Insights from the Cayman Islands and Guangzhou on Diversity, Inclusion, and Professional Development

ISS EDUlearn: Ask Me Anything - A podcast by Mike Pierre and Dr. Dana Specker Watts

Categories:

Exploring diversity and inclusion, insights from the Cayman Islands and Guangzhou reveal how multicultural perspectives enhance professional development. In the Cayman Islands, a focus on cultural integration fosters innovation, while Guangzhou's emphasis on inclusive practices drives growth. Together, these regions highlight how embracing diversity fuels both personal and professional advancement. In this episode, we are joined by Jim Urquhart, the Director of Cayman International School in the Cayman Islands, and Hanson Young, the incoming Head of School for National College Preparatory Academy in Guangzhou. In our discussion, Jim and Hanson highlight how diverse language needs are addressed in their schools, the role of students in driving diversity initiatives, and the significance of professional development. Jim and Hanson share insights on how their schools foster inclusion, support teachers, and prepare students for global citizenship, all while participating in a lively Jeopardy-style game focused on education leadership and culture. Don't miss out on this insightful talk. Tune in to learn more! Timestamps [00:57] The speakers' Introduction [01:47] NCPA’s vision of distinctive and inspiring educational [02:53] How Cayman school ensures every student feels included [04:16] How NCPA School encourages teachers to collaborate and learn from each other [05:06] How the Cayman School prepares students to be responsible citizens [07:09] How Cayman School ensures equal opportunities distribution for all students [08:45] Decision-making consultation and involvement in the NCPA school leadership [11:20] Impact of ISS support on NCPA school and community [12:39] ISS support on procurement recruitment for professional development [13:25] Importance of ISS work in international education [16:15] Advice to the international school community Notable quotes ● “Encouraging learning in multiple languages fosters inclusivity and better communication.” ● “Diverse backgrounds among staff and students enhance the educational experience and promote a richer learning environment.” ● “Encouraging teachers to collaborate and share knowledge leads to a more cohesive and innovative educational environment.” Connect with Jim Erhart Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-ehrhart-04082ab8/ Cayman International School: https://www.caymaninternationalschool.org/