Practical Strategies and Personal Stories | TIE Newsletter 12 February 2025

12 February 2025

Success in international education requires cultural competence, sensitivity, and a commitment to welcoming multiple perspectives. By fostering inclusive and equitable environments, we strengthen our schools. In doing so, we prepare students to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world with fairness, kindness, and empathy, along with knowledge and understanding... more

THE VOICE OF TIE

Guide to Job Seeking in International Schools for Educators Over 50

Educators over 50 bring a wealth of experience, but also might face distinct challenges and opportunities when seeking new roles in international schools... more

The Power and Growth of Community at PSI International School, Ukraine

By Trae Holland

Despite everything, schools persist, nurturing students with the talents, compassion, and resilience to fulfill all our aspirations for a better world… more

The TCK Journey: How a Global Childhood Shapes Teaching and Parenting

By Sophie Maclang and Natasha Winnard

A reflection on multicultural upbringing, the challenges of constant relocation, and how these experiences shape teaching and parenting... more

Cultivating Togetherness in Our Learning Communities

By Nunana Nyomi

Theoretical foundations and strategies to cultivate togetherness in schools, for every voice to be valued and ensure nobody is left behind... more

A Collaborative Approach for Interdisciplinary Learning

By LeeAnne Lavender

Eleven tips for planning an interdisciplinary unit with examples from ACS Abu Dhabi’s “Quest for Green,” an engaging opportunity for meaningful action... more

EXPLORING IDENTITY

How to Fold a Paper Crane

By Reina Maei, Grade 11 student

A parallel is drawn between the art of paper folding and an evolving sense of self while navigating cultural identities and a path toward personal growth… more

Blended Learning: A Combination of Traditional and Innovative Best Practices

By Darcie Flansburg

Research and tips for creating a blended classroom with 21st century skills and traditional teaching practices... more

INNOVATING OUR EDUCATION SYSTEMS

Transcripts Inform the Future and the Past: The GCD and Flight Path Project

By Ellen Thorne, Austin Volz, Dr. Julia Higdon, and Paul Magnuson

Innovative approaches to reshaping how school achievements are reported, emphasizing holistic student growth and skills over traditional test scores... more

Reflections on Teaching Essential Skills for the International School Counselor

By Heidi Mermis-Cava

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

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Find Your Board of Directors

By Ema Alatini

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

Using Research to Transform Multilingual International School Communities

By Jon Nordmeyer and Esther Bettney Heidt

Over the past decade, a change in student populations in international schools has led to data-based solutions for supporting students and teachers... more

Learn About TIE's News and Articles

The International Educator (TIE) provides a platform that brings together the diverse voices, experiences, and knowledge of the international school community... more

Global Book Recommendations: Great Books About Nature and Taking Action

By Margriet Ruurs

Today I would like to share great books about nature: trees, animals, water and also a book for children on taking action for causes like animal rights... more

Hope and Flourish

By Shwetangna Chakrabarty

Over the past eight weeks in my new role at the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), I have been collecting listening data to help me understand the organization and its mission. In my conversations with key members of the organization and my team, two words emerged repeatedly: hope and flourish... more

Blue Skies Leadership Podcast – Episode #6

By Dan Kerr

In our latest episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Homa Tavangar, Founder & Executive Director of the Big Questions Institute. Homa challenges traditional education models and advocates for a more inquiry-based approach that ignites a passion for lifelong learning... more

Why the Truth Is Necessary and Important in an Education

By Conrad Hughes

Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement to get rid of fact checkers working for Meta is worrying. Meta owns Instagram and Instagram is very popular with younger users. This follows the trajectory of Twitter to X whereby Elon Musk disbanded Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council, which advised on content moderation and misinformation... more