When a crisis hits a school community, the emotional recovery is often the most challenging part. In this episode, we speak with Azra Pathan, the Director of Learning at The International School of Kuala Lumpur, about the vital work of healing after a crisis. Azra discusses why a leader's calm demeanor is their most important tool, how to help a community process grief and loss, and the power of building psychological safety to prepare for the unexpected.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

🗣️ "We want to make sure that... we are united in that. And, you know, the first lesson I ever learned was from a PR person, and they said, 'In the absence of information, people will make up their own story.'"

🧠 "Learning doesn't happen without that [safety]. And so jumping quickly into business as usual without the rebuilding really hinders people's abilities to move forward from whatever it is that you're recovering from."

💡 "I don't think we've gotten better at it. I think we've just learned to compartmentalize it and kind of move forward with it. The unfortunate thing about that is that it shows up in different places, in different settings, and in different contexts, and then we're surprised by it."

💖 "The one strategy that I speak about in the workshop is around dialectical thinking, like being able to frame your thinking and knowing that it's okay to hold multiple emotions at the same time."

📌 Key Insights:

⏸️ Embrace the Pause: The most critical step after a crisis is to create a deliberate "pause" to allow the community to process and grieve, rather than immediately rushing back to normal.

🛡️ Rebuild Safety First: Focus on rebuilding emotional and psychological safety within the school community before attempting to rebuild trust. A feeling of safety is a prerequisite for healing.

📣 Unify Your Message: Establish a single, reliable source for all official communications to prevent false narratives and misinformation from spreading.

✔️ Establish Proactive Protocols: Develop communication talking points, response systems, and resources for different age groups well before a crisis occurs to ensure a calm and unified reaction.

🧘 Model Self-Management: Leaders must demonstrate emotional self-awareness and practice dialectical thinking to manage their own emotions while supporting their team.

🛑 Conclusion: The human element of crisis response is not just a soft skill—it's a fundamental part of effective leadership. This episode is a powerful reminder that preparing for a crisis is only half the battle; the real work lies in guiding a community through the difficult path to recovery. Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Visit iss.edu/events to access our full library of professional learning opportunities and get the tools you need to lead with grace and confidence. Don't wait until you're in the moment—get prepared today! ✨

Leadership is most tested in times of change and crisis. In this powerful conversation, Mike P. and his co-hosts are joined by the exceptional Kathleen Naglee, an award-winning leader and author with a wealth of experience guiding schools through their most challenging moments. This episode is a roadmap for school leaders, focusing on the emotional intelligence and practical skills needed to lead with confidence, communicate with clarity, and build unshakeable trust during turbulent times.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

• "Leadership is a relationship, it's not a role." — Kathleen Naglee 🤝

• "You have to be the source of calm." — Kathleen Naglee 🧘‍♀️

• "Rebuilding trust is a time-consuming process." — Kathleen Naglee ⏳

• "It's about 'Are your actions meeting your words?'" — Kathleen Naglee ✅

📌 Key Insights:

• Build Trust from Day One: Don't wait for a crisis to build relationships. New leaders must be intentional about showing their commitment to the community through proactive, transparent actions. 🤝

• Acknowledge and Heal Together: After a crisis, people process grief and trauma differently. Leaders must provide long-term support and recognize that the healing process can take months or even years. 🫂

• Create a Proactive Communications Plan: Go "beyond the binder" by preparing specific communication templates for different scenarios. Use multi-channel approaches like SMS, social media, and school apps to ensure your message reaches everyone. 📱

• Lead with Empathy and Purpose: Your community looks to you for a sense of calm and a clear direction. Leading with emotional intelligence means understanding the "why" behind people's disengagement and making them feel seen and heard. ❤️‍🩹

🛑 Conclusion:

Leadership is tough, but you don't have to face the inevitable alone. This episode provides the clarity and confidence you need to prepare for any crisis. Ready to take the next step? Enroll in Kathleen's course, "Preparing for the Inevitable Crisis," and get a comprehensive roadmap for effective action. Don't wait until it's too late!

