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Friday, May 9
 

7:15am CST

Registration Day 1
Friday May 9, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CST
Friday May 9, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CST

8:15am CST

Denise Pope Keynote
Friday May 9, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Guy Lott Auditorium
Friday May 9, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Guy Lott Auditorium
  Keynote

9:45am CST

Listening So Your Child will Speak & Speaking So Your Child Will Listen (Part 1)
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Middle School Library
The title of this workshop is a play on the popular book by Faber & Mazlish (1999) who called their work: How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk. In fact, the title should be reversed so that listening comes first: deep listening is the foundation for trust and for risk taking. It sets psychological safety in the environment so that children (and adults) of any age can feel seen and heard. This allows the conditions for individuals to engage in conversation and contribute thinking and ideas.  
 
Part 1 will focus on deep, active listening, a very old Chinese concept represented by the character 聽 (ting). We can signal our nonjudgmental listening through the use of paraphrasing, sending three very powerful messages: “I’m listening”, “I care”, and “I understand” (or, “I’m trying to understand”). The act of paraphrasing provides psychological safety so the speaker feels heard rather than judged.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Ochan Kusuma-Powell is co-founder and director of Education Across Frontiers, an organization that promotes teacher education towards the development of professional learning communities. A graduate of Columbia University with a doctorate in international education development, she... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Middle School Library
  Parent/Student Session

9:45am CST

Connecting Digital Citizenship to Advisory / Homeroom: A Whole-School Approach to Student Well-Being
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
One of my key takeaways from years in the field is that students are begging for help. “Don’t tell me what not to do, teach me how to deal with all of this.” is a direct quote from a student who inspired me at the beginning of my journey as a social worker in education. This session will provide practical strategies to help students cope with stress, anxiety, and social challenges—whether they stem from online interactions, academic pressure, or personal struggles. Advisory teachers will immediately understand the connection to digital citizenship and why it is important to work hand in hand with this program. They will also learn how to support students in navigating challenges with resilience and finding constructive solutions to the problems they face. 
 
Key Takeaway: 
Educators will leave with practical, discussion-based advisory tools to help students develop coping strategies, manage stress effectively, and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, reinforcing both emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. 

Speakers
avatar for Allison Ochs

Allison Ochs

Founder and Owner, Edit change management -Digital Wellbeing and Citizenship
Allison Ochs is an American-Swiss social pedagogue, author, lecturer, and consultant specializing in digital literacy and citizenship in schools and beyond. With a background in social work and education, Allison has worked with families, children, and schools in diverse capacities... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

Redesigning Learning: Foundations of Student-Centered Design (Session 1)
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2C80
This two-session workshop invites educators to reimagine their classroom practices through the powerful combination of design thinking and project-based learning. Moving beyond traditional instruction, participants will explore how intentionally designed learning experiences can transform student engagement and foster authentic belonging in school communities. The workshop bridges theory and practice, providing teachers with both conceptual frameworks and dedicated time to develop implementable units for their specific contexts. 
Session 1: Redesigning Learning: Foundations of Student-Centered Design 
In our first session, participants will explore the research-backed connections between student choice, engagement, and belonging. Through interactive activities and case studies, we'll examine how design thinking principles can be applied to curriculum development, creating learning experiences that honor diverse perspectives and learning styles. Teachers will analyze successful models that balance academic rigor with student autonomy, identifying specific strategies for implementation in their own classrooms. 
Speakers
avatar for Aparna Sundaram

Aparna Sundaram

With over 30 years of dedicated service in education, Aparna has established herself as an innovative educator, strategic leader, knowledgeable recruiter, and respected consultant. She has led curriculum initiatives focused on culturally responsive pedagogy, design thinking... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2C80
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

Stretching your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lower School Library
At this moment in time when things are ever shifting, it is critically important that we strive to develop ourselves, not just as educators, but as human beings. What can we do to be bigger and better versions of ourselves as collaborative team members and as leaders? This workshop, based on Jennifer’s new book, Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work, will introduce us to adult developmental theory and to five focused ways we can develop ourselves at work. 
We will build our skills to: 
  • know ourselves and our identities 
  • better suspend our certainty and think with greater complexity and openness 
  • take increased responsibility for our language and communications 
  • engage with reciprocity and live ‘out loud’ our belief of mutual respect for all 
  • build our resiliency and work on our emotional hygiene 
  • Consider what it means, in practice, to grow (up) – to develop our skills and capacities as lead learners in our schools. 
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Abrams

Jennifer Abrams

Communications Consultant
Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant specializing in supporting public and independent schools, universities, and non-profits. She trains and coaches educators, administrators, and other professionals on new teacher and employee support, having... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lower School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

UBD Part 1: Understanding by Design (UbD) a framework for creating a future ready curriculum
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Legacy Commons
n this introductory session, Janelle will present an overview of the UbD framework and address the following questions: 
 
  • What are the drivers and goals of a future ready curriculum? 
  • How should we design curriculum ‘backwards’? 
  • What is understanding and how does it differ from ‘knowing’? 
  • How should we design curriculum connecting students to ways of thinking, working and living in the world? 
Speakers
avatar for Janelle McGann

Janelle McGann

Janelle is a global educator with over 25 years’ experience in public and private schools in Australia, Ireland and the US. As a teacher, leader, consultant and lecturer, Janelle understands the demands of a changing educational landscape for teachers and leaders. She has a passionate... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Legacy Commons
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

Understanding Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): PART 1
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lotus Lounge
In today’s diverse classrooms, meeting the needs of all students requires proactive, structured approaches. This session introduces the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework—a whole-school approach designed to ensure every learner receives the right level of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional strategies to access curriculum. Participants will explore what MTSS is, why schools are adopting it.  We’ll engage with and unpack the core principles of tiered interventions and set the stage for exploration of the ‘how’ of MTSS in Part 2. Whether you’re new to MTSS or looking to strengthen your understanding, this session provides a foundation for effective, student-centered support.
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier is a highly regarded educational consultant, coach, and teacher trainer dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures and practices in international schools. Her consulting, Castle Corner-Redefining Access recently relocated to Portugal, leverages over 20 years of experience... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lotus Lounge
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

Unlocking Potential: Differentiation Through Universal Design for Learning
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Upper School Library
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a dynamic framework that promotes equitable access to meaningful and engaging learning experiences for all students. This workshop will explore strategies to meet our diverse learners and, foster deeper student engagement to overcome barriers to success. We will explore flexible, student-centered approaches that create inclusive classrooms where every learner can reach their full potential! 
 

