EduLead 2025: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

9:45am CST

Belonging at TAS: Insights from Focus Groups and the Path Moving Forward

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST

Taipei International School remains deeply committed to fostering a school community grounded in dignity and respect. Over the past two years, Dr. Gay has partnered with TAS to support and refine these efforts, working closely with faculty, staff, students, parents, and the board. During his most recent visit in October, he conducted focus groups to examine the lived experiences within the school, gathering valuable insights into TAS’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

In this workshop, Dr. Gay will present key themes that emerged from these discussions, situating them within broader trends in international schools. Participants will engage with research-based frameworks to deepen their understanding of belonging and learn strategies that support meaningful and sustained progress. Through guided conversations, they will discuss key insights, explore their implications, and consider how these findings can inform ongoing efforts at TAS. This session will provide an opportunity to connect past and present work, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering a culture where all members of the community experience a strong sense of belonging.

Speakers

Dr. Derrick Gay

Dr. Derrick Gay is a globally recognized Belonging and Intercultural Strategist, dedicated to fostering cultures of dignity and respect. With multifaceted expertise as an international speaker, author, researcher, educator, and university lecturer, Dr. Gay empowers individuals and... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Harmony Theater

Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Strategies to Address Identity-Informed Harm LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST

Harmony Theater

Most families choose international schools for their children so that they are exposed to a wide range of backgrounds, including different nationalities, languages, religions, and perspectives, fostering open-mindedness and strategically positioning students for success in a multicultural and globalized world.

However, these very identity differences are used by students as the basis for identity-informed harm and jokes, where stereotypes about someone's background become the punchline. This issue undermines the inclusive and respectful cultures of dignity and respect that international schools strive to foster.

During this interactive session, participants will explore the latest research on the specific differences students exploit to leverage power and inflict harm. They will also gain insights into the types of jokes students use to perpetuate these stereotypes. Through a detailed case study, attendees will apply Dr. Gay's DEIB Action Protocol, providing a structured framework for understanding, processing, and designing effective intervention strategies to combat these harmful behaviors and promote a more inclusive school community.

Speakers

Dr. Derrick Gay

Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Harmony Theater

Whole Community (Anyone)

1:30pm CST

Reframing Diversity as Belonging LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST

Harmony Theater

As explicit attacks on “DEI” in the United States continue to unfold, we are navigating the impact on international education, particularly through shifts in federal funding priorities and institutional commitments and the displacement of thousands of international families who work for USAID. At a time when “DEI” efforts face growing scrutiny, this is not the moment to step back, but rather to sustain and deepen this work in ways that are both strategic and sustainable. Our shared commitment to fostering inclusive communities grounded in dignity and respect, while also ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable in our international school communities, remains more critical than ever. 

In this reflective, actionable session, we will explore ways to move forward, ensuring that your school’s efforts are data-driven, aligned with long-term institutional goals, and grounded in change management best practices will be essential to upholding your school’s mission.

Speakers

Dr. Derrick Gay

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Harmony Theater

Whole Community (Anyone)

3:00pm CST

Closing Remarks LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 3:00pm - 3:20pm CST

Harmony Theater

Saturday May 10, 2025 3:00pm - 3:20pm CST
Harmony Theater