Course are now being offered by request.
Please submit your interest using the form at the end of this page and we will reach out to you to discuss possibilities.
All courses are $300 per person, per course + $150 for optional university credit
Group rates may apply.
LEADING SCHOOL INNOVATION
Building Your Innovation Leadership Capacity Led by Dr. Shabbi Luthra This course is for school leaders/aspiring school leaders who want to learn how to grow their innovation capacity, through creating school innovations designed to meet the needs of their students and impact their schools. Participants will learn a systematic approach to identifying important learning opportunities and designing prototypes customized for their unique school contexts. Week 1: Understanding Disruptive Change
Week 2: Innovator’s DNA Week 3: Accelerating Successful Innovations Week 4: Essential Conditions to Sustain Innovation |
DESIGNING INSTRUCTION FOR ALL LEARNERS
Led by Dr. Carrie Elser This course will examine how educators can implement Universal Design to create classrooms that support all learners. Week 1: Understanding Universal Design
Week 2: Applying Universal Design and Engagement Week 3: Applying Universal Design Application and Representation Week 4: Considering Students with Significant Support Needs |
TEACHING & LEADING THIRD CULTURE KIDS
Led by Dr. Leigh Martin This course brings together overseas educators and parents who are interested in learning more about the unique aspects Third Culture Kids. Whether you are an experienced teacher, just starting your overseas teaching career, or raising kids overseas - this course will connect you with others in the same boat and dive deeply into best practices for teaching, leading and raising TCKs. Week 1: Unique traits of Third Culture Kids
Week 2: The Cycle of Culture Shock and Adaptations Week 3: Joys and Challenges for Leavers and Stayers Week 4: Stories from the Seats - real stories about what works, and what doesn't! |
WELLNESS FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERS & LEARNERS (W.I.L.L.) - CERTIFICATION SERIES
Let's face it, we've all been through a lot recently. Educators have risen to the occasion and cared for our students and children in unprecedented and difficult times. But who is taking care of you? As we aim to rise up above adversity, we are best equipped to care for others when we are at our best. Each course in this 7-course Wellness Series concentrates on a unique aspect of wellbeing. Each course begins with a focus on the wellbeing of the educator, then shifts the focus to that of the learners. Participants may choose to select individual courses from the menu of wellness offerings or enrol in all 7 courses as part of the W.I.L.L. certificate program.
Audience: International Educators and Leaders
Certificate: Participants who complete a minimum of 6 of the 7 courses will receive a certificate of participation, recognizing a deep devotion to leading and modeling wellness in an international school community and beyond.
University Credit: Participants may elect to earn one university credit for each course through the University of Northern Iowa.
Facilitation: All courses are in partnership with Dr. Leigh Martin and specialists in each area of wellness.
Audience: International Educators and Leaders
Certificate: Participants who complete a minimum of 6 of the 7 courses will receive a certificate of participation, recognizing a deep devotion to leading and modeling wellness in an international school community and beyond.
University Credit: Participants may elect to earn one university credit for each course through the University of Northern Iowa.
Facilitation: All courses are in partnership with Dr. Leigh Martin and specialists in each area of wellness.