➡️ Visit iss.edu/events to get prepared!

➡️ Find more resources and career opportunities!

➡️ Don't forget to like and subscribe for more episodes! ✨

In this compelling two-part podcast series, host Mike Pierre sits down with visionary school leaders across Asia to unpack the evolving landscape of international education. From post-pandemic transformations to the rise of student wellness and innovation, these episodes offer a masterclass in leadership, inclusion, and resilience.

🎙️ Part 1: Trends and Triumphs in International Education

Mike speaks with Azra Pathan and Brian Lalor, two dynamic educators redefining what it means to lead in a post-COVID world. They explore how international schools are adapting to shifting demographics, financial pressures, and the need for deeper community engagement.

Key Themes:

• Inclusive Admissions & Finances: Schools are moving away from expat-only models, embracing host-country nationals and building more sustainable financial frameworks.
• Authentic Community Engagement: Initiatives like refugee teacher training and partnerships with local schools reflect a shift from outreach to mutual learning.
• Belonging & Identity: Schools are prioritizing emotional safety and cultural inclusion for students and staff alike.
• Innovative Programs: Creative efforts like the “Dormitory Challenge” foster collaboration between local and international students.

Quotes:

“One of the biggest joys of living in Asia is the diversity of experiences and cultures that come together... It's just right outside your doorstep.” – Azra Pathan 🌏✨
“International-mindedness is not a skin color, or a gender, or whatever. A child is a child.” – Brian Lalor ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
“It has really elevated the sense of community where there is more access to resources for an increase in students who speak languages other than English.” – Azra Pathan 🗣️📚

💡 Part 2: Student Wellness, Innovation, and Talent

In the second episode, Mike is joined by Richard Swann, Nathan Meisner, Chelsea Armstrong, and Yasoda Deva to explore the daily realities of students and educators in Asia. The conversation dives into neurodiversity, technology, and the evolving definition of success.

Key Themes:

• Student-Centered Support: Schools are tailoring learning to meet students where they are, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model.
• Wellness as Culture: Mental health breaks, open-campus events, and staff access to wellness facilities are becoming standard practice.
• Balanced Tech Integration: Tools like ChatGPT are introduced with intention, emphasizing thoughtful use over novelty.
• Redefining Diversity: The panel challenges traditional notions of diversity, embracing a rich mix of nationalities, abilities, and cultural heritages.
• Timeless Teaching: Classic pedagogical methods like cooperative learning are proving more effective than flashy tech in high-pressure environments.

Quotes:

“We introduced, on the first day of school, ChatGPT to our students... and we basically taught them about it from the lens that this is a tool.” – Yasoda Deva 🤖
“Technology is a tool... and like every other tool, you kind of have to learn how to use it.” – Yasoda Deva 🧠
“I’ve got grandmothers who’ve learned how to use an iPhone... if you know how to ask deep questions, if you know how to dialogue, you can do that in social media.” – Nathan Meisner 💡🗣️
“It’s just such a joyful job to have. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Getting to spend time with really amazing educators and middle schoolers every day is the best thing ever.” – Chelsea Armstrong 😊

🛑 Final Takeaway

Together, these episodes paint a vivid picture of how international schools in Asia are not just surviving change—they’re leading it. From financial innovation to wellness culture, these educators are shaping a bold, inclusive future for global education. Whether you're an aspiring school leader, a curious parent, or a passionate educator, this series offers insights that resonate far beyond the classroom.

▶️ Listen, reflect, and share this transformative conversation with your community.

Welcome to Season 9 of the ISS EDUlearn AMA podcast! 🎉

This episode features a powerful conversation with Sian Jorgensen, Director of Encompass Safeguarding, and an educator dedicated to protecting children everywhere.