Speakers
avatar for Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon is an accomplished International Educational Consultant with over 20 years of experience dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their individual pathways to excellence. She has served as Director... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Upper School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

Belonging at TAS: Insights from Focus Groups and the Path Forward LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Harmony Theater
Taipei International School continues its commitment to fostering a school community grounded in dignity and respect. Over the past two years, Dr. Gay has worked closely with TAS, engaging students, parents, faculty, staff, and the board to deepen understanding and strengthen efforts around belonging. During his most recent visit in October, he conducted focus groups to gather insights into the lived experiences within the school, identifying key strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth. 
 
In this session, Dr. Gay will share themes that emerged from these discussions, placing them within the larger context of belonging in international schools. Parents and students will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what these findings reveal about the TAS experience and how they can inform efforts moving forward. Participants will also learn about research-based strategies that support a culture of dignity and respect, fostering stronger connections within the school community. This session provides an opportunity to reflect on progress, reinforce shared commitments, and consider ways to further strengthen belonging at TAS. 

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Derrick Gay

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 →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Harmony Theater
  Whole Community (Anyone)

9:45am CST

Raising Children to Thrive in a Globalized World LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
MPR
In a world where students are being prepared for jobs that do not yet exist, to solve problems we’ve never encountered, using technologies that haven’t been invented, the question for families and educators alike becomes: How do we raise children to thrive amid uncertainty? And, more fundamentally, what does it mean to be a global citizen in today’s interconnected and often polarized world? 
 
Drawing from insights across social science, neuroscience, and emerging trends in education and technology, this session explores the timeless human capacities that will matter most in an unpredictable future. Rather than focus solely on academic achievement or technical skill, the emphasis shifts to nurturing the attributes that make us fully human: deep empathy, cross-cultural understanding, a strong sense of belonging, and the psychological safety required for creativity and risk-taking. 
 
Participants will consider how to foster these traits at home, in classrooms, and across school communities—equipping young people with the “new literacies” needed to navigate complexity, connect across difference, and contribute meaningfully to a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world. 
 
Key Takeaways: 
  • Explore the evolving definition of global citizenship and its relevance for today’s children 
  • Understand the role of empathy, identity, and belonging in shaping future-ready learners 
  • Discover how psychological safety supports resilience, creativity, and learning in young people 
  • Gain practical strategies to nurture intercultural awareness and emotional intelligence at home and at school 
  • Reflect on how families and educators can partner to support children's growth in an age of rapid change 
Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
MPR
  Whole Community (Anyone)

11:15am CST

Bridging the Digital Gap: Understanding Each Other in a Hyperconnected World LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
Have you ever felt like your parents don’t understand how important your phone is? Or, as a parent, have you wondered why a simple request to “put the screen down” leads to frustration? Families often struggle to see eye to eye on technology—not because they don’t care, but because they experience digital life in completely different ways. 
But what happens when online interactions become stressful? A message taken the wrong way, a group chat that turns mean, or a moment of thoughtless posting can create real tension at home and school. How do we handle these moments while protecting our well-being? 
This interactive session brings parents and students together to explore how we communicate online, why misunderstandings happen, and how to navigate digital conflicts in ways that strengthen—rather than harm—relationships. Through open discussion, we’ll examine how screen time, messaging, and social media affect our emotions, how to set fair boundaries, and how to build a digital culture of kindness and respect—both at home and online. 
 
Why This Matters: 
  • Parents and students often misunderstand each other’s digital behaviors, leading to screen time, online friendships, and privacy conflicts. 
  • Both sides experience digital stress, but in different ways—this session helps bridge that gap. 
 
Practical Strategies: 
  • Understanding how different generations perceive online time and the common misconceptions that cause frustration. 
  • Setting realistic screen time expectations as a family—without unnecessary conflict. 
  • Establishing clear and fair family rules for messaging and online communication. 
  • Recognizing online meanness, its emotional impact, and how families can support each other. 
  • Small, easy-to-implement well-being habits that can make a big difference in family dynamics. 
 
Key Takeaway: 
Families will leave with clear communication strategies, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of each other’s digital world—while having fun along the way. 
Speakers
avatar for Allison Ochs

Allison Ochs

Founder and Owner, Edit change management -Digital Wellbeing and Citizenship
Allison Ochs is an American-Swiss social pedagogue, author, lecturer, and consultant specializing in digital literacy and citizenship in schools and beyond. With a background in social work and education, Allison has worked with families, children, and schools in diverse capacities... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
  Parent/Student Session

11:15am CST

12 Big Questions School Must Answer to Imagine Irresistible Futures LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
MPR
This session offers a guided exploration the just-released ebook on 12 Big Questions (free download here), following the popular  9 BIG Questions Schools Must Answer to Avoid Going "Back to Normal" (*Because "Normal" Wasn't That Great to Begin With) by Tavangar and Richardson.  
 
The big questions are being used as a provocation to drive meaningful and fearless inquiry around school change and efficacy in the midst of volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous (VUCA) conditions in the world and in education. 
 
Through probing, interactive activities we will audit and explore questions such as What is Learning? Why Do We ______? Who is Unheard? and Are We OK? as well as the three new questions: What is Your Story? What is Success? and What is Your Legacy? Embarking on a systematic interrogation of key questions, our “why” becomes clearer, to unlock new “how’s” for steering schools through crisis and uncertainty. 
 
This session encourages educators and leaders to interrogate deeply held assumptions, clarify their shared purpose, and uncover pathways for designing learning environments that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to both present challenges and future possibilities. 
 
