In this week's episode, I had the honor of interviewing Kanako Suwa, who shares her life as an international educator and her journey as a third culture kid living in Japan, Taipei, and Boston. She also breaks down the nuances and complexities that she has experienced in her identity journey as a queer, multilingual Japanese woman. To learn more about Kanako's work, you can visit her website at kanakosuwa.com or follow her on Instagram (@kananovels), Twitter (@KanakoSuwa), and LinkedIn. BIO: Kanako Suwa (she/her) is a queer Third Culture Kid working as an EAL coordinator in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Originally from Japan, she uses her experiences of growing up abroad and learning English as an additional language to connect with her students. She has a bachelor ‘s degree in bilingual education and an M.Ed in international education. Kanako is also on the board of ELLSA, one of SENIA ‘s partner organisations, and hopes to build a bridge between special education and multilingual education so that students who are dual-identified can receive the support they need. She is also the creator of a self paced course on TCKs for international school teachers on the EduSpark platform. She is passionate about advocating for queer students, students of colour, TCKs, and multilingual students. Her motto as a teacher is “be who you needed when you were younger” – a belief she carries into every interaction she has with students and teachers alike. Kanako is an avid reader of young adult and new adult books and posts reviews on her Instagram (@kananovels).

In this week's episode, it was an absolute joy conversing with Joel Llaban to learn about his early upbringing in the Philippines, discovering his love for education, his life as an international educator, the state of DEIJ work in international schools, and so much more! To learn more about Joel's work, you can visit the International Schools Services website at iss.edu or follow him on Twitter (@JoelJrLLABAN) and LinkedIn. BIO: Joel Llaban is a learner and an international education leader who is committed to our collective work for the transformation of international education grounded on anti-racism and DEIJ. Prior to his current role, he was a Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and schoolwide DEIJ Lead at The International School of Kuala Lumpur. Joel has been in education for 20 years. He worked at the International School of Brussels, International School of Beijing, and Cebu International School as a classroom teacher, department coordinator, and accreditation coordinator. He has led schoolwide initiatives in curriculum, assessment, professional development, innovation. Joel has been involved in accreditation as a team evaluator during team visits representing NEASC and CIS. He leads various professional learning for international schools and organizations. Joel serves in the advisory role of the CIS Board Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Anti Racism. He is also a member of the Editorial Team of The International Educator. Joel holds a Master of Education in International Education Administration from Endicott College in Massachusetts and a Certificate of International School Leadership from The Principals Training Center. He is a proud member of  AIELOC and Diversity Collaborative. He is a dog parent to Frida, a poodle, and Asgier, a schnauzer. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

In this episode, I chat it up with award-winning podcasting duo of Chey Cheney and Pawan Wander, better known as Chey & Pav to learn about their individual educator journeys, their introduction to podcasting, how podcasting has help to elevate their teaching practice, and the release of their new book, "Amplifying Your Practice". To learn more about Chey & Pav's work, you can visit their website at cheyandpav.com or you can follow them on Instagram & Twitter (@cheyandpav). BIO: Pawan (Pav) Wander is an elementary school teacher with 15 years of experience hailing from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. Currently, she is teaching a Grade 6/7 split class, integrated with the Home School Program. Pav gratefully teaches in the same neighbourhood where she grew up and went to school, and has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be able to work with students in such a familiar community. Pav loves to teach Science and Math, and enjoys combining the two subjects into extracurricular activities that she leads with students. Pav has run programs in Robotics, Engineering and Coding at the schools where she has taught, and has loved watching students, especially females, thrive in areas of STEM. Thriving on listening to books and researching new pedagogies and themes in education, Pav loves learning about new ways of reaching and engaging with students, especially surrounding areas of podcasting, audio and video editing, as these are areas she is new to! Pav has an Honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University in Toronto, and completed her teaching certification from D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York. Fitness and athletics have always been important to Pav, and she endeavours to include as much physical activity in her day as possible! Chey Cheney Is a middle school teacher with 20 years of experience, originally from Ottawa, Ontario. He currently teaches Grade 8 in Toronto, Ontario and engages in coaching and leadership work with students in the school beyond instructional time. Passionate about ELA, Chey infuses a teaching philosophy that centres around student agency, student voice and a strong commitment to social justice. Inspired by the works of Kylene Beers, Desmond Cole and Barry Schwartz, Chey is always looking for a way to embed technology in the natural flow of learning. He actively cements a consistent dynamic that ascends from consumer, engager and creator in the learning opportunities he curates. With a vast athletic background, Chey has coached elite level sports to the most fundamental community recreation leagues. He aims to form a physical education and competitive sports culture that centres on a holistic approach dedicated to inclusion and entry points for all students to enjoy and flourish in the physical education experience. In addition to his Teachers degree Chey has a History Honours Degree, a History Teaching specialist and an Adolescent Reading Specialist. