aug-21

"Pearl of Wisdom" shared during the PTC summer training session by educator and leader, Leda Cedo addresses personal reflections around diversity, equity and inclusion. ..more

What Are Teachers Saying About Your School?

Have you added School Ambassadors to your TIE school account? Identify staff at your school that can answer questions potential candidates might have! ..more

Professional Learning at the PTC- in Full Bloom!

By Bambi Betts
06-Jul-21

What are nearly one thousand international school educators representing 74 nationalities doing as you are reading this? ..more

They Built It; Will You Use It? A Significant Enhancement to Virtual Recruiting!

By Chip Barder
22-Jun-21

TIE is uplifting the profession by presenting a more substantial view of what an outstanding educator looks like. Those seeking positions can now showcase their candidacy through a standards-based lens, supported by evidence of their own choosing. ..more

8 Ways to Use Teacher Standards to Boost Quality Teaching

By Bambi Betts
27-Apr-21

Professional standards are a key to boosting the quality of teaching. We rely on these standards to define the essence of the work of the profession and to ensure integrity, keeping us grounded in the best of what research can offer. So how do we leverage them fully? ..more

How Can I Show a Recruiter I Am an Effective Teacher?

By Bambi Betts
13-Apr-21

Recruiters today are looking for tangible, compelling evidence of quality teaching. PTC Director Bambi Betts outlines the standards of practice for international school teachers and how to provide compelling evidence that you meet them. ..more

International Standards for Teachers: Making a Difference to Learning

By Bambi Betts
29-Mar-21

Standards for teachers is not a new idea. Standards for teachers reflecting the unique international needs? Gathering steam. What is new? Truly using them as drivers for learning in view of keeping an outstanding teacher in every classroom every day. ..more

How Do We Know If Students Are Learning?

By Kristen MacConnell
19-Jan-21

What classroom assessment practices will contribute most to understanding and improving student learning? And what is the role of the teacher leader in supporting student learning through effective assessment practices? Here are some effective strategies and tools. ..more

The Top Three Things Teacher Leaders Should be Doing to Lead Remotely

By Bambi Betts & Kristen MacConnell
27-Jun-20

Your team needs your leadership more than ever. Here are the top three things you can be doing as you lead your team remotely. In our independent, international schools, teacher leaders are best positioned to have meaningful and lasting impact. ..more

Why We Did Not Go Virtual

By Bambi Betts, Director, Principals’ Training Center
22-May-20

After weeks of deliberation, we at the Principals' Training Center made the decision. We will not take our 28 international school professional learning “experiences” that were due to take place over a five-week period in Miami and Rome online. Impact? ..more

Learning Together in Times of Uncertainty

By Kristen MacConnell, Director of the Teacher Training Center Programs with the PTC
05-Mar-20

Due to the quickly spreading coronavirus, many schools in Asia and a growing number of schools in Europe have had to shift to short-term online learning to keep students, faculty, and families safe. Thousands of teachers are teaching online for the first time. ..more

Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve

By Bambi Betts, Director - The Principals' Training Center
05-Mar-20

What might the curriculum look like if the primary purpose of school were to prepare all learners to be of service, to make the world better for others? "Primary" being the key word that might significantly inspire movement and potential impact on learning. ..more

Navigating Leadership with Lydia Okutoro-Sack

Editor Meadow Dibble talks with Lydia Okutoro-Sack, who has just wrapped up her third year in Chennai, India teaching English to Grade 6 students. Lydia's previous position was in Kuwait, where she also taught middle school English for three years. ..more

Making Teaching Standards

Bambi Betts
06-Aug-19

It’s a firmly established fact. The single most influential factor on learning is the quality of teaching. And this begs the questions, what IS ‘quality teaching’, and what tools do we have to ensure every child in every international school gets access to quality teaching? ..more

Let’s Talk About Social- Emotional Teaching and Learning

By Sue Easton
02-May-18

Just about every day on my Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn feed, I find an article about the importance of Social and Emotional (SEL) teaching and learning in our K–12 schools. The research seems conclusive: SEL teaching and learning is not an add-on, but a vital component of a balanced K–12 curriculum to ensure student achievement and, ultimately, the development of healthy, successful citizens. ..more

PTC Celebrates Thirty Years of Learning and Leading

By Bambi Betts
04-Apr-18

Thirty years ago, the vision was simple and compelling: create practical training opportunities for practicing and aspiring principals in international schools. The PTC has stayed true to that vision over the course of three decades. ..more

