EDUCATORS
CONFERENCE
LEARNING THROUGH CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 9-10, 2024
STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
SWEDEN
About the conference
The Educators Conference for 2024 takes as it theme 'Learning through connection' and features a lineup of influential thought-leaders and stimulating workshops that will introduce you to new possibilities in the classroom and the way you approach teaching.
The conference is also an ideal opportunity for knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practice with colleagues from across the Nordic Network.
The conference venue is the new Campus for SIS, Norra Latin, set right in the heart of the dynamic city of Stockholm, just a short walk from the Central Station and surrounded by the city's cultural and entertainment highlights.
Welcome
Stockholm International School is proud to host the Nordic Network Educators Conference 2024, and to open the doors of our fine new Norra Latin campus to colleagues from the region.
I’m sure you will find our city-centre campus a perfect location to spend some time ‘learning through connection’ and will enjoy networking with colleagues in the vibrant city of Stockholm.
Working with our students in our schools is not a solitary pursuit, but rather a dynamic exchange. Our experience is enriched by building connections that foster empathy and promote a deeper understanding of diverse points of view. Through collaboration, we are more creative in our solutions, wiser in our insights, and open to going beyond the boundaries of our own culture. This conference offers you the time to learn and reflect with colleagues and embrace connection, as this is at the core of our profession and our daily lives.
Although you will be here in midwinter I and my colleagues look forward to welcoming you with warm hearts and open minds.
María Isabel León (Marisa)
Director, Stockholm International School
Conference schedule
DAY 01
DAY 02
08:30–09:00 Registration (at Scala Theatre)
09:00–09:30 Conference Start (Intro - Welcome -
Housekeeping - Student intro )
09:30–10:00 - Key #1 (5 min gap)
10:00–10:30 - Key #2
10:30–11:00 - Break (coffee )
11:00–12:00 - Mini workshops 1
12:00–13:00 - Lunch
13:00–14:30 - WS Session 1
14:30–15:00 - Break
15:00–16:00 - Mini workshops 2
16:00–17:00 - Mingle / Vendors
17.00 Drinks and Heavy hors d'oeuvres
17:30 DJ
08:15–09:00 - Breakfast coffee
09:00–10:30 - WS Session 2
10:30–10:45 - Break
10:45–12:15 - WS Session 3
12:15–13:15 - Lunch
13:15–14:00 - Reflection and close
WORKSHOP LEADERS
Nunana Nyomi
Nunana is passionate about developing communities where everyone can thrive as their full selves and helping students find career pathways which allow them to fulfill their potential. Nunana currently serves as University Advisor and DEIJ Coordinator at Leysin American School (LAS) in Switzerland. Prior to joining LAS, Nunana was Associate Director of Higher Education Services for the Council of International Schools (CIS) and provided programs to support student transitions from school to university education. Additionally, Nunana served on the CIS Global Citizenship Team and on a special CIS Board Committee on Inclusion through Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (I-DEA). He also previously led international student admissions for Calvin University in the U.S.
Nunana is a Third-Culture Kid who grew up in the U.S., Ghana, Kenya, Switzerland, and the U.K. He has a BA in International Relations and French (Calvin University) and a MA in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (Michigan State University).
CHRIS WRIGHT
Chris Wright is a global educational leader and workshop facilitator. He very much believes that ‘schooling’ is about human flourishing, developing a sense of ‘self’ and the nurturing of character, and that the curriculum needs to nourish the heart, soul, and physique as well as the mind.
Chris has a passion for pedagogical leadership which makes a direct impact on student learning. He does not ask ‘how intelligent is this child?’, but rather, ‘in what ways is this child intelligent?’, because all children are intelligent, and they are intelligent in many ways. He celebrates the way in which recent debates around inclusion acknowledge and celebrate greater learner variability, and how diversity is a strength for all of us.