With over 20 years of experience as a child abuse investigator and safeguarding leader, Sian argues that effective crisis management goes beyond security protocols. She challenges school leaders to put the child at the absolute center of every response plan. Learn why a well-rounded crisis team is crucial, how to communicate with families to build trust, and how proactive planning is the key to preventing long-term trauma. This episode is a vital guide for any educator committed to creating a truly safe and prepared school community.

💬 Key Quotes

• - "My mission is protecting children everywhere." – Sian Jorgensen 🌍

• - "I always naturally put the child and the children at the center." – Sian Jorgensen ❤️

• - "It's harder to take away trauma than it is to avoid trauma." – Sian Jorgensen 🛡️

• - "Safeguarding should run through everything at the school. It shouldn't be a little tick box add-on." – Sian Jorgensen ✅

  - "Is my child okay? Maybe that's a priority, right?" – Sian Jorgensen 👩‍👧‍👦

• - "If you can control 80% of the messaging that's going out externally, you're onto a winner." – Sian Jorgensen 📢

  🎯 Key Insights

  • Put the Child at the Center 🛡️: Effective crisis management is not just about logistics and security. A truly comprehensive plan must prioritize the well-being and needs of the children, as a poor response can lead to lifelong trauma.

  • Build a Holistic Crisis Team 🤝: Your crisis management team needs diverse perspectives. In addition to security and leadership, include a counselor or safeguarding lead who can advocate for the child's emotional and psychological needs.

  • Proactive Planning Prevents Trauma 🧠: The best time to have difficult conversations about a potential crisis is before it happens. By practicing and planning for the worst-case scenarios, a school can reduce the long-term impact on its students.

  • Mastering Communication with Parents 🗣️: During a crisis, parents have two core needs: "Is my child okay?" and "When can I see them?" Focus your messaging on these priorities, and give clear directives to prevent panic and maintain trust.

  Support Your Staff 🤗: Acknowledge that teachers who are also parents face a unique internal conflict during a crisis. A solid crisis plan must consider how to support and reassure these staff members about their own children while they are focused on the students in their care.

  ✨ Conclusion & Next Steps

  Thank you for tuning in to this powerful conversation. By embedding safeguarding into every aspect of a school's operations and planning, a community can build resilience and ensure every member feels safe and supported.

  If you found this episode inspiring and informative, please be sure to like, subscribe, and share AMA with your educator friends. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes on Season 9!🔗 Resources & Contact

  • Sian Jorgensen:

  • • Website: encompass-safeguarding.com

    • New Course: Check out Sian's new "Safe Interviewing" training, a course on how to ask the right questions to children in a safe and effective way.

  • ISS:

  • • Safeguarding & Crisis Response is available for purchase at iss.edu/events.

    • Find other virtual events, certifications, and PD resources at iss.edu/events.

  Explore career opportunities at ISS virtual and in-person job fairs.

Welcome back to Season 9 of the ISS EDUlearn AMA podcast!

🎉 In this episode, host Mike Pierre and co-hosts Dana Watts and Celiah Bunsie are joined by special guest Nadia Erlendson, an international educator and therapeutic play mentor. Nadia wholeheartedly believes in the power of empathy to navigate challenging times.

She shares invaluable insights on reframing student behavior, from "misbehavior" to a signal of unmet needs. Discover the power of "cognitive empathy," the importance of self-regulation, and Nadia's bold vision for creating consent-based school communities where every member feels supported and understood. This episode offers powerful strategies for school leaders, educators, and parents alike to foster resilience and build a truly compassionate community.

💬 Key Quotes

• "There's no such thing as misbehavior. Everything is stress behavior when we're thinking about confusing and wild behaviors." – Nadia Erlendson 🧠

• "Noncompliance is actually self-advocacy." – Nadia Erlendson 📢

• "When we meet it with softness, when we meet it with a response instead of a reaction, we minimize so much of the distrust." – Nadia Erlendson 💖

• "Crying is this massive self-regulation skill that we have." – Nadia Erlendson 💧

• "The best part about this strategy... is we don't have to be perfect, because the idea of repair exists." – Nadia Erlendson 🛠️

• "If it were my ideal world... schools should be consent-based." – Nadia Erlendson 💡

🎯 Key Insights

• Beyond Emotional Empathy 🤝: We often think of empathy in terms of emotion, but Nadia introduces the power of cognitive empathy—a skill that can be developed to understand others' perspectives, allowing us to respond with compassion without experiencing burnout.