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing Shwetangna Chakrabarty to learn about her early upbringing in Bhutan and India, navigating the transient lifestyle of the international school ecosystem as an educator and mother, and so much more! To learn more about Shwetangna's work, you can visit the TIE website at tieonline.com or follow her on LinkedIn. BIO: Shwetangna Chakrabarty is an international educator, author, and proud AIELOC (Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color) member currently working in Tanzania. She has 16 years of experience teaching internationally. She has held multiple positions as an international educator; senior leadership team member, curriculum coordinator, university counsellor, capstone/research project manager, CIS/NEASC accreditation coordinator, IB examiner, IBEN programme leader, TIE/IB blogger and classroom teacher. She is an alumnus of The University of Nottingham and The University of People where she completed PGCE(I) and Master of Education (M. Ed). She holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education and Computer Application from universities in India. She is also a certified college counselor. She has toured over 60 universities across the world. She has worked in five countries spanning two continents, lived in six countries, and taught three different curricula. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

In this week's episode, I chat it up with my good friend Rama Ndiaye to learn about her educator journey, growing up in both Senegal and France, life as an African educator in the international school ecosystem, and the significant impact that AIELOC has had in her personal and professional life. To learn more about Rama's work, you can visit the AIELOC website at ⁠aieloc.org⁠. BIO: Rama Ndiaye is an elementary teacher who has been working in the international school world for a few years. As an anti-racist educator, she strives to guide her students to actively challenge and critically examine the world they live in while helping them foster the interconnectedness that unites our shared humanity. Currently, Rama serves as a Cultural Wealth & Lifelong Learning Practitioner at AIELOC. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Gary Gray Jr. to learn about his childhood in Preston, Nova Scotia, discovering his love for reading and writing, navigating life as a Black male international educator, and so much more! To learn more about Gary's work, you can visit his website at garygrayjr.com or follow him on Instagram (@garyrgrayjr), Twitter (@GaryRGrayJr), and LinkedIn. BIO: Gary R. Gray Jr. is from Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada. He is an international educator, who has taught in 5 different countries. He currently teaches 3rd Grade at the United Nations International School in Hanoi. He graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Education/Master's Education from St. Francis Xavier University. His debut picture book, I'M FROM, is illustrated by Caldecott Winner, Oge Mora. He invites you to visit his website at www.garyrgrayjr.com. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing Angeline Aow, who shared about her early upbringing in Malaysia and Australia, unpacking her identity as an Australian-Chinese migrant, life as a mother and international educator, the process of co-writing her book "Becoming a Totally Inclusive School", and much more! To learn more Angeline's work, you can visit her website at angelineaow.com or follow her on Twitter (@angeaow) and LinkedIn. BIO: Angeline Aow is an international educator, learning and development specialist, workshop leader, school evaluator and pedagogical leader. In these roles, she has worked in the Asia-Pacific, European, Middle-East and African regions. Angeline trained and taught as a primary school teacher in Sydney, Australia. She then began her international school career at Nanjing International School, China and is currently working part-time at Berlin International School, Germany, in the role of PYP Coordinator (Upper Elementary). She also serves as a part-time International Advisor (focused on Inclusion via Diversity, Equity and Anti-racism - I-DEA) with the Council of International Schools. Her experiences as a homeroom teacher, music specialist, accreditation coordinator, curriculum coordinator and professional learning and development coordinator has given her unique insights in multiple areas. A well-respected International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) educator, Angeline has been working with the programme since 2002 and been a qualified member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) since 2007. With over a decade of experience as a workshop leader she has facilitated multiple workshops on a variety of topics and categories. Her areas of expertise include written curriculum development, concept-based curriculum, promoting international mindedness, multilingual teaching and learning and more. Angeline is also an experienced school visitor for authorization and evaluation purposes for both the IB PYP and Council of International Schools (CIS). She has led visits for the PYP, and been on team visits for CIS. She has successfully led her school through complex synchronised, accreditation processes towards school improvement. In this field she has ample experience having coordinated her school through successful evaluations. Angeline also served as a school representative on the Inclusion through Diversity, Inclusivity and Antiracism (IDEA) Board Committee for CIS that was established in 2020. In March 2021, Angeline became an Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) qualified administrator. This tool helps individuals and organisations assess intercultural competence and one's ability to shift cultural perspective and appropriately adapt behaviour to cultural differences and commonalities. She strongly believes that intercultural understanding underlies mindsets and behaviours that drive the development of equitable school structures where every learner matters. Angeline launched @WomenEdDE on 8 Mar 2019. WomenEdDE is a regional network of #WomenEd that aims to support aspiring and existing women in education on their leadership journeys by organising events that connects and inspires women in education. When she is not learning about international school education she enjoys cooking, indulging as a foodie, exploring Berlin’s arts and cultural events and spending time with her two boys and husband. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