For over 20 years Chris has worked closely with school leaders to enhance their capacity to bring about positive change in their schools, be it as Head of Department or Head of School. Chris works as a system leader for a company of schools. In his career he has been a head of three schools, an educational researcher and a teacher trainer in a university. Chris has worked in multiple roles with the IB: Head of School, Lead Educator, workshop developer, and IB trainer for IB evaluation Chairs, programme, and evaluation leaders. He is the author of the InThinking IB School Leaders website.
JOY MARCHESE
Joy Marchese is a global educational consultant, author, keynote speaker, parent coach, and emotional architect. For over 25 years Joy has worked with thousands of children, parents, teachers, and professionals to help foster a happy and flourishing environment in the home, in schools, and in the workplace.
Joy is the Founder of Positive Discipline UK and co-author of Positive Discipline for Today’s Busy (& Overwhelmed) Parent. She runs a successful educational consultancy and coaching practice, and develops SEL courses and products to teach social-emotional skills in homes, schools, and organisations throughout the world.
Joy sees herself as an encouragement consultant and agent of change. With her combined passion and experience in education, positive psychology, parenting, professional development, and wellness she is able to give you a comprehensive look into the world of parenting, relationships, and personal and professional development.
Kam Chohan
Kam Chohan joined ECIS in February 2018 as Chief Operating Officer and became Executive Director in August 2020. With an impressive background in education and leadership, Kam is a learning leader and brings insight, wisdom, and compassion to the role. She has demonstrated the ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships that contribute to personal and organisational development and improvement.
Kam is a passionate educator and enjoyed lecturing in mathematics and business. She holds qualifications and experience in Leadership and Professional Development. As an example of her commitment to student learning, Kam worked with the UK Government’s Behaviour Insights Team to apply the Nudge Theory to improve student outcomes on a national level. As Chief Operating Officer for ECIS, Kam demonstrated, a high aptitude for financial reporting, forecasting, analytical ability, scenario analysis, and financial implications of business and educational models.
Kam is committed to social justice and equity through diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding in international education. In December 2022, Kam was the recipient of the 1885 NEASC Award for Exemplary Service to Education.
WORKSHOPS
––––– DELEGATES CHOOSE ONE WORKSHOP FOR THE DURATION OF THE CONFERENCE –––––
Workshop 1
The case for connection through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)
Nunana Nyomi
Our educational institutions have a critical responsibility to nurture a sense of connection among those within our care, within the broader community, and globally. This talk will outline why the lens of DEIJ is essential to foster deeper connectedness for all identities represented within a school’s sphere of influence. You will hear how, collectively, we can harness DEIJ to unlock the true potential of international education for the greater flourishing of our world.
Workshop 2
Connecting teaching and learning
CHRIS WRIGHT
More and more students are growing disinterested in the learning process, questioning its relevance. We delve into the application of cognitive science to bolster student learning and establish meaningful connections to real-life situations.
Within this context, we draw a clear distinction between a teaching framework and a learning framework, offering insights into their manifestations within the classroom environment. Explore the expected outcomes and understand the pivotal roles of both teachers and students.
Workshop 3
Building Relationships through Vulnerability (and Humour)
JOY MARCHESE
Social emotional learning (SEL) might sound like something we do for kids, and it is, but in large measure, it is about us – the adults. As people who have been shaped by trauma, social emotional learning gives us the tools to heal ourselves. By teaching SEL to children and how they can apply it in their lives (especially to difficult situations) we help them to develop important life skills such as self-awareness, resiliency, and empathy.
Workshop 4
CHANGE FOR INCLUSION
KAM CHOHAN
Change for inclusion is essential to create fair and equitable societies where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Inclusion ensures that diverse voices are heard, valued, and actively engaged in all aspects of life, from education and employment to social and political participation. By fostering inclusion, we break down barriers that have perpetuated discrimination and marginalization.
Inclusion benefits society in numerous ways. It promotes diversity, which drives innovation and creativity, leading to better problem-solving and enriched cultural experiences. Economically, inclusive practices benefit businesses and communities by tapping into a wider talent pool and consumer base. Moreover, inclusion builds social cohesion, reducing conflicts and promoting cooperation among individuals and groups.