Key Takeaways: 
  • Develop a shared language and framework for school transformation using the 12 Big Questions 
  • Engage in reflective and collaborative inquiry to surface core values, assumptions, and beliefs about learning 
  • Explore how questions of identity, equity, and purpose shape student experiences and school culture 
  • Clarify your individual and collective “why” to inspire innovative “how’s” for navigating change 
  • Leave with a set of tools and protocols for facilitating continued dialogue and strategic reflection within your own teams and communities 
Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
MPR
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Developing & Assessing Psychological Safety in the Classroom LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Middle School Library
We know many reasons that psychological safety is important in the classroom: it provides an environment in which students can take intellectual risks, be creative, and engage in critical thinking. And yet, there are students who find it difficult to engage, and no matter how we might coax them, their verbal contributions to class conversations remain minimal. What might be getting in the way? How do we go about deliberately establishing an environment in which all students feel safe enough to contribute their thinking? In this workshop, we will explore ways in which teachers deliberately establish a psychologically safe space for student engagement, and how we might assess our successes.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Ochan Kusuma-Powell is co-founder and director of Education Across Frontiers, an organization that promotes teacher education towards the development of professional learning communities. A graduate of Columbia University with a doctorate in international education development, she... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Middle School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Fostering Cultures of Dignity and Respect: The Educator’s Role in Addressing Bullying and Identity-Based Harm LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Harmony Theater
Bullying and identity-based harm are pervasive challenges in international schools, impacting student well-being, academic success, and overall school climate. However, not all harm constitutes bullying. This interactive workshop introduces Dr. Gay’s Fostering Cultures of Dignity and Respect framework, equipping educators with research-based strategies to recognize, address, and prevent harmful behaviors while distinguishing between bullying, conflict, and teasing. 
 
Grounded in evidence-based approaches, this session shifts schools beyond punitive discipline toward proactive, belonging-centered practices. Through discussion, reflection, and case studies, educators will examine their role in setting norms, modeling inclusive behavior, and fostering student agency in creating a respectful school climate. Participants will explore the defining characteristics of bullying, understand how differences are used to marginalize peers, and learn interventions that mitigate and address harm. Additionally, they will gain practical strategies to build a culture where all students feel seen, valued, and safe—ensuring a school environment that prioritizes dignity, respect, and inclusion. 

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Derrick Gay

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 →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Harmony Theater
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Redesigning Learning: From Concept to Classroom (Session 2) LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2C80
This two-session workshop invites educators to reimagine their classroom practices through the powerful combination of design thinking and project-based learning. Moving beyond traditional instruction, participants will explore how intentionally designed learning experiences can transform student engagement and foster authentic belonging in school communities. The workshop bridges theory and practice, providing teachers with both conceptual frameworks and dedicated time to develop implementable units for their specific  
Session 2: Redesigning Learning: From Concept to Classroom
Building on our foundational understanding, the second session provides structured planning time for teachers to design or redesign a  unit using project-based methodology. Participants will work collaboratively to address common challenges—from assessment design to scheduling constraints—while leveraging the collective wisdom of colleagues from diverse disciplines. Teachers will leave with a framework for a unit that incorporates authentic student choice, community connections, and real-world problem-solving.
Speakers
avatar for Aparna Sundaram

Aparna Sundaram

With over 30 years of dedicated service in education, Aparna has established herself as an innovative educator, strategic leader, knowledgeable recruiter, and respected consultant. She has led curriculum initiatives focused on culturally responsive pedagogy, design thinking... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2C80
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

UbD Part 2: Designing for deeper learning LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Legacy Commons
Our students need to experience that their lives have influence; that they have power (internal locus of control); and that they can master new skills that assist them to handle future challenges. 
Janelle will present a set of practical and proven strategies and tools to help students make meaning, build deep understanding and transfer their learning into the wider world. We will explore the following questions: 
  • What is deeper learning and why is it important? 
  • What is worth learning deeply? How do we decide? 
  • Learn a process for framing curriculum for deeper learning 
  • What kinds of instruction will support students to learn deeply? 
  • Learn practical tools and strategies
Speakers
avatar for Janelle McGann

Janelle McGann

Janelle is a global educator with over 25 years’ experience in public and private schools in Australia, Ireland and the US. As a teacher, leader, consultant and lecturer, Janelle understands the demands of a changing educational landscape for teachers and leaders. She has a passionate... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Legacy Commons
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Understanding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): Part 2: From Theory to Practice LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Upper School Library
Building on the foundational principles explored in Part 1, this session takes a deeper dive into the practical application of MTSS within school communities. Participants will move beyond the "what" and "why" of MTSS to explore the "how"—how to implement, refine, and sustain a tiered support system that effectively meets the diverse needs of all learners. 
Speakers
avatar for Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon is an accomplished International Educational Consultant with over 20 years of experience dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their individual pathways to excellence. She has served as Director... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Upper School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Building Relationships - Communication Basics (All Community Session) LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Lower School Library
This foundational session is designed for all individuals interested in learning and reviewing basic communication skills that build more trust in relationships. The workshop will provide skills to change personal behaviors within one’s sphere of control that can increase trust in everyday interpersonal and group interactions. 
Participants will learn how to: 
  • Use effective non-verbal body language can increase or decrease how trustworthy others feel you are 
  • Paraphrase and listen more skillfully so others truly feel heard 
  • Ask questions that open other people’s thinking so they want to respond 
  • Offer suggestions that others want to hear and will take into consideration 
  • Praise so others will feel acknowledged 
  • Apologize so others feel better 
  • Respond more effectively to conflict and tension interpersonally and in group situations


Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Abrams

Jennifer Abrams

Communications Consultant
Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant specializing in supporting public and independent schools, universities, and non-profits. She trains and coaches educators, administrators, and other professionals on new teacher and employee support, having... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Lower School Library
  Whole Community (Anyone)

11:15am CST

Raising Remarkable Kids for Success in School & Life LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Lotus Lounge
Success in today’s world goes beyond good grades—it requires resilience, efficacy, and adaptability. This session explores concepts and strategies to help children excel academically and develop the skills they need to thrive in life. Join us for an engaging discussion on raising future-ready, remarkable children! 
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier is a highly regarded educational consultant, coach, and teacher trainer dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures and practices in international schools. Her consulting, Castle Corner-Redefining Access recently relocated to Portugal, leverages over 20 years of experience... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Lotus Lounge
  Whole Community (Anyone)

12:30pm CST

Lunch LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm CST
Friday May 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm CST

1:30pm CST

Finding Your Voice: Parents and Students as Collaborative Advocates
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2C80
In today's complex educational landscape, effective advocacy skills are essential for student well-being. This workshop brings parents and students together to explore how they can collaboratively navigate educational systems while building students' self-advocacy muscles. Through case studies, discussion and strategic planning exercises, participants will learn to identify when parent advocacy is appropriate and when stepping back allows students to develop crucial future-ready skills. Families will examine  communication frameworks for addressing concerns with educators, strategies for gradually transferring advocacy responsibilities to students, and techniques for productive dialogue when perspectives differ. The session emphasizes how thoughtful advocacy partnerships ultimately strengthen students' sense of belonging and agency.
Speakers
avatar for Aparna Sundaram

