Beyond Strategies | TIE Newsletter 4 June 2025 | The International Educator (TIE Online)

4 June 2025

Leading in Polarizing Times With Jennifer Abrams

By Stacy Stephens

In TIE’s new podcast, Jennifer offers practical insights for managing difficult conversations, staying grounded under pressure, and finding your voice as a leader... more

Integrity Over Acronyms in Upholding Inclusion

By Elmeka Henderson

In the silence, your impact still speaks. Practical ways educators can uphold belonging and inclusion when DEI language is restricted or censored… more

The Jackets I Wear

By Noriomi Cheung

A personal exploration of the confusion of belonging to multiple cultures and the discomfort of never feeling fully connected to any one identity… more

Beyond Strategies: How Counselor Training Transformed My Practice and Perspective

By Ashley Maxson

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

From Initiative Fatigue to Sustainable Change

By Jordan Benedict

Why do school initiatives fade? Implementation Science reveals how international schools can build systems that make educational change last... more

The Culture Map for Kids

By Lyn Thompson Lemaire

Help students navigate friendships, expectations, and hidden cultural norms while building understanding, resilience, and a sense of belonging in new environments... more

Redefining Our Role: Educators as Advocates for Sustainable Development

By Nickie Hansen and Megan Vosk

Empower students through solutionary thinking and SDG-focused learning, fostering agency, critical thinking, and sustainable action for global impact... more

Reimagining Education With AI: Ethics, Equity, and Transformation

By Karen Taylor

Exploring the way AI may transform education if equity, ethics, and teacher training are used to enhance learning and human connection... more

PEARLS OF WISDOM

When We Work Together

By Brendan McCabe

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

9 Schools, 1 Journey: Belonging in the In-Between

By Lianne Dominguez

I studied in nine different schools growing up. Nine uniforms. Nine first day butterflies. Nine different ways to wonder: Who am I in this place? Nine goodbyes I didn’t always know how to say. But this isn’t just a story about adaptability or grit—it’s a story about identity and finding belonging in unfamiliar places. About what it means to start again. About the space between “Where are you from?” and “Where do you feel like you belong?” I didn’t always feel like I belonged... more

Is It Ever Too Early To Learn?

By John Mikton

“She is always there. She never says no. She always has a nice voice.” A Year 3 student, when asked why she likes her home voice assistant. This moment in the classroom, with students sharing what they liked about their home voice assistants, highlighted for me why it’s never too early to start teaching digital and AI literacy in schools. In many classrooms, conversations about AI can tend to happen more in middle or secondary school. Educators often feel the tools are too complex, or the ethical discussions are too advanced for younger learners... more

Comfort Zones Closed for the Summer

By Matthew Piercy

As school winds down, are you tempted to wind down too? What if instead of settling into comfort, this summer became your launchpad for growth? Summer is the perfect time to intentionally get uncomfortable. There is a great deal of truth in the saying, “If comfort is your compass, you’ll never discover what you’re truly capable of.” For me, getting uncomfortable is to travel with groups of teens to unknown destinations. What might it be for you this summer... more

Blue Skies Leadership Podcast – Episode #14

By Dan Kerr

When crisis hits, what’s the first thing you prioritize as a leader? Devin Pratt Ed. D., AAIE Superintendent of the Year 2025, shares invaluable lessons from leading through conflict. What’s your top crisis management tip? In our latest Blue Skies Leadership episode, Daniel Mendes and I discuss navigating crisis with Dr. Devin Pratt. He emphasizes the critical role of strong relationships and community resilience... more