Ultimately, change for inclusion reflects our commitment to a more compassionate, just, and resilient world where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the betterment of society.
WORKSHOP ONE: NUNANA NYOMI
SESSION 1
DEIJ AND YOURSELF
According to numerous practitioners, the journey towards Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) will not be effective if we have not worked on ourselves.
No person can claim to be without bias or to have never (knowingly or unknowingly) caused identity-based harm. Only through continuous reflection can we grow in our ability to effectively promote DEIJ.
Wherever you might be on your DEIJ journey, this session will provide some useful best practices for personal growth.
SESSION 2
DEIJ AND YOUR SCHOOL
Schools consist of complex systems and structures. How might we ensure that our systems and structures affirm the most vulnerable identities within our learning communities? What steps can schools take to embed DEIJ within their community?
In this session, we will explore DEIJ strategies to bring about greater belonging within our schools.
SESSION 3
CONSTRUCTING A
COMMUNITY AGREEMENT
A key component for effective DEIJ work is community agreement.
In this workshop, participants will work through a community agreement protocol inspired by the National Equity Project and BMEsTalk. This protocol is an effective tool which you can take back to your school communities, classroom settings, or other environments.
Come and learn together by participating in this community agreement exercise.
WORKSHOP TWO: CHRIS WRIGHT
SESSION 1
CONNECTING WITH THE BRAIN
This session focusses on lessons from cognitive science. Cognitive science increasingly helps us to unlock greatness in student performance. Research suggests that increasing our understanding of the science behind how the brain learns leads to enhanced teacher efficacy and instructional variation, as well as enhanced student efficacy (Hardiman et al., 2013).
This session will provide you with a quick and engaging way to inquire into how we can use cognitive science to support student learning. In the second half of the session, we inquire into how to make learning memorable – how should we best prepare students for exams in a way in which they remember what they have learnt?
SESSION 2
CONNECTING WITH STUDENT AGENCY AND ACTION
How do we nurture student agency so that they engage in purposeful, authentic, critical, and mindful action, in its various forms in response to local and global challenges and opportunities? How do we encourage students to engage with local and global communities? This session will focus on exploring a rich diversity of protocols we can use in our classrooms to nurture agency, action and engagement.
SESSION 3
CONNECTING WITH THE OPTIMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT?
"An optimal learning environment has a classroom climate full of energy, participation, movement, spirit, respect, learning, sharing, reflecting and big goals for everyone individually and collectively."
(Imagine Schools).
In this session our focus is on the learning engagements we design and environment in which they take place. What is the story about learning that you are telling in your school? What messages about learning and thinking are we imparting? How do you differentiate between a teaching system and a learning system? What do these look like in a classroom? Is there a difference in expected outcomes? What is the student’s role/ responsibility in a teaching system … in a learning system? How does change occur in a teaching system … in a learning system? What constitutes success? Is your school a teaching system or a learning system?
WORKSHOP THREE: JOY MARCHESE
SESSION 1
An Introduction to Positive Discipline in the Classroom
Are you ready to stop “managing” students and learn tools for effective classroom leadership? Are you looking for a social emotional learning program that is woven into and consistent with your school mission and core values? Are you looking for ways to build a structure of trust and respect among school staff? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions join me for this interactive session to learn how.
During this session we will we will focus on understand the motivation behind students' behaviour and practice some of the necessary tools to create a classroom and school climate that enhances academic learning, instils valuable social skills, and encourages more positive behaviours.
SESSION 2
Building Positive Discipline Classroom Communities: Why SEL Matters Most
How can we create a safe and inclusive classroom community where every student feels a sense of belonging and significance? By developing SEL competencies, such as understanding and managing emotions, developing empathy, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and making responsible decisions. Students will have a more positive attitude toward themselves, others, and school, show more positive social behaviours, and increase their academic performance as a result.
In this session I will share four Positive Discipline principles that help to build classroom community and help children to become socially-emotionally competent. This session will be experiential, fun, and applicable. You will leave feeling motivated and more equipped to apply Positive Discipline in your classroom.