Aparna Sundaram

With over 30 years of dedicated service in education, Aparna has established herself as an innovative educator, strategic leader, knowledgeable recruiter, and respected consultant. She has led curriculum initiatives focused on culturally responsive pedagogy, design thinking... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2C80
  Parent/Student Session

1:30pm CST

Listening So Your Child will Speak & Speaking So Your Child Will Listen (Part 2) LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Middle School Library
The title of this workshop is a play on the popular book by Faber & Mazlish (1999) who called their work: How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk. In fact, the title should be reversed so that listening comes first: deep listening is the foundation for trust and for risk taking. It sets psychological safety in the environment so that children (and adults) of any age can feel seen and heard. This allows the conditions for individuals to engage in conversation and contribute thinking and ideas.  
 
Part 2 will focus on developing powerful questions that simultaneously empower and invite deeper thinking in the recipient. Unless a recipient feels truly invited to engage in thinking, they won’t, perhaps because of a fear of being judged. So, how questions are constructed to reflect an invitation, matters.  


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Ochan Kusuma-Powell is co-founder and director of Education Across Frontiers, an organization that promotes teacher education towards the development of professional learning communities. A graduate of Columbia University with a doctorate in international education development, she... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Middle School Library
  Parent/Student Session

1:30pm CST

Gen AI Wonderings?: Consider Hopes, Cautions, and Possibilities to Support Neurodiverse Learners LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lotus Lounge
This is a non-technical, open conversation for those who might be feeling curious and possibly a bit apprehensive about AI’s role in education, especially for those with neurodiverse learning profiles. We’ll unpack the recently released NFI and ISLES Position Statement on AI opportunities—focusing on the real-world tensions between hope and careful consideration. Can AI truly enhance accessibility and personalization? What are the risks of over-reliance? Through discussion, we’ll explore how to approach AI thoughtfully. Whether you’re optimistic, cautious, or simply curious, this session offers a space to reflect, question, and engage without technical jargon.

Speakers
avatar for Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier is a highly regarded educational consultant, coach, and teacher trainer dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures and practices in international schools. Her consulting, Castle Corner-Redefining Access recently relocated to Portugal, leverages over 20 years of experience... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lotus Lounge
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

Having Hard Conversations LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lower School Library
As administrators, coaches or colleagues, we often come up against situations where difficult topics must be addressed. What do we know about the best strategies for those moments? What questions should we be asking ourselves before we speak, and what environments are best for when we do speak? Based on Jennifer’s book, Having Hard Conversations, and her work with conflict and interpersonal communication, this session will provide participants with action plans and scripting tools for having those necessary hard conversations. 
Participants will learn how to: 
  • Identify why they hesitate having hard conversations 
  • Choose questions to ask themselves before they choose to speak up 
  • Articulate in professional language the challenges they are facing 
  • Determine the goals of the conversation and write an action plan of support 
  • Script the conversation avoiding trigger words that put others on the defensive 
  • Choose the best ‘wheres’ and ‘whens’ for a productive discussion 
 


Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Abrams

Jennifer Abrams

Communications Consultant
Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant specializing in supporting public and independent schools, universities, and non-profits. She trains and coaches educators, administrators, and other professionals on new teacher and employee support, having... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lower School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

Managing the Digital Shift: How Online Communication Impacts the Classroom & School Community LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
Have you ever walked into class and felt like something was off—students whispering, a shift in energy, or tension between friends—but you had no idea what had happened? In today’s world, so much of student life unfolds online, in group chats, gaming communities, and social media. What happens in these spaces doesn’t stay there—it spills over into the classroom, shaping friendships, conflicts, and overall school culture. This session will explore how online interactions influence student dynamics and how educators can foster a safe, connected learning environment that bridges the gap between digital and real-world relationships 
 
Why this matters: 
  • Students bring their online conflicts into the classroom, but educators often lack the tools to address these digital behaviors effectively. 
  • Bullying, exclusion, and miscommunication online have real consequences for school culture. 
 
Practical strategies: 
  • Identifying digital conflicts early before they disrupt classroom culture. 
  • Establishing proactive classroom norms that prevent online bullying and exclusion. 
  • Effective interventions when online meanness spills into in-person interactions. 
  • Schoolwide safeguarding approaches to ensure students feel safe both online and offline. 
 
Key Takeaway: Educators will learn specific techniques for noticing, addressing, and preventing digital conflicts while fostering a classroom culture of belonging. 
Speakers
avatar for Allison Ochs

Allison Ochs

Founder and Owner, Edit change management -Digital Wellbeing and Citizenship
Allison Ochs is an American-Swiss social pedagogue, author, lecturer, and consultant specializing in digital literacy and citizenship in schools and beyond. With a background in social work and education, Allison has worked with families, children, and schools in diverse capacities... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

UbD Part 3: Essential Questions – Opening Doors to Student Understanding LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Legacy Commons
A good essential question serves as a doorway for engaging student inquiry, helps teachers ‘uncover’ the big ideas of curriculum content and leads students to deeper understanding. We will explore critical questions including: 
  • What makes a question ‘essential’? 
  • If the content represents the ‘answers’ then what were the questions that led to content knowledge in the first place? 
  • How can Essential Questions be used to guide inquiry and deeper learning? 
Participants will learn how to craft essential questions and get examples of excellent discipline specific Essential Questions that can be used across year levels and units.
Speakers
avatar for Janelle McGann

Janelle McGann

Janelle is a global educator with over 25 years’ experience in public and private schools in Australia, Ireland and the US. As a teacher, leader, consultant and lecturer, Janelle understands the demands of a changing educational landscape for teachers and leaders. She has a passionate... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Legacy Commons
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding Ourselves & Our Global Impact LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Upper School Library
Diverse minds bring creativity, innovation, and new perspectives that shape our world in meaningful ways. This course delves into the importance of neurodiversity in schools and society, fostering a deeper appreciation for individual strengths and their role in building inclusive, globally minded communities. 
Speakers
avatar for Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon is an accomplished International Educational Consultant with over 20 years of experience dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their individual pathways to excellence. She has served as Director... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Upper School Library
  Whole Community (Anyone)

1:30pm CST

Fostering Cultures of Dignity and Respect: Creating a Safe and Inclusive School Community LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Harmony Theater
Schools thrive when students, parents, and educators work together to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe. However, not all harm is bullying, and understanding the differences between conflict, teasing, and bullying is essential. This session introduces Dr. Gay’s Fostering Cultures of Dignity and Respect framework, equipping students and parents with research-based strategies to recognize, address, and prevent harmful behaviors. Participants will gain a clear understanding of bullying—its defining characteristics of intentional harm, power imbalance, and repetition—and explore how it manifests physically, verbally, socially, and online. With the increasing role of social media in students' lives, the session will also highlight the impact of cyberbullying, including harmful messages, exclusion, and the rapid spread of rumors. 
 
