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THE PRINCIPALS' TRAINING CENTER

Saturday, 10 June 2023
Remembering Why We Teach


Remembering Why We Teach
By Elinor Osborne
Jun 2023
Sometimes we don’t realize how a simple interaction with a student can have such a profound effect on them…

The Ratio of Empathy


The Ratio of Empathy
By Nico Rivas
May 2023
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...

The Stay Interview


The Stay Interview
By Tim Rogers
May 2023
In this pearl, Tim shares practical advice for creating a culture of trust and increasing teacher retention…

Efficiency and Micro Impacts


Efficiency and Micro Impacts
By Luiz Mello
Apr 2023
In this pearl, Luiz offers an invitation to school leaders to “refine their systems so they become more effective but also more efficient”...

I Decide, You Decide, We Decide


I Decide, You Decide, We Decide
By Guillermo Machado
Apr 2023
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”…



+ 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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
By Kristen Dickhaut
18-Jan-23
If you build up the people, the programs will be successful… ..more
+ 2022
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
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
By Dr. Virginia Rojas
17-Aug-22
A look at the policies and practices of multilingualism misaligned with current research… ..more
By Katherine Clemmens
07-Dec-22
Living to get through everything stops you from seeing how valuable that moment really is… ..more
By Clara Swinehart
23-Nov-22
Never assuming applies to our own experiences, interactions, and exchanges with our students, parents, and teachers… ..more
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
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
By Clara Williams
14-Sep-22
We need to actively promote and demonstrate conflict solving and working with the whole community… ..more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
By Nixon Nyangaga
16-Feb-22
In this Pearl, Nixon offers sage advice, make sure your kids know you are a human! ..more
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
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
+ 2021
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
By Sajitha Chacko
15-Sep-21
A practicing international school counselor offers a helpful, practical strategy for helping students struggling with difficult emotions. ..more
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
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
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
Have you added School Ambassadors to your TIE school account? Identify staff at your school that can answer questions potential candidates might have! ..more
By Bambi Betts
06-Jul-21
What are nearly one thousand international school educators representing 74 nationalities doing as you are reading this? ..more
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
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
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
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
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
+ 2020
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
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
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
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
+ 2019
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
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
+ 2018
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
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
+ 2017
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
+ 2016
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
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
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
"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
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
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
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
+ 2015
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
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
+ 2014
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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





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The International Educator (TIE) is a non-profit organization committed to matching highly qualified educators with international schools around the world. For more than 30 years, TIE has been the most comprehensive service for securing a job in an international school. TIE is dedicated to advancing the highest professional teaching standards and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the international school community.

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