SESSION 3
Educating the Mind, Encouraging the Heart
Learning may be complicated but learning about learning doesn't have to be! Science shows that understanding the cognitive aspects of our mind (how we learn), while teaching heart skills such as empathy and kindness (the qualities that make us human) helps children be successful in school and later in life. Discover and engage in practical strategies to integrate social emotional learning (SEL) and Educational Neuroscience in the classroom, unlocking the ‘black box’ of students' minds and boosting learning potential.
During this workshop we will focus on the architecture of the brain especially as it relates to behaviour, emotions, and effective learning. We integrate the two most important aspects of learning, managing state and meaning making.
WORKSHOP FOUR: KAM CHOHAN
SESSION 1
Changemakers Together
In education, we know that change is the only constant and our role is to collaboratively navigate through that change with a sense of calm, confidence, humility and optimism. Although change is inevitable, it is also essential in terms of growth, development, and innovation. The key for school communities is to understand how to lead change successfully within their own context. This workshop will explore key strategies for change and how effective collaboration of change can unleash transformation.
SESSION 2
Making Impactful Decisions with Integrity
Making decisions is one of the most important things that educational teams do. Guided by a strong mission, vision, and values, they must ensure their decisions uphold integrity and align with their core principles. The process of decision-making is complex and requires teams to think hard, be objective, see the bigger picture and remain focused on priorities. This workshop will enable educators to reflect on their current practices and make decisions that drive success.
SESSION 3
Nudge to a brighter tomorrow
Nudge theory can be a valuable tool for improving outcomes for learners by subtly influencing their choices and behaviours. Rooted in behavioural economics, the theory offers a positive approach to shaping behaviour by gently guiding individuals toward beneficial choices. By understanding human biases and tendencies, it empowers teams to create environments that promote better decisions without imposing restrictions. This respects personal freedom and autonomy, making it a powerful tool in education, healthcare, and policymaking. Nudges can encourage enhanced learning outcomes. They harness the power of subtle, well-designed interventions to nudge people in directions that align with their long-term well-being, leading to positive societal and individual outcomes. Remember that nudges should be designed with ethics in mind, ensuring they respect learners' autonomy and choices.
MINI WORKSHOPS
Online spaces and technology: Safeguarding and Well-being in a Digital Age
Over the past 15 years we have seen a steady rise in the use of online platforms and social media by young people. While we have seen them benefit from these platforms in some ways, significant risks have emerged. These include forms of harm such as online grooming, sexual harassment, coercion and extortion of children, and risks to young people’s brain development and well-being, with increasing numbers of mental health conditions being linked back to young people’s use of certain platforms. How, as schools, can we mitigate these risks, and equip our communities with the knowledge and skills they need to be able to navigate these platforms in healthy ways?
This session will look at steps that school leaders and counsellors can take to reduce the risk of harm occurring and help schools respond in the right ways when it does. It will cover policy development, reporting pathways, helplines and curriculum resources. The effect of cultural and legal norms, and power dynamics, will also be addressed. Finally, we will provide attendees with practical resources to take away with them and an introduction to the CIS whole-school safeguarding model and the CIS International Safeguarding Toolkit.
Small revolutions: making edtech the servant and not the driver of change
In this workshop, Rob Jamieson will seek to rewire the connection between pedagogy and educational technology as he argues for the modest next step rather than the inspiring giant leap. Drawing on his experience of new product development across a career in educational publishing, he will address the balance between content and medium of delivery, explore where AI fits into the puzzle and offer some criteria against which the implementation of educational technologies can be evaluated.
Building Connections with Strawbees
A session exploring how Strawbees can be used to encourage communication, collaboration, and reflection with upper primary students. In the workshop you will work in small teams to complete building challenges.
Helping Students Take Ownership of Their Learning - Solution Focus in the Classroom
Originated in psychology, solution-focused coaching is an approach where the focus shifts from the causes of a problem to the future that people want and ways to find solutions to achieve this future. As a coach and an educator I am trying to find creative ways to incorporate this approach in my teaching to help students take pride in their accomplishments and take ownership of their learning. This in turn leads to increased self-esteem and motivation.