The session will examine why bullying happens, unpacking the social dynamics that contribute to harmful behaviors, such as peer pressure, insecurity, group hierarchies, and bystander behavior. Students will be empowered with practical tools to respond effectively, whether experiencing bullying themselves or witnessing it happen to others. They will learn strategies to become active bystanders, safely intervene when appropriate, and seek support from trusted adults. Special attention will be given to navigating online spaces, including recognizing harmful digital behaviors, setting boundaries on social media, and knowing when to report online harassment. 


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Derrick Gay

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 →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Harmony Theater
  Whole Community (Anyone)

3:00pm CST

12 Big Questions Schools Must Answer to Create Irresistible Futures LIMITED
Friday May 9, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Guy Lott Auditorium
Based on her forthcoming 2025 book of the same name, this keynote invites educators, school leaders, and communities to take a bold stance of fearless inquiry in the face of our rapidly shifting global landscape. Designed for a world marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), this keynote offers both provocation and inspiration to help schools respond with clarity, courage, and creativity. 
 
At the heart of the keynote are twelve transformative questions—such as What is Learning? Who is Unheard? What is Your Story? and What is Success?—that challenge us to rethink the fundamental purpose, structures, and values of schooling. These questions are not theoretical; they are deeply practical entry points for reimagining learning environments that cultivate belonging, agency, and well-being for every student. 
 
As we clarify our collective “why,” we unlock new and innovative “how’s” for designing the future of education—where students don’t merely succeed by conventional standards but truly flourish. This keynote empowers participants to engage with ambiguity not as a barrier, but as an invitation to lead with intention, inclusivity, and imagination. 
Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Guy Lott Auditorium
  Keynote

4:15pm CST

Reception
Friday May 9, 2025 4:15pm - 5:45pm CST
Friday May 9, 2025 4:15pm - 5:45pm CST
 
Saturday, May 10
 

7:30am CST

Registration Day 2
Saturday May 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST
Saturday May 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST

8:15am CST

Morning Keynote Day 2
Saturday May 10, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Guy Lott Auditorium
Speakers
avatar for Rosan Bosch

Rosan Bosch

Rosan is founder and creative director of Rosan Bosch Studio. She is internationally renowned for her designs and inspiring perspectives on stimulating learning spaces.With design as a tool for innovation and change, Rosan challenges established cultures and norms. In close dialogue... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Guy Lott Auditorium
  Keynote

9:45am CST

Creating a Culture of Belonging: Defining Our Individual Pathways to Success
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Upper School Library
Success is not one-size-fits-all—each of us navigates a unique journey shaped by our experiences, identities, and strengths. This interactive workshop explores what it means to build a culture of belonging in educational and community spaces, ensuring that every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered. 
Speakers
avatar for Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon is an accomplished International Educational Consultant with over 20 years of experience dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their individual pathways to excellence. She has served as Director... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Upper School Library
  Parent/Student Session

9:45am CST

Belonging at TAS: Insights from Focus Groups and the Path Moving Forward LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Harmony Theater
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
avatar for Dr. Derrick Gay

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

9:45am CST

On Being Agentic: Cultivating Self-Directed Learners  LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lotus Lounge
What does it mean to be truly agentic in learning and life? This session explores the dimensions of agency and the key factors that empower individuals to take ownership of their learning. Participants will examine key dimensions and explore strategies to design learning experiences that cultivate efficacy, adaptability, and lifelong learning skills. If you are a learner, or facilitator of learning in others, this session is for you.  

Speakers
avatar for Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier is a highly regarded educational consultant, coach, and teacher trainer dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures and practices in international schools. Her consulting, Castle Corner-Redefining Access recently relocated to Portugal, leverages over 20 years of experience... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lotus Lounge
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

Redesigning Learning: Foundations of Student-Centered Design (Session 1: Repeat) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2C80
This two-session workshop invites educators to reimagine their classroom practices through the powerful combination of design thinking and project-based learning. Moving beyond traditional instruction, participants will explore how intentionally designed learning experiences can transform student engagement and foster authentic belonging in school communities. The workshop bridges theory and practice, providing teachers with both conceptual frameworks and dedicated time to develop implementable units for their specific contexts. 
Session 1: Redesigning Learning: Foundations of Student-Centered Design 
In our first session, participants will explore the research-backed connections between student choice, engagement, and belonging. Through interactive activities and case studies, we'll examine how design thinking principles can be applied to curriculum development, creating learning experiences that honor diverse perspectives and learning styles. Teachers will analyze successful models that balance academic rigor with student autonomy, identifying specific strategies for implementation in their own classrooms. 
Speakers
avatar for Aparna Sundaram

Aparna Sundaram

With over 30 years of dedicated service in education, Aparna has established herself as an innovative educator, strategic leader, knowledgeable recruiter, and respected consultant. She has led curriculum initiatives focused on culturally responsive pedagogy, design thinking... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2C80
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

Stretching your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work (REPEAT) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lower School Library
At this moment in time when things are ever shifting, it is critically important that we strive to develop ourselves, not just as educators, but as human beings. What can we do to be bigger and better versions of ourselves as collaborative team members and as leaders? This workshop, based on Jennifer’s new book, Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work, will introduce us to adult developmental theory and to five focused ways we can develop ourselves at work. 
We will build our skills to: 
  • know ourselves and our identities 
  • better suspend our certainty and think with greater complexity and openness 
  • take increased responsibility for our language and communications 
  • engage with reciprocity and live ‘out loud’ our belief of mutual respect for all 
  • build our resiliency and work on our emotional hygiene 
Consider what it means, in practice, to grow (up) – to develop our skills and capacities as lead learners in our schools. 


Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Abrams

Jennifer Abrams

Communications Consultant
Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant specializing in supporting public and independent schools, universities, and non-profits. She trains and coaches educators, administrators, and other professionals on new teacher and employee support, having... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Lower School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

9:45am CST

AI in Schools: The Good, The Bad & How to Set It Up for Success LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
AI is transforming education and student life in ways both exciting and deeply concerning. While it can enhance learning and creativity, it also presents serious risks—deepfakes, manipulated images, and AI-generated chatbots that exploit loneliness and vulnerability. Too often, when students fall into harmful AI-driven spaces, it’s because they feel disconnected in the real world. This session will explore how schools can take a proactive approach—helping students find the good in AI, understand its dangers, and, most importantly, build real-world belonging so they are less likely to seek unsafe connections online. 
 
Why this matters: 
  • AI is not just about ChatGPT and homework—students are facing deepfakes, body manipulation, AI-generated influencers, and romance chatbots that impact self-esteem and relationships. 
  • Schools must go beyond banning AI—developing a framework that educates and safeguards students against misinformation and AI-driven deception. 
 
Practical strategies & policy development: 
  • Creating a schoolwide AI policy that provides clarity for students, teachers, and parents. 
  • Teaching students and staff to recognize AI-generated deception, including deepfakes, AI-altered images, and algorithm-driven manipulation. 
  • Addressing AI’s influence on online relationships, including AI chatbots and romance simulators. 
  • Examining the impact of AI on mental health, particularly in body image manipulation and AI-generated influencers. 
  • Building AI literacy into advisory, media literacy, and digital citizenship programs. 
  • Educating parents on AI’s risks without fearmongering. 
 
 
Key Takeaway: School leaders will leave with a clear roadmap for AI education and policy, along with practical strategies to teach AI literacy across different roles in the school. 
Speakers
avatar for Allison Ochs

Allison Ochs

Founder and Owner, Edit change management -Digital Wellbeing and Citizenship
Allison Ochs is an American-Swiss social pedagogue, author, lecturer, and consultant specializing in digital literacy and citizenship in schools and beyond. With a background in social work and education, Allison has worked with families, children, and schools in diverse capacities... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
  Whole Community (Anyone)

9:45am CST

Deeper Dive into the Big Questions LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
MPR
Building on the themes introduced in the keynote, this interactive workshop invites participants to engage more deeply with the 12 Big Questions Schools Must Answer to Create Irresistible Futures. Together, we will unpack the power and purpose of these questions—such as What is Learning? Who is Unheard? What is Success?—and explore how they serve as catalysts for meaningful reflection, courageous dialogue, and transformative change across educational settings. 
Participants will examine how these foundational questions intersect with their own roles—whether in the classroom, in leadership, or as members of the broader school community. Through guided inquiry, collaborative protocols, and reflective practice, attendees will assess their current beliefs, identify areas of alignment or tension, and begin envisioning practical shifts that support student flourishing, foster a stronger sense of belonging, and promote more equitable systems. 
Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
MPR
  Whole Community (Anyone)

9:45am CST

The Power of Visioning LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Legacy Commons
In this introductory session for parents, participants will: 
  • identify and explore the current trends and drivers of change in education. 
  • explore potential futures 
  • create an artefact for a future focused education 
  • learn about the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework as a process for designing curriculum connecting students to ways of thinking, working and living in the world. 
Speakers
avatar for Janelle McGann

Janelle McGann

Janelle is a global educator with over 25 years’ experience in public and private schools in Australia, Ireland and the US. As a teacher, leader, consultant and lecturer, Janelle understands the demands of a changing educational landscape for teachers and leaders. She has a passionate... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am CST
Legacy Commons
  Whole Community (Anyone)

11:15am CST

Developing & Assessing Psychological Safety in the Classroom (Repeat) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Middle School Library
We know many reasons that psychological safety is important in the classroom: it provides an environment in which students can take intellectual risks, be creative, and engage in critical thinking. And yet, there are students who find it difficult to engage, and no matter how we might coax them, their verbal contributions to class conversations remain minimal. What might be getting in the way? How do we go about deliberately establishing an environment in which all students feel safe enough to contribute their thinking? In this workshop, we will explore ways in which teachers deliberately establish a psychologically safe space for student engagement, and how we might assess our successes. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Ochan Kusuma-Powell is co-founder and director of Education Across Frontiers, an organization that promotes teacher education towards the development of professional learning communities. A graduate of Columbia University with a doctorate in international education development, she... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Middle School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Leading in Transition:  What Are the New Skills, Literacies, and Dispositions for Liminal Times? LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
MPR
This session offers a guided exploration the just-released ebook on 12 Big Questions (free download here), following the popular  9 BIG Questions Schools Must Answer to Avoid Going "Back to Normal" (*Because "Normal" Wasn't That Great to Begin With) by Tavangar and Richardson.  
 
The big questions are being used as a provocation to drive meaningful and fearless inquiry around school change and efficacy in the midst of volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous (VUCA) conditions in the world and in education. 
 
 
Through probing, interactive activities we will audit and explore questions such as What is Learning? Why Do We ______? Who is Unheard? and Are We OK? as well as the three new questions: What is Your Story? What is Success? and What is Your Legacy? Embarking on a systematic interrogation of key questions, our “why” becomes clearer, to unlock new “how’s” for steering schools through crisis and uncertainty. 
 
This session encourages educators and leaders to interrogate deeply held assumptions, clarify their shared purpose, and uncover pathways for designing learning environments that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to both present challenges and future possibilities. 
 