• Redefining Behavior 🤔: Every behavior is communication. Instead of labeling confusing behaviors as "misbehavior," shift your mindset to view them as "stress behavior" that signals an unmet need, whether biological, social, or emotional.

• The Power of Softness and Regulation ✨: Responding to a child's challenging behavior with a soft, calm, and regulated approach is the most powerful way to build trust. When we react with bigger energy, we create distrust.

• Well-being Through Consent 💡: Nadia's ideal school system is consent-based. Giving students a true locus of control over their learning, even if it's just a small part, is a major factor in improving well-being and fostering a democratic, resilient community.

  A Community-Wide Framework 🌍: These principles of understanding stress and needs apply to everyone—students, staff, and leadership. Leaders can foster a more empathetic culture by helping staff identify and communicate their own stressors (like being "hangry" or overwhelmed by heat) and responding with compassion.Acknowledging Global Shifts 🌐: Nadia highlights that what feels like new instability (e.g., visa issues, travel restrictions) for Western teachers has always been a reality for people from other parts of the world. It’s crucial for the international education community to contextualize who is experiencing a shift and why, as "turbulent times" have always existed.

  
  

  ✨ Conclusion

  This episode emphasizes that by leading with empathy, we can navigate the complexities of our ever-shifting global landscape. The key is to change our perspective—seeing behavior as communication and emotional regulation as a shared skill. In doing so, we not only foster resilience in our students and school communities but also cultivate a deep, compassionate understanding for all.

  🔗 Resources & Contact

  • Nadia Erlendson:

  • • Email: nadialynn03@gmail.com

    • LinkedIn: Nadia Erlendson

    • Instagram: NLEDucation

  • ISS:

  • • Leading with Empathy in Turbulent Times is available for purchase at iss.edu/events.

    • Find other virtual events, certifications, and PD resources at iss.edu/events.

    • Explore career opportunities at ISS virtual and in-person job fairs.

You've landed in your international role and are making an impact – but how do you keep growing? In this insightful episode of the GRT Summer Series, host Mike Pierre and ISS colleagues Dana Watts, Greg Smith, and Katlyn Darling dive deep into the crucial element of professional development in international schools. Learn how to identify, access, and maximize PD opportunities both within and beyond your school to elevate your teaching, expand your horizons, and truly flourish in your global career. From strategic personal growth plans to leveraging school resources and unexpected learning avenues, this episode is packed with invaluable advice for every international educator.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

• "You have to be the captain of your own ship. You have to know what it is that you're doing, and as you're developing your professional learning plans... it has to reflect your journey." – Katlyn Darling 🚢

• "The more you can professionally enhance and develop your individual teachers, the more likely they're going to stay. And that's really good for you. So it can be really a great part of your attraction and retention strategy." – Greg Smith 💼

• "Teachers need access to be able to take a course or on demand when they need it... Having access to PD is just incredibly important." – Dana Watts 💡

• "I learned about that widget from a school administrator... and I'm taking it, and I'm putting it into my instructional practice right away." – Katlyn Darling 🧠

• "If you don't apply it yourself within 48 hours, it's basically gone." – Greg Smith ⏳

• "The second you tell someone else, or you teach something else that you learn to someone else, it just sticks, and that's so helpful." – Dana Watts 🗣️

📌 Key Insights:

• Be the Captain of Your Own PD Journey: 🧭 While schools offer support, international educators must take ownership of their professional development. Chart a course that aligns with your personal growth goals and career trajectory.

