AASSA – Teachers Conference

Senior Associates Jennifer and Bob Imholt recently attended the 2018 AASSA (Association of American Schools in South America) Conference that was held in Quito, Ecuador from March 20 – 24^th. The conference, attended by over 400 educators from around the region, took place on the lovely campus of the host school: American School of Quito. Thisyear’s conference theme was The Power of Yet.

The Power of Yet, a phrase coined by Carol Dweck, is simply about teachers and students having a “growth mindset”:  celebrating that we are all on a learning journey and believing that we all have the ability to improve. This hopeful mindset sees success as a future result of engaging with and learning from one’s mistakes. The ultimate result of teaching from the vantage point of “the power of yet” is that students develop confidence and resiliency so as to persevere and progress.

Search Associates sponsored Keynote Speaker Monica Isabel Martinez, Regional Director of EdTechTeam for Latin America. Creating Culture by Design was the topic of her address, which addressed the question: When activity doesn’t equal achievement, and learners process information at their own pace, in their own way, how are you setting the stage for learning? By being purposeful with the actions we take, we can create a culture that embraces the life skills needed for self-directed lifelong learners. Monica facilitated several additional fun workshops including Google A-Z, Google Apps, Tips and Tricks, Everyone is an Artist with These Tools, and Going Mobile with Google! She shared many techniques and suggestions for engaging learners.

Jennifer Imholt participated in one of the sessions facilitated by Yolanda Murphy-Barrena (AAIE) called International Leaders Wanted: STEP UP to Your Leadership Future! This session was attended by teacher leaders, curriculum coordinators, assistant principals, and open to anyone curious to learn more about leadership opportunities as a principal or head of school in an international school setting. The focus was on practical information including the skills, attitudes, networking, and preparation tips critical to moving forward on the path to one’s next leadership role.

AASSA is an amazing annual opportunity to connect with educators and experience some great professional development. Search Associates looks forward to participating in next year’s conference, to be held in Chile!