Key Takeaways: 
  • Develop a shared language and framework for school transformation using the 12 Big Questions 
  • Engage in reflective and collaborative inquiry to surface core values, assumptions, and beliefs about learning 
  • Explore how questions of identity, equity, and purpose shape student experiences and school culture 
  • Clarify your individual and collective “why” to inspire innovative “how’s” for navigating change 
  • Leave with a set of tools and protocols for facilitating continued dialogue and strategic reflection within your own teams and communities 
Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
MPR
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Redesigning Learning: From Concept to Classroom (Session 2: Repeat) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2C80
This two-session workshop invites educators to reimagine their classroom practices through the powerful combination of design thinking and project-based learning. Moving beyond traditional instruction, participants will explore how intentionally designed learning experiences can transform student engagement and foster authentic belonging in school communities. The workshop bridges theory and practice, providing teachers with both conceptual frameworks and dedicated time to develop implementable units for their specific  
Session 2: Redesigning Learning: From Concept to Classroom
Building on our foundational understanding, the second session provides structured planning time for teachers to design or redesign a  unit using project-based methodology. Participants will work collaboratively to address common challenges—from assessment design to scheduling constraints—while leveraging the collective wisdom of colleagues from diverse disciplines. Teachers will leave with a framework for a unit that incorporates authentic student choice, community connections, and real-world problem-solving.
Speakers
avatar for Aparna Sundaram

Aparna Sundaram

With over 30 years of dedicated service in education, Aparna has established herself as an innovative educator, strategic leader, knowledgeable recruiter, and respected consultant. She has led curriculum initiatives focused on culturally responsive pedagogy, design thinking... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2C80
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Reframing Perspectives: Shifting Mental Models Through Asset-Based Language LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Upper School Library
The language we use shapes our perceptions, teaching practices, and interactions with students. This workshop explores how asset-based language can shift mindsets, fostering a more inclusive and strengths-focused approach to neurodiverse and multilingual learners. Participants will examine how mental models influence their perceptions of student abilities, learn to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, and explore strategies that empower all learners to thrive. 
Speakers
avatar for Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon is an accomplished International Educational Consultant with over 20 years of experience dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their individual pathways to excellence. She has served as Director... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Upper School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

UbD Part 4: A focus on performance LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Legacy Commons
Learn a process for developing more ‘authentic’, performance-based assessment tasks that assess student understanding and capacity to apply knowledge, integrate important thinking skills and develop student agency. 
Participants will learn: 
  • key features of authentic performance-based assessment tasks 
  • a framework for designing authentic tasks that integrate important thinking skills with academic content 
  • how to structure tasks for student choice and agency 
Speakers
avatar for Janelle McGann

Janelle McGann

Janelle is a global educator with over 25 years’ experience in public and private schools in Australia, Ireland and the US. As a teacher, leader, consultant and lecturer, Janelle understands the demands of a changing educational landscape for teachers and leaders. She has a passionate... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Legacy Commons
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Understanding Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): PART 1 (Repeat) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Lotus Lounge
In today’s diverse classrooms, meeting the needs of all students requires proactive, structured approaches. This session introduces the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework—a whole-school approach designed to ensure every learner receives the right level of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional strategies to access curriculum. Participants will explore what MTSS is, why schools are adopting it.  We’ll engage with and unpack the core principles of tiered interventions and set the stage for exploration of the ‘how’ of MTSS in Part 2. Whether you’re new to MTSS or looking to strengthen your understanding, this session provides a foundation for effective, student-centered support. 
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier is a highly regarded educational consultant, coach, and teacher trainer dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures and practices in international schools. Her consulting, Castle Corner-Redefining Access recently relocated to Portugal, leverages over 20 years of experience... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Lotus Lounge
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

11:15am CST

Managing the Digital Shift: How Online Communication Impacts the Classroom & School Community (Repeat) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
Have you ever walked into class and felt like something was off—students whispering, a shift in energy, or tension between friends—but you had no idea what had happened? In today’s world, so much of student life unfolds online, in group chats, gaming communities, and social media. What happens in these spaces doesn’t stay there—it spills over into the classroom, shaping friendships, conflicts, and overall school culture. This session will explore how online interactions influence student dynamics and how educators can foster a safe, connected learning environment that bridges the gap between digital and real-world relationships 
 
Why this matters: 
  • Students bring their online conflicts into the classroom, but educators often lack the tools to address these digital behaviors effectively. 
  • Bullying, exclusion, and miscommunication online have real consequences for school culture. 
 
Practical strategies: 
  • Identifying digital conflicts early before they disrupt classroom culture. 
  • Establishing proactive classroom norms that prevent online bullying and exclusion. 
  • Effective interventions when online meanness spills into in-person interactions. 
  • Schoolwide safeguarding approaches to ensure students feel safe both online and offline. 
 
Key Takeaway: Educators will learn specific techniques for noticing, addressing, and preventing digital conflicts while fostering a classroom culture of belonging.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Ochs

Allison Ochs

Founder and Owner, Edit change management -Digital Wellbeing and Citizenship
Allison Ochs is an American-Swiss social pedagogue, author, lecturer, and consultant specializing in digital literacy and citizenship in schools and beyond. With a background in social work and education, Allison has worked with families, children, and schools in diverse capacities... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
  Whole Community (Anyone)

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
avatar for Dr. Derrick Gay

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 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Harmony Theater
  Whole Community (Anyone)

12:30pm CST

Lunch LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm CST
Saturday May 10, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm CST

1:30pm CST

12 Big Questions School Must Answer to Imagine Irresistible Futures (REPEAT)
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
MPR
This session offers a guided exploration the just-released ebook on 12 Big Questions (free download here), following the popular  9 BIG Questions Schools Must Answer to Avoid Going "Back to Normal" (*Because "Normal" Wasn't That Great to Begin With) by Tavangar and Richardson.  
 
The big questions are being used as a provocation to drive meaningful and fearless inquiry around school change and efficacy in the midst of volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous (VUCA) conditions in the world and in education. 
 
Through probing, interactive activities we will audit and explore questions such as What is Learning? Why Do We ______? Who is Unheard? and Are We OK? as well as the three new questions: What is Your Story? What is Success? and What is Your Legacy? Embarking on a systematic interrogation of key questions, our “why” becomes clearer, to unlock new “how’s” for steering schools through crisis and uncertainty. 
 
This session encourages educators and leaders to interrogate deeply held assumptions, clarify their shared purpose, and uncover pathways for designing learning environments that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to both present challenges and future possibilities. 
 