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Led by Dr. Leigh Martin Course Description: We've all heard the pre-flight reminders, "In case of emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others." Simply put, you can't help others when you are out of oxygen. Yet, for the last few years educators have given of themselves in ways never imagined. This course encourages you to "secure your own oxygen mask", offering practical strategies and solutions to manage the personal emotions that often accompany international living. We will focus on leading emotional wellbeing of international educators and colleagues, before shifting our attention toward student wellness. FOCUS AREAS:
Week 1: Global Transitions Week 2: Setting Healthy Boundaries Week 3: Managing Anxiety for adults and children - guest speaker Dr. Jeff Devens |
INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS
Led by Dr. Wyatt Wilcox Course Description: In an age when the load of information and depth of division can feel overwhelming, we are challenged to find ways of processing and responding that are healthy and productive. This course presents 7 intellectual virtues as a framework for addressing this challenge as you learn to nurture personal growth, productivity, and sound decision making, as well as healthier personal and professional relationships. This course is intended for teachers and teacher-leaders who are seeking to become better thinkers and learners, and provides strategies for reinforcing those traits with students. FOCUS AREAS:
Week 1: Introduction to the 7 Intellectual Virtues, starting with Intellectual Courage Week 2: Intellectual Carefulness & Tenacity Week 3: Intellectual Fair-mindedness & Curiosity Week 4: Intellectual Honesty & Humility |
DIGITAL WELLNESS
Led by Steve Katz Course Description: We have the power to upgrade our relationship with our devices. This course offers insight and practical steps toward having a healthy relationship with technology, including managing our reputation online, and keeping private information secure. Learn about trends that affect tech usage, “untethering”, and supporting your family to manage their technology in your home. This course is intended for teachers, teacher leaders, and parents, and is focused on the digital wellbeing of adults and students. FOCUS AREAS:
Week 1: Developing a healthy relationship with technology Week 2: Digital reputation and security Week 3: Success stories and what really works |
FINANCIAL WELLNESS*
Led by Dr. Jeff Devens Course Description: Death and Taxes...Two things we can't avoid as American Expats. While the certainty of death is, well certain, there are a number of things American Expats can do to mitigate taxes. It is essential to understanding strategies for securing and preserving income after working so many years to secure it. The purpose of this three-part series is to introduce international educators to the tax planning process, as well as discuss viable options for employing tax strategies that may reduce tax expenses into retirement and allow individuals to keep more of their savings into retirement. FOCUS AREAS:
Week 1: Taxes and Tax Mitigation Considerations for Expats Week 2: Harvesting Capital Gains Week 3: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Social Security *Please note - this course content is specifically geared toward US citizens and tax structures in the US. We are working to develop an international version of this in the future. |
ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS )
Led by Laurence Myers Course Description: We often think of humanity as being somehow separate from nature. And yet, so many of us find connection and joy in it. How are individuals and the world around us connected? And how can we promote the balance we want in our educational communities through environmental wellness? In a busy world with so much to do, connecting to the environment has the potential to bring with it change in our educational communities. In this course we delve into best practices related to engaging students in doing good for the planet and themselves through connections to nature. FOCUS AREAS:
Week 1: What is Environmental Wellness and what do I have to do with it? Week 2: Environmental Wellness in our Classrooms Week 3: Creating Space for Environmental Wellness in Schools |
BULLYING & VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Led by Dr. Allen Heisterkamp Course Description: Safe and supportive school environments are fundamental to the social and emotional well-being of both students and staff. Safety and performance improve when individuals work together to confirm group agreements regarding leadership, positive social norms, active bystander behaviors, and shared responsibility. This workshop builds on the research and evidence-based practices demonstrated to reduce incidents of bullying and interpersonal harm in schools and organizations worldwide and aims to provide international school leaders and learners with the background, knowledge and application of the Spectrum of Prevention framework, as well as practical tools and strategies shown to be effective in supporting and sustaining respectful and safe learning and work environments. FOCUS AREAS:
Week 1: Spectrum of Prevention Framework and Needs Assessment Week 2: Leadership and an Active Bystander Approach to Physical and Emotional Safety Week 3: Lessons and Activities to Engage Discussions and Create Positive Change |
LEADING WELLNESS INITIATIVES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Led by Dr. Josh Symes Course Description: This short course provides an introduction for those who are looking to take purposeful action in creating greater levels of wellbeing in your school community. Wellbeing, resilience and mental health have become increasingly important concepts in schools for students, educators and the greater school community to function effectively. In this course we will draw on the theories and science of wellbeing to develop a deeper understanding of wellbeing frameworks, whole school wellbeing strategy, social and emotional learning, interventions and approaches to enable individuals to flourish. FOCUS AREAS: Week 1: Getting Started - Leading Wellness in your Community Week 2: Tools & Takeaways - Implementing Wellbeing for Immediate Action |
