S5, E116  Temisha Willis shares her extensive journey in education, spanning nearly three decades, and her transition to international teaching. From her beginnings in Cleveland, Ohio, to her experiences in Shanghai, China, Temisha discusses the motivations behind her decision to teach abroad, the challenges she faced in the international job market, and the preparations required for her upcoming move to Vietnam. ​

S5, E102 - This episode features Greg Larmouth from Newcastle, UK, who works in the International Teacher Training team at the University of Sunderland. They explore the concept of the Postgraduate Certificate of Education International (PGCEi) and International Qualified Teacher Status (IQTS) and its benefits for teachers looking to work abroad. They also touch on the British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation and the recognition of the PGCEi and IQTS in different countries.

Greg Larmouth discusses the support and supervision provided to trainee teachers in the University of Sunderland's international teaching program. He mentions the requirement for schools to provide mentors and the role of professional practice tutors who observe trainee teachers. Greg also shares his experiences visiting schools in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Muscat. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the practical aspects of the teacher training program, including the role of classroom experience and portfolio building. Greg also talks about his podcast, SUNRAE, which features research and experiences of trainee teachers.

SunRAE Podcast Link - https://wp.sunderland.ac.uk/sunrae/podcast/

S5, E101 - Dr. Hayley Watson, a clinical psychologist, discusses the importance of mental health education in schools and how to support students in developing mental health skills. She emphasizes the need for a whole-school approach, where mental health programs are implemented for all students, not just those who are struggling. Dr. Watson provides strategies for teachers to validate students' feelings, empower them to find solutions, and follow up with them after a difficult situation. She also introduces her book, 'Finding the Words,' which offers practical guidance and real-life dialogues to help teachers navigate challenging conversations with students.

In this conversation, Dr. Hayley Watson discusses the importance of guided conversations in empowering struggling students. She emphasizes the need for teachers to have a template for conversations and the importance of practicing and stumbling along the way. Dr. Watson also addresses the pushback against social-emotional learning in schools and highlights the need for a cultural shift in how we approach mental health. She emphasizes the importance of providing resources for parents and creating a school environment that values mental health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and benefits of implementing social-emotional learning programs in international schools.

Dr. Watson is also the founder of the program called Open Parachute. https://openparachuteschools.com

S4, E99 - Hannah and Jake recorded this episode with us while they were at home in Iowa over summer break. They currently live and teach in Kuwait with plenty of stories to tell! 

Their message for teachers thinking about overseas: Do it!

Even the scary, negative experiences make for great stories later in life. Join us for an exciting episode covering Brazil, Kuwait, and the differences between having a baby in Kuwait vs the USA. Stick around to the end. Their Covid baby escape story is unbelievable! 

You can follow them on their instagram handle: 
thatexpatfamily (yes, that's a live link)

S4, E98 - Cameron and Ana McGregor are seasoned international educators, podcast hosts, and webinar creators. They join us for a discussion about their journeys into international education and how they are giving back to our international teacher community Ana is originally from the Dominican Republic. Cam is from Washington State. They talk about Russia, Dominican Republic, China, Korea, Hawaii, and Saudi in International Schools. 

S4, E97 - Listen to the funniest recruiting story EVER. Jeff Lindstrom has been overseas on and off since the 1990's. His stories are amazing. His wisdom is priceless. ​

S4, E96 - Sàrah Potter is a mother of two, a 23 year veteran Aussie teacher and preparing to leave to teach in China. Listen to this interview as she is just two months out. She's already made her packing list and bought her tickets. Her paperwork is submitted. This is an incredible interview from an avid ITP listener. Our thoughts go along with Sàrah​ as she first experiences the magic of the "best kept secret in education". ​

S4, E95 - Jenna Slack-Larimer is a seasoned secondary school teacher originally from the Chicago area. She joins us now from Guadalajara, Mexico at the well established ASFG as a high school English teacher. But her international journey to Mexico started off at a Canadian International school as a grade 3 teacher! Fart jokes just aren't the same in elementary! This episode is packed with advice as JP and Jenna shed light on Mexican culture, banking, "feminachis", and teaching in Mexico. Jenna is also married to a Mexican, so she paints the picture of the struggles of applying for US Visas for her husband. ​

S4, E94 - This is an epic ITP episode that hits a lot of International Teaching topics. Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) is a well-known option for USA teachers that want to travel the world and teach. Rich shares his experiences with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), including a few changes he has seen in the past decade. But we don't stop there.
Rich Walwarth has a powerful resume (CV), vitality, passion for learning, and many experiences to draw upon during interviews. His problem is getting [usually younger] interviewers to look past his age! Join us for his advice going out to those of us that are getting up there in our years!
HAM radio is one of Rich's many extra-curricular offerings at schools. If you are a HAM radio tinkerer, reach out to Rich on his call signs: (Korean) H01ZAR or (Philippines) DU1ZXO. We should all learn how to use HAM radios to be better prepared for the coming zombie apocalypse!

S4, E83 - Peter Pagett lives and breathes different curricula: IBDP, MYP, Australian, American, Chinese, British, or an international mix of curriculum. Whether it's band, chorus, performing arts, or 4th grade recorders, Peter celebrates and teaches them. He joins us from his mini-vacation in Chiang Mai, Thailand to talk about teaching back home in Australia and a variety of schools overseas. Peter agrees: "All international schools are different." We also discuss "failing forward", housing, a bit about boarding schools, several schools in China, and teaching in Macau.

S4, E81 - Marcos is proof that being a successful international teacher is possible, even if your mother tongue is not English. Marcos' first language is Portuguese. He shares his journey with us during this fantastic episode. ​