Key Takeaways: 
  • Develop a shared language and framework for school transformation using the 12 Big Questions 
  • Engage in reflective and collaborative inquiry to surface core values, assumptions, and beliefs about learning 
  • Explore how questions of identity, equity, and purpose shape student experiences and school culture 
  • Clarify your individual and collective “why” to inspire innovative “how’s” for navigating change 
  • Leave with a set of tools and protocols for facilitating continued dialogue and strategic reflection within your own teams and communities 
Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
MPR
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

Collaboration and Leadership Skills for Team Leads, Department and Committee Chairs and Others LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lower School Library
We know how to do our jobs well and then we are appointed ‘lead’ of a group of adults. We have a credential or license to do our educational and/or clinical work yet becoming a department chair, committee head or team lead requires different set of skills. In this session participants will discuss the role of “group leader” and the skill set that goes with this new role in building collaborative and professional culture within their workplaces. 
Participants will learn how to: 
  • Increase one’s credibility in the role as chair or team lead 
  • Understand adult learning theory and how that plays out in meeting design 
  • Use non-verbal language to create an approachable or credible stance depending on the needs of the situation 
  • Listen and paraphrase effectively so others feel heard 
  • Ask questions others want to answer 
  • Provide effective feedback through praise, suggestions and requests 


Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Abrams

Jennifer Abrams

Communications Consultant
Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant specializing in supporting public and independent schools, universities, and non-profits. She trains and coaches educators, administrators, and other professionals on new teacher and employee support, having... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lower School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

DEVELOPING A KLSS CULTURE (Being Known, Loved, Safe & Successful) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Middle School Library
Organizations get the most of all members of a community when they feel known, loved, safe and successful. How might we be deliberate in designing and implementing a culture in which all stakeholders feel a sense of belonging? Among other variables, our intentions need to be specific and deliberate. Powell & Zoller (2024) have identified five for this purpose.  
 
In this session, participants will explore some of the intentions that might serve in designing a culture for inclusion, including: 
  • Embracing equity of voice 
  • Honoring and valuing cultures 
  • Being compassionate 
  • Living collective purpose 
  • Dialoguing for generativity 
Please come and explore these intentions and consider how they might apply in your own setting. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Dr. Ochan Kusuma-Powell

Ochan Kusuma-Powell is co-founder and director of Education Across Frontiers, an organization that promotes teacher education towards the development of professional learning communities. A graduate of Columbia University with a doctorate in international education development, she... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Middle School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

UBD Part 1: Understanding by Design (UbD) a framework for creating a future ready curriculum (Repeat) LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Legacy Commons
In this introductory session, Janelle will present an overview of the UbD framework and address the following questions: 
 
  • What are the drivers and goals of a future ready curriculum? 
  • How should we design curriculum ‘backwards’? 
  • What is understanding and how does it differ from ‘knowing’? 
  • How should we design curriculum connecting students to ways of thinking, working and living in the world? 
Speakers
avatar for Janelle McGann

Janelle McGann

Janelle is a global educator with over 25 years’ experience in public and private schools in Australia, Ireland and the US. As a teacher, leader, consultant and lecturer, Janelle understands the demands of a changing educational landscape for teachers and leaders. She has a passionate... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Legacy Commons
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

Understanding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): Part 2: From Theory to Practice LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Upper School Library
Building on the foundational principles explored in Part 1, this session takes a deeper dive into the practical application of MTSS within school communities. Participants will move beyond the "what" and "why" of MTSS to explore the "how"—how to implement, refine, and sustain a tiered support system that effectively meets the diverse needs of all learners. 
Speakers
avatar for Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon

Kristel Solomon is an accomplished International Educational Consultant with over 20 years of experience dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their individual pathways to excellence. She has served as Director... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Upper School Library
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

Using Student Voice & Storytelling to Navigate Digital Belonging & Online Challenges LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to engage students, whether we’re addressing digital dilemmas, social struggles, or moments of feeling left out. Students don’t just hear stories—they connect with them, remember them, and take the lessons with them long after the conversation ends. This session explores how educators can use storytelling—both their own and their students—to spark meaningful discussions, tackle complex online issues, and create a stronger sense of belonging in the classroom. 
 
Why this matters: 
  • Students face digital challenges that adults do not always see. 
  • Storytelling builds belonging—when students share their experiences, they realize they are not alone. 
 
Practical strategies: 
  • Student-led storytelling techniques to discuss digital dilemmas like exclusion, social media pressure, and online identity. 
  • Facilitating digital storytelling projects that allow students to express themselves safely. 
  • Teaching digital empathy through real student experiences. 
  • Creating safe spaces where students can talk about digital pressures openly. 
 
Key Takeaway: Educators will leave with practical tools to bring student voice into advisory, social-emotional learning, and classroom discussions, strengthening belonging through shared experience.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Ochs

Allison Ochs

Founder and Owner, Edit change management -Digital Wellbeing and Citizenship
Allison Ochs is an American-Swiss social pedagogue, author, lecturer, and consultant specializing in digital literacy and citizenship in schools and beyond. With a background in social work and education, Allison has worked with families, children, and schools in diverse capacities... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2nd Floor Tech Cube
  Teachers/Staff/Administrators Session

1:30pm CST

Navigating Identity: Building Bridges Between Home, School, Work and Self LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2C80
I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then." - Lewis Carroll,  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. 
Who are you? A simple question should invite a simple answer. But there is nothing simple about you, me, or the society in which we live, and this complexity of identity does not disappear when we go to work or school.  
This interactive workshop explores the dynamic relationship between identity development, belonging, and future success. Designed for students and adults alike, this session creates a safe space to examine how our multifaceted identities—across race, gender, class, age, ability, and more—shape our educational and work experiences and influence our interactions with others. Through structured activities and facilitated dialogue, participants will uncover how different aspects of identity become more salient depending on the environment, potentially creating both advantages and obstacles to authentic belonging.
Speakers
avatar for Aparna Sundaram

Aparna Sundaram

With over 30 years of dedicated service in education, Aparna has established herself as an innovative educator, strategic leader, knowledgeable recruiter, and respected consultant. She has led curriculum initiatives focused on culturally responsive pedagogy, design thinking... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
2C80
  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
avatar for Dr. Derrick Gay

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 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Harmony Theater
  Whole Community (Anyone)

1:30pm CST

What Might Behavior be Telling Us?  LIMITED
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lotus Lounge
All behavior communicates something, often signaling an unmet need. Our perceptions of behavior influence how we respond—and ultimately, how effective our response might be. In this engaging session, participants will explore some reasons for behavior, the role of our perceptions in understanding it, and some strategies for responding to behavior to foster positive outcomes. Join us for insights into creating supportive and effective interactions for managing behavior.  
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier

Kristen Pelletier is a highly regarded educational consultant, coach, and teacher trainer dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures and practices in international schools. Her consulting, Castle Corner-Redefining Access recently relocated to Portugal, leverages over 20 years of experience... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Lotus Lounge
  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
 
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