2024 AMISA Conference Welcomes Associate “Home”

This March 20-22, Senior Associate Bob Imholt joined over 500 educators at the annual conference for the American International Schools in the Americas (AMISA). The event was held at the American School of Asuncion (ASA), Paraguay, a special place for Search Associates Bob and Jen Imholt, who worked there from 2008-2011.

Workshops and presentations reflected this year’s theme “Growing and Connecting: Better Together.” Bob was able to slip away from the Search Associates (SEARCH) exhibitor’s table to attend two. On the topic of growing, the Head of School at ASA Dr. Ben Ploeger shared his school’s journey of climate improvement in his talk about how we nurture a positive school culture. On the topic of connecting, a workshop showed what successful STEAM curriculum and community integration can look like. In ASA’s modern STEM/STEAM building, teachers explored Guarani heritage by creating art.

Social events and scheduled time to make new connections and greet old friends make conferences like AMISA even more rejuvenating. A Welcome Reception, called A Taste of Paraguay, kicked off the event with several Paraguayan musical performances. Participants also enjoyed the SEARCH-sponsored luncheon.

Bob loved reuniting with special colleagues from the past and seeing how much ASA has grown in recent years. At the SEARCH table, many teachers in the region stopped by to ask questions about joining. As many SEARCH member schools in the Latin American region attend the annual AMISA conference, it was a wonderful opportunity for Bob to catch up with them.