The Servant Leader: A PTC Pearl of Wisdom

By Janine Stegall
19-Oct-17

A servant leader is a servant first. She enriches the lives of other individuals. She builds better organizations. A servant leader creates a more caring environment. The PTC has offered a great opportunity to develop the servant leadership attributes that I strive to embody. ..more

PTC Heads Back to Rome on Its 30th Anniversary

By Gary Worth
12-Oct-17

The Principals’ Training Center (PTC) is going back to its roots. The 2018 PTC Summer Institutes will be held in the very city where the organization held its inaugural event 30 years ago. ..more

The TTC’s NEW International EAL Certificate Program

By Gini Rojas
04-Oct-17

The time has come for international schools to distinguish between ‘inclusion’ vs. ‘immersion’ for English learners. Rather than pull out English learners for compensatory services, classroom teachers need to be positioned as teacher leaders to ensure that all classrooms are responsive learning environments for English learners. ..more

The Importance of a School's Mission

By Frédéric Bordaguibel-Labayle
09-Aug-17

At the end of the 2014-2015 school year, a small group of high school students expressed the desire to create a safe space for those who identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community and others with an interest in the topic. We didn't anticipate the controversy that this initiative would provoke. ..more

One More Perspective on Teacher Leaders

By Sue Easton
08-Jun-17

Department heads, grade-level leaders, instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, and others come to our Teacher Leader institutes asking: How do I run an effective meeting? How do I deal with teachers who don’t want to change? How do I support teachers in developing curriculum, assessment, instruction, etc. when I am not totally sure myself? ..more

The Top Five Professional Growth Areas

By Bambi Betts
24-May-17

As with all professionals, teachers and principals must continue to grow and learn. PTC and TTC, sister organizations of TIE, provide an array of professional development services to international schools, including workshops and other consulting services requested by individual schools. What are the top five professional growth areas requested by schools? We have tracked this over a decade; here is what we found for the past two years: ..more

Teacher Effectiveness and Student Learning: A Rant

By Bambi Betts
05-Apr-17

How is it possible that we still debate whether or not student learning results should be included as pivotal data in determining the effectiveness of a teacher? How is it possible that a profession would even remotely consider the idea that its bottom line (learning) would not factor in when examining the most essential ingredient (teachers) of its success? ..more

Teaching or Telling?

By Bambi Betts
25-Feb-17

I have never known a learner who was damaged when a teacher attempted to help him arrive at real understanding. On the other hand, I have known many who have been truly handicapped by teachers who interpret teaching primarily as telling. ..more

How Instructional Coaching Changed Me

By Sue Easton
25-Feb-17

Over the years, I have had a variety of mentors and coaches, just as I have played the role of mentor or coach, always informally, for many talented educators. These experiences have led me to value and be so excited about the role of instructional coach, which many international schools are now embracing. ..more

Supporting the Teacher Leader Role

By Sue Easton
26-Jan-17

Different schools approach the teacher leader role in different ways. At the TTC, we have been trying to support these current models through our Teacher Leader Institutes. We believe that all teacher leaders need basic training in organizational structures, communication, change processes, and facilitation. ..more

Why Micro-Credentialing Matters

By Sue Easton
01-Feb-17

Have you ever been to a workshop where you learned new skills but no one at your school was aware of your true professional growth? A recent Teacher Leader Institute (TLI) addressed this and other concerns by piloting the use of micro-credentials. ..more

Digital Intelligence in a Post-Truth World

By John Mikton
05-Jan-17

Information is power. This year, the pollsters, news agencies, and pundits got caught out with two big votes, and so many predictions seemed off. Our landscape of information has entered a level of Orwellian curation, and what is news, fact, or reality seems dictated by emotion and perspectives constructed from our own curated news feeds. ..more

On the Subject of “Subjects”

By Bambi Betts
07-Dec-16

Would kids learn better and retain more for longer periods if their learning came by way of an interdisciplinary approach? Are schools just stuck in a subject-based teaching model because that’s how we’ve always done things, or is this truly the better paradigm? ..more

Hal is in the Home

By John Mikton
20-Oct-16

"When I get home, I’ll ask Siri for the right answer," says a Kindergartner to her partner. "She always knows." A routine response in our classrooms? Or an important moment to understand that artificial intelligence (AI) has embedded itself in our day-to-day lives? ..more

Reflections on My First Summer With the PTC

By Sue Easton
13-Oct-16

"What makes us special?" writes Sue Easton. "That was my focus this summer—my first as Director of the Teacher Training Center (TTC). Even as a trainer, having always looked forward to heading to Miami or London each year, I knew that there was something that set it apart from other professional development opportunities. But what?" ..more