During the workshop I will talk about how this approach works, share my personal experience and activities that teachers of all grade levels and subjects can implement in their teaching. Participants will also walk away with solution focused questions that they can easily include even in their assessments. Following the solution focused mindset, during the workshop attendees will find out what they are already doing well in their teaching and will be inspired to do more of that.
Touring Stockholm through SIS
From a country inn to Norra Latin! How a tiny kindergarten, changed locations and grew, while continuing to serve the international community it was established for.
DEIJ AT SIS
DEIJ stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. These four interconnected principles are central to creating a more fair, inclusive, and just society or institution. This workshop is about our school's journey towards fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). We will introduce The DEIJ Club and the SIS Gender Sexuality Alliance, both student-led initiatives, as well as the professional development training and the opportunities for further learning organised within our community.
We will offer space to discuss and share thoughts and initiatives and learn from each other’s successes and challenges, as we work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all. Participants will leave with actionable insights to enrich their own school's DEIJ efforts.
Mental Health - what it is, what it isn't, and how to talk about it
This workshop will enable participants to understand the basics of Mental Heath. What it is, what it isn't, and how to talk about it. Using the Sounds Write Program, this workshop will break down common misconceptions and stigma. It will provide participants with common language and practical examples of how they can discuss mental health in their everyday lives, with colleagues, and the students that they work with.
Volunteering in Laos: Empowering English Language Learners
Step into a world of meaningful impact with the workshop: 'Volunteering in Laos: Empowering English Language Learners.' Gain invaluable insights into teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) in Laos - from navigating cultural nuances to cherishing heartwarming moments with students. Join me to understand the crucial role of volunteers and witness their profound impact on the lives of eager Laotian learners."
Creating Authentic Units - MYP English and I&S
Focusing on English and Individuals and Society, this session will look at how to create authentic units.
EdInnovAIte: Transforming Teaching with Artificial Intelligence
Unlock the potential of AI to revolutionize education.
Travel and stay
GETTING TO THE CONFERENCE
Norra Latin is centrally located just a few minutes walk from Stockholm's main transport hub.
BY AIR
FROM ARLANDA AIRPORT
The Arlanda Express rail service runs regularly from the airport to Central Station with a journey time of about 20 minutes.
Buses leave from Terminals 2 and 4 at regular intervals and travel to the Central Terminal. The journey last about 45 minutes.
More information can be found here.
FROM BROMMA AIRPORT
BY RAIL
Cross country and international rail services arrive at Central Station. All underground rail services (Tunnelbana) run through
T-Centralen which is part of the same central transport hub in Stockholm.
RESTAURANTS
American
Brisket and Friends - Upplandsgatan 7
Slice of New York - Tegnérgatan 7
Gluten Free
Bistro Leoparden - Tegnérgatan 16
Bap (Burgers and Pastrami) - Linnégatan 38
Meno Male - Sibyllegatan 47
Indian
Indian Street Food - Drottninggatan 73B
Italian
Café Regazzi - Drottningatan 71
Scarpetta - Drottninggatan 71A
Tutto Bello - Tenérlunden 4
Lebanese
Tabouli - Regeringsgatan 70
Underbar - Drottninggatan 102
Mexican
La Neta, Barnhusgatan 2
Swedish
Rolf’s Kök - Tenergatan 41
Knut, Upplandsgatan 17
Vegan
Pataka - Erik Dahlbergsgatan 41
Sushi Rebellion - Telefonplan
Woodstockholm - Mosebacke torg 9
BY CAR
Although there is an underground public car park at Norra Latin, driving to the conference is discouraged. Note that there is a toll charge for entering Stockholm City Centre and the parking fee is SEK 95 per hour (May 2023)
HOTELS
20% off with code SIS20
Special rate and
20% off restaurant food with code StoInt2024
This brief list of hotels in the vicinity of the conference venue is offered for your convenience.
