I was fortunate to have recently attended three professional learning workshops within a span of two weeks. I’d like to offer a reflection as well as some valuable take-aways that others might also be able to reflect upon and incorporate into their own professional journeys.

The three conferences that I attended were the EARCOS Leadership Conference in Bangkok, the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Conference at International School Bangkok, and the Next Frontier Inclusion Conversation at Hong Kong Academy. Professional learning opportunities are extremely valuable for educators as an opportunity to learn from colleagues and stay current with best practice. At conferences, such as the ones listed above, we are able to network with other educators and learn from one another what strategies and programs have worked well and which ones have been an opportunity for growth based on less than desirable results. Yes, the world of international education is competitive and most schools do everything they can to out-market competitors; however, at the core, we all want the exact same thing; to provide all students with the best possible learning environment so that they can go out and make a positive difference.

Here are a few valuable take-aways from my most recent professional learning experiences:

1. Harvey Alvy focused on school leadership and the power of personal example. Throughout this workshop, we discussed the characteristics of effective leadership and specifically the importance of having your own personal philosophy and vision of education. As I reflected upon this, I realized that as a teacher I had a philosophy of education that was written down and always ready to refer back as needed. I was reminded of how important it is for me to follow the same example as an administrator. I have already begun drafting my own vision and philosophy as an administrator that I can hang on the wall next to my computer. I want to ensure that my core beliefs and vision, in conjunction with the mission and vision of the school, are at the forefront of daily interactions, discussions, and decisions. A few of my core beliefs are: a continual focus on improving student learning and teacher instruction, building a collaborative school culture, supporting teacher leaders and future administrators, and creating positive relationships with all school stakeholders through the power of listening.

2. Next Frontier Inclusion (NFI) conference with Bill and Ochan Powell. I was able to get a better idea of how inclusive opportunities for all students is becoming increasingly popular and necessary in international schools. Adopting and creating an inclusion model within international schools can be difficult because it’s change and sometimes people are scared of change. Especially in international schools where the clientele is generally a rather homogeneous group. Making drastic changes within schools is not easy as careful consideration and planning is necessary to ensure the school community is supportive of the change and that there’s a significant amount of buy-in from key stakeholders. Our role as educators is to provide all students with the best possible education in a safe and nurturing learning environment. As I reflect upon this goal, am I doing everything I can within the context of my current school environment to service the learning needs of all students (exceptionally able learning needs as well)? What am I doing to create and support a culture of inclusion?

3. The culture of inquiry workshop with Laura Lipton. It was a good reminder for me on the importance of having specific protocols and expectations in place to ensure a culture of positive collaboration and inquiry. It is important to recognize that sometimes people confuse collaboration with coordination. Simply because people are together on an initiative, does not necessarily mean that they are working together. In order to have a spirit of inquiry and collaboration, here are a few valuable reminders:

a) Ask genuine questions, avoid quick conclusions, and develop novel solutions

b) At the beginning of a meeting, make it clear to everyone if the goal is to start dialogue/discussion or to make a decision

c) Conversations should be data-focused with sufficient triangulation

d) It is important “to have comfort with discomfort” – we need to cultivate relational trust, presume positive intentions, and maintain clear communication

e) Seeking equality within groups can ensure balanced participation and safety for all when sharing ideas and perspectives

f) Find a way to separate the idea from the individual giving the idea – based on past encounters with the person sharing, we are often inclined to think one way or another even before the idea has been shared

I continually seek out opportunities to strengthen my own professional learning through attending different workshops and networking with other administrators. My goal is to continue learning from others and strive to be the best administrator possible.