Profile of an International Educator: Philippe Caron-Audet

"At an early age I started traveling and was fascinated by the fact that people in other parts of the world live, talk and think differently. The more I traveled, the more I wanted to see, and not from the perspective of a tourist, but as a local." ..more

Sue Easton Named Director of the Teacher Training Center (TTC)

By Meadow Hilley, TIE Editor
14-Jul-16

Sue Easton has just been named Director of the Teacher Training Center (TTC) and also works with the Teacher Leader Institute (TLI). For the past five years she served as a trainer with the Principals’ Training Center (PTC). ..more

Profile of an International Educator: Erika Velez

TIE is launching a new series of international educator profiles, featuring participants of the PTC, TTC, and CTC. Meet Erika Velez, who with over a decade of experience working as a teacher and administrator overseas has a wealth of wisdom to share. ..more

Living in a GAFA World

By John Mikton
19-May-16

Welcome to the “GAFA” (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon) world. The”GAFA” world is where most of humanity’s internet users and consumers work, communicate, socialize, learn, entertain themselves, and share, in services provided by one, two, three or all four of these companies. ..more

Teacher Training Center for International Educators

By Bambi Betts
19-Feb-15

Recruiting season... a critical and careful process for every international school. And everyone is looking for that perfect teacher--the one with all the right skills, the right experience, and attention to their own professional development. ..more

Experienced Principals Summit

By Bambi Betts
28-Jan-15

Calling all experienced principals! Is your school a victim of “The Energy Vampires”? Join Kevin Bartlett and Bambi Betts in London, 12-14 July 2015. ..more

Open Registration for 2015 PTC Programs

By Bambi Betts
10-Dec-14

The Principals' Training Center has opened registration for its 2015 Summer Institutes in Miami and London (UK). The 29 programs include PTC, TTC and CTC courses, six of which have already filled. Anyone planning to take a PTC course should act quickly and register now at www.theptc.org. ..more

PTC and Beyond

By Bambi Betts
14-Oct-14

The PTC has been providing quality training for international educators for over 25 years. But it is what each participant does after leaving the comfort zone of our course that truly matters. We have learned a few things about how best to put PTC learning into practice. ..more

Admissions As Midwife

By David Willows
26-Aug-14

A group of admissions officers tries to make sense of the resounding "No" voiced by the families of new students when asked "Did your campus visit make you more likely to apply to the school?" Could all of that effort and attention truly have been for naught? ..more

The Death of Digital

By John Mikton
15-Jul-14

Our lives are so embedded within the digital realm that the two have become inseparable. I invite us to use a new set of vocabularies to frame this paradigm: Appliances, Utilities, Information Flows, Ethics, and Algorithms. ..more

Why Counseling, You Ask?

By Mary Russman
20-May-14

When I became an administrator later in my career, I thought that would mean I would stop being a counselor. Actually, I find my counseling background helps me be an even better administrator. ..more

EAL in the Mainstream: Passionate Vision or Matter of Fact?

By Virginia P. Rojas
15-Apr-14

See your English learners and their teachers for what they can do in the future, not for what they seemingly cannot do in the present. "All teachers are teachers of English learners," after all. ..more

Effective Leaders, Effective Schools: It’s a Collective Responsibility

By Lee Fertig and Sue Easton
18-Mar-14

Collectively, we have a responsibility to join the conversation about what makes an international school effective. We need deeper insight into the research, and the very design principles of our institutions. ..more

And You, on Average? Notes on a Blatant Double Standard

By Bambi Betts
18-Feb-14

Writing recommendation letters is a quintessential opportunity to help teachers better understand why the practice of averaging must be fully eliminated. ..more

Addressing Special Needs in the International School

By Barbara Parker and Kristen Pelletier
04-Feb-14

International schools are admitting students with more diverse learning needs and expectations. International school teachers need to be prepared for this diversity ..more

The Internet of Things: the Future Happened Yesterday

By John Mikton
22-Jan-14

Yes, there is the Internet of Things: a world in parallel to ours where our devices, data, algorithms, gadgets, smart phones and digital tools interconnect, communicate, and work independently of our own input or monitoring. ..more

Always Assume Positive Intent

By Jennifer Wiegman
01-Apr-15

In this Pearl, Jennifer shares a personal story about how adopting the mindset of "always assume positive intent" transformed her professional relationships... ..more