A wide variety of recommendations on accommodation and other aspects of Stockholm can be found on visitstockholm.com
Exhibitors
Britannica Education
Britannica's passion is – and always has been – bringing high-quality, reliable and accessible learning resources to people worldwide.
We want to empower learners in their education, by providing trusted content and information that they can rely on. For 250 years we've collaborated with experts, scholars, educators, designers and specialists as well as our team of over 100 editors, who rigorously review all content to combine together and produce learning products that we believe are critical to providing a reliable, useful and enjoyable learning experience.
Cambridge
We work with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world. We offer a globally-trusted, flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19, informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With recognised qualifications, high-quality resources, comprehensive support, and valuable insights, we help you prepare every student for opportunities and challenges ahead.
Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.
Collins Publishers
Collins has been publishing educational and informative books for over 200 years. Our educational publishing continues to deliver up-to-date and engaging student resources with exceptional teacher support to help schools tackle new initiatives and utilise the latest technology. We produce resources for International and UK curricula to support teachers and students at school and outside the classroom environment.
Follett Learning
Follett advocates for librarians as leaders, ensuring the library is central to a future-ready world.
Titlewave® makes collection development easy, with the power to search and analyze an entire library, while more than 70,000 schools choose Destiny® to manage resources. Librarians trust Follett to fill their shelves with possibility.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators, and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K–12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities.
Lanterna
Lanterna is an ed-tech company that provides innovative education solutions to both students and schools alike. We focus primarily on providing IB tutors and teachers to both schools and students. Our goal is to alleviate the burden on IB schools by addressing staffing shortages and offering a reliable, competent, plug-and-play solution for their specific needs. We are proud to have been active in the IB learning space for over 20 years.
Mallory International Ltd
Mallory International supplies and consolidates educational materials for international schools worldwide. Let us know what you need and we will source and send it to reduce your workload, at no extra cost.
We work with worldwide suppliers, manufacturers and publishers to purchase and ship your school procurement all in one go, within EU, without any customs involved.
This means one main EU invoice, shipment and account manager personalised to match your school procedures.
Pearson
Pearson is the world’s leading learning company. We provide world class assessments, digital content and learning experiences for international schools to enable more effective teaching and learning and to help learners increase their skills and global employability prospects.
Our academic and vocational qualifications are world renowned and include Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs and International A levels.
Pearson for International schools
Toddle
Loved by 40,000+ educators around the world, Toddle is an all-in-one teaching & learning platform for progressive schools. Toddle empowers teaching teams to work together and better for curriculum planning, student portfolios, assessments, reports, family communication, and streamlined accreditation - all from one intuitive interface.
TTS
From humble beginnings in a garage in the Midlands the first TTS resource was born, now we to supply to over 87 countries across the globe, talking to educators and inventing new reasons for children to love learning for over 30 years.
We develop innovative resources to inspire teachers and engage children. Each year we design 100’s of new products, from versatile ICT products to stimulating Early Years resources and beyond. TTS is committed to identifying and producing new innovative products for the future, giving every child, every day, a reason to love learning!
Witra Publishing Group AB
Witra Publishing Group is the hub for international academic publishing, print and digital, catering to the Nordic and Baltic regions with both print and digital solutions. As proud partners of Cambridge University Press, Hodder Education, Oxford University Press and Pearson, we are committed to providing high quality resources. We also work with as local representatives for World Book Online, a digital encyclopedia platform and OverDrive, a digital library platform.
Contact
Any questions?
Email Address
VENUE address
Stockholm International School
Norra Latin
Drottningatan 71B
Stockholm
Please complete and submit the form alongside in order to register for the conference. NOTE: Each delegate must complete an individual registration form in order to record their conference workshop choices.
Where the delegate's organisation is paying an invoice will be issued but payment will be due in full by January 31st or the delegate may be denied entry. For individuals who wish to register independently of an organisation, an invoice will be sent which will be payable within 30 days.
REGISTRATION FEES
Nordic Network member institutions
One delegate: 3 500 SEK
Nordic Network non-member institutions
One delegate: 5 500 SEK