In this episode, I had a great conversation with my friend Marla Hunter Hooper, who shared about her early upbringing, her love for swimming, life as an international educator, and making the shift from teaching in the classroom to the world of academia, and much more! To learn more about Marla's work, you can visit her website at msmarlahunter.com or follow her on Twitter (@liveluvteachllc) and LinkedIn. BIO: Marla Hunter is a first-generation American with Jamaican parentage, hailing from the vibrant South. As a global education consultant specializing in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and culturally relevant teaching, her life is a blend of passion, purpose, and empowerment. From her rich heritage, I've collaborated with esteemed organizations and visionary leaders to foster inclusivity within educational spaces. Through Live.Love.Teach!, LLC, her education consulting firm, she deliver comprehensive DEI training addressing topics like unconscious bias, cultural competence, inclusive leadership, women's advancement, authentic leadership, and allyship. Together, we strive to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Beyond her professional journey, she's an avid swimmer, devoted wife, and proud dog mom. Her love for swimming and coaching empowers individuals to find their inner strength, resilience, and confidence, fostering a culture of inclusivity in the swimming community. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi, who is the founder of Altair Educational Consulting. In our conversation, Abeer goes into detail about her early upbringing in the South Side of Chicago, her passion for educational activism, the need to teach the full history of Israel's colonial occupation of Palestine in our schools, the rise of Islamophobia within our society, and so much more! To learn more about Abeer's work, you can visit her company website at altairedconsulting.com or you can follow her on Instagram (@altairedconsult) or LinkedIn. BIO: Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi is a passionate Palestinian-American educator with a career with a strong commitment to bridging cultures and fostering inclusivity, Abeer has made a significant impact in the field of education, both as a teacher and an education consultant. Abeer’s journey began as a veteran middle school social studies teacher, where she leveraged her personal experiences as a child of immigrants to connect with her students, schools, and communities. Through her dedication, she created a dynamic learning environment that inspired her students to thrive. Abeer’s expertise extends to curriculum development, as she previously served as a resource teacher in the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Social Studies. In this role, she led curriculum development efforts and provided vital support to fellow educators. She also played a pivotal role in fostering equity within the educational landscape. Abeer’s dedication to equity is exemplified through her role as an equity liaison and as the co-facilitator of an affinity group for teachers of color. Additionally, she created and facilitated a student support group that provided a safe haven for Arab and Muslim immigrant female students, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and support. She is a founder of the Arab American Educators’ Network and an active member of numerous teacher advisory groups, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Native Americans, EdLoc Culturally Responsive Social Studies Accelerator, and the National Arab American Women’s Association. Formerly the program director at Reimagining Migration, Abeer is now a full time educational consultant serving districts’ needs for social justice interventions at all levels. As a teacher educator, she has spoken at national conferences including National Council for Teachers of English, National Council for Social Studies, Association for Middle Level Educators, Welcoming America, Center for Black Male Educators, and various professional development events in various states. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Throughout her career, Abeer has collaborated with schools, cultural institutions, and publishers to develop curriculum, content, and activities that authentically represent the perspectives of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students and educators. Her work has been instrumental in creating inclusive learning experiences. In 2019, recognizing the need to provide educators with valuable resources and insights about Muslim and Arab youth, Abeer founded Altair Education Consulting. Through this endeavor, she has been offering educational materials, professional development, and engaging speaking sessions aimed at amplifying the voices and histories of Arab and Muslim American communities. Abeer has authored numerous education guides for ABRAMS Books and has shared her insights and experiences through conferences, podcasts, blogs, journals, and newsletter publications. Her goal is to continue working alongside educators to empower students to share their narratives, fostering global equity and justice. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en