AAIE 59th Annual Global Leadership CONVERSATION

LGBTQ+ Inclusion Policy Development

A Roadmap for International School Leaders

School leaders are increasingly in a position to make important, impactful decisions around LGBTQ+ matters, but may feel underprepared to do so. To build your confidence and competence in this sensitive area, please join our cohort of international school leaders for a day-long pre-conference on LGBTQ+ policy development with Dr. Emily Meadows.

Emily has worked with dozens of international schools across the world to develop sound LGBTQ+ inclusion policies, and will share her tips and tricks for success. You will leave with a stronger understanding of both the why and the how of LGBTQ+ policy, as well as communication strategy to build momentum around this work at your school.

Colleagues are strongly encouraged to participate together as school partners or teams whenever possible. Participants with any level of experience in LGBTQ+ matters are welcome, and considerations will be made for those working in contexts with limited LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

Here's what you'll gain during our day together:

• LGBTQ+ foundational concepts and terminology
• Solid rationale for establishing LGBTQ+ policy at your school
• Research-backed best practices to strengthen your school's commitments to LGBTQ+ child safeguarding
• Pragmatic strategies and concrete policy language on specifics such as: bathrooms, change rooms, pronouns, sports, and travel
• When and how to maintain privacy
• Answers to some of the most common FAQ's around LGBTQ+ inclusion in international schools
• Next steps to effectively take this inclusion work forward with your school communities

Pre-conference Date:  February 2, 2025

Registration Fee:  $350 per person

We look forward to hosting you in D.C. for this practical pre-conference on LGBTQ+ inclusion policy for international schools.

Register here.

The International School Counselor Association (ISCA) 

Cheryl Brown is the Founder and Director of ISCA. Cheryl Brown, M.A. in International Affairs and French Studies and a Certified Teacher, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Founder and Director of ISCA. With over twenty-three years of experience in international schools, Cheryl has demonstrated her passion for education through her extensive work in high school counseling across six countries: Pakistan, England, Indonesia, China, Poland, and Oman.

In addition to her background in education, Cheryl has made significant contributions to NGOs, multinational corporations, and government organizations worldwide. Her expertise includes managing policies at an educational accreditation agency, where she focused on enhancing and maintaining the standards and quality of educational programs.

Cheryl is also the co-developer and co-researcher of the International Model for School Counseling Programs, published in both 2011 and 2022. This groundbreaking work has had a lasting impact on the field, highlighting Cheryl's commitment to fostering excellence in education on a global scale.

Brooke Fezler is the Founder and Director of ISCA. Brooke Fezler, M.A. in Counseling, serves as the Founder and Director of ISCA, bringing her vast experience in international school counseling to the organization. Since 2005, Brooke has worked across five countries - Indonesia, Argentina, France, Brazil, and Spain - making a significant impact in the field of education.

Before her career in counseling, Brooke gained valuable experience working in advertising and marketing for major agencies in the United States. This background has equipped her with the skills to effectively coordinate school-wide initiatives, promoting the implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs.

As a testament to her dedication to the advancement of education, Brooke is also the co-developer and co-researcher of the International Model for School Counseling Programs, published in 2011 and 2022. Her collaborative work in this groundbreaking research demonstrates her unwavering commitment to elevating the standards and practices in school counseling on an international level.

SENIA International 

Lori Boll is the Executive Director of SENIA. Lori brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal connection to the field of Inclusive Education. Her journey began in 2003 when her son Braden was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), a pivotal moment that ignited her passion for advocating for creating more inclusive schools.

With two Masters degrees in Reading Education and Special Education, Lori has amassed over twenty-five years of teaching experience in both international and domestic settings. Her career has taken her to the American International School Riyadh, Jakarta Intercultural School, Concordia International School, Shanghai, International School Bangkok, as well as schools in Saipan, California and Colorado.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of SENIA International, Lori channels her passion into supporting the professional development of educators worldwide. Through her leadership, she continues to advocate for inclusive practices and empower educators to make a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodivergent and disabled individuals.

Andrea Lillis is the Deputy Executive Director of SENIA. Before joining SENIA, Andrea was an elementary school homeroom teacher focused on student-led inquiry in inclusive environments. Andrea enjoyed teaching in North America, the Middle East, and Asia and recently repatriated to Canada.

Andrea has a Masters in Education focused on literacy. 

In her free time, Andrea enjoys kayaking, hiking, reading, cooking, and volunteering with local animal rescues.

Collective Efficacy in Action: Supporting Neurodiverse and Diverse Learners

with ISCA and SENIA International

This pre-conference workshop, led by SENIA International and ISCA, focuses on leveraging collective efficacy to drive school improvement, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for neurodiverse students and those with diverse learning needs. Designed for school leaders, it provides strategies to enhance collaboration among leadership, learning support, counseling teams, and parents. By implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), participants will gain practical tools to create inclusive learning environments that support both academic and social-emotional development for all learners.

Key Takeaways for School Leaders:

1. Enhance Team Collaboration: Develop unified approaches to support diverse learners, aligning with MTSS and integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
2. Promote Inclusive Leadership: Implement shared leadership models and integrate UDL to create accessible learning environments.
3. Foster a Positive School Culture: Cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion, prioritizing SEL to enhance the well-being of all students.
4. Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build effective communication channels with families to support inclusive education and SEL initiatives.

Pre-conference Date: February 2, 2025

Registration Fee: $350 per person

Join SENIA and ISCA to gain practical leadership tools and techniques for fostering effective teamwork and creating truly inclusive learning environments.

Register here.