• Schools' Evolving Approach to PD: 🎯 Gone are the days of a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Good international schools now offer voice and choice, providing stipends or direct access to diverse PD to meet individual growth needs.

• PD as a Retention Strategy: 🤝 For school leaders, investing in teacher PD is a key strategy for attracting and retaining high-quality staff, fostering professional efficacy, and ensuring consistent baseline quality across the school.

• Maximize Every PD Opportunity (The 48-Hour Rule!): ⏱️

• • Engage Actively: Take notes (handwritten can aid focus and recall!), and observe not just content but also presentation styles and facilitation techniques.

  • Apply Quickly: Greg Smith's "rule of 48" suggests applying what you learn within 48 hours, or the opportunity dissipates. Find a way to try it or share it with a colleague to solidify the learning.

• Beyond Formal Workshops: Diverse PD Avenues:

• • Regional & Local Conferences: ✈️ Attend larger regional events, but also seek out smaller, local conferences (e.g., those hosted by local universities). These offer unique networking opportunities with diverse educators, including those from local schools.

  • Accreditation Teams: Joining an accreditation visit to another school is a powerful learning experience and a significant pathway to leadership, offering insights into different school operations.

  • Networking: Connecting with peers in similar roles globally is invaluable. These informal connections can provide real-time solutions and support.

  • Online Platforms: Utilize on-demand platforms (like the ISS EduLearn Passport) for flexible, accessible learning that allows you to address specific "holes in your learning" precisely when you need it.

• Equity in PD Access: 🌍 A crucial shift in international schools is providing equitable access to professional learning for all staff, including non-teaching staff and local hires. These individuals are the "glue" of the school, and their growth benefits the entire learning community.

You've landed the international school job! 🎉 This "Grit Summer Series" episode, with Mike Pierre, Dana Watts, Greg Smith, Joel Jr. LLABAN, and Katlyn Darling, unpacks the practicalities, cultural nuances, and emotional journey of transitioning well into a new international role. Get invaluable advice on pre-departure paperwork, expat life, well-being, and building community to truly thrive in your new global home 🌍.

💬 Key Quotes

• "The sheer quality of friendships... you end up finding friends for a lifetime." – Dana Watts 💖

• "You just need to trust the process." – Greg Smith ⏰

• "Be quiet. Learn the customs... if you're constantly referring to your old school, people tend to think that it is, you feel like that was a better school." – Dana Watts 🤫

• "Expect the roller coaster, and it's so incredibly well worth it." – Dana Watts 🎢

• "Bring a painting, or a picture, or something that you feel grounded to your to your country... and bring a bottle opener." – Greg Smith 🖼️🍾

📌 Key Insights

• Document Everything (Digitally & Physically!) 🗄️: Digitize all certificates, but remember many countries require original, unlaminated documents, including police clearances. Start early!

• Embrace the New, Release the Old 💡: Avoid constant comparisons; adapting fosters trust and quicker integration into your new community.

• Prioritize Family & Dependent Transition 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Actively help children/partners transition emotionally and socially by leveraging school counselors and maintaining familiar traditions.

• Cultivate Community Beyond School 🤝: Proactively seek social groups outside of work; a well-rounded social life is crucial for well-being.

• Communicate & Utilize School Support 🤗: Speak up if struggling; schools have robust onboarding and buddy systems to help you thrive.

• Anticipate the Emotional Rollercoaster 🎢: Expect normal moments of homesickness or feeling "in a funk"—it's part of the international transition.

• Personal Grounding & Familiarity 🏡: Bring personally meaningful items that connect you to home for emotional stability.

• School Leaders' Responsibility in Transition 🏫: Leaders must proactively anticipate new recruits' needs throughout their first year, designing comprehensive support systems.

🛑 Conclusion

Transitioning to an international school is dynamic. Success hinges on both your proactive approach (preparation, adaptation, self-care) and strong school support. Embrace the "rollercoaster" to ensure a successful and deeply enriching experience abroad 🌟.