News Search

As student well-being continues to shape the global education landscape, the Korea International School Counselor Association  ( KISCA ) stands at the forefront of advancing this vital dialogue in East Asia. This November, KISCA will host its annual conference, Whole Hearts, Clear Paths: Empowering Student Well-Being and Purpose , at Dwight School Seoul, located in the Digital Media City (DMC) of Sangam-dong, Seoul, South Korea. The two-day event—scheduled for November 28–29, 2025—will gather international school counselors, psychologists, and higher education professionals for a powerful program centered on student wellness, purpose, and connection. As the only regional conference uniting both social-emotional learning (SEL) and university and career counselors, KISCA provides a unique space where professionals who guide students’ emotional and academic journeys can collaborate and learn together. The 2025 theme, Whole Hearts, Clear Paths , embodies KISCA’s commitment to helping educators foster balance, resilience, and meaning in the lives of the young people they serve. The conference opens on Friday, November 28 , with a Pre-Conference Day  designed to offer in-depth professional learning and regional engagement opportunities for counselors across specializations. In the morning, university and career counselors will participate in the Korea University Bus Tour , featuring a visit to Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) —Korea’s first and oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1398. The tour provides an exclusive opportunity to explore SKKU’s historical and modern campuses and engage with admissions teams while deepening understanding of Korea’s higher education landscape. Past conferences have always been well attended, providing a great opportunity to meet with so many colleagues. In the afternoon, Nancy Conner  will lead an extended SEL Pre-Conference Workshop  for social-emotional and student support counselors. With over 40 years of experience as an educator and counselor across the U.S. and Asia, Nancy has devoted her career to building compassionate, trauma-informed school communities. Certified as a trainer of trainers in “Trauma-Informed Schools” and “Restorative Practices,” she brings a wealth of practical insight on fostering care, connection, and belonging. Her interactive session will guide participants through trauma-informed frameworks and restorative strategies that can strengthen counseling programs and school-wide well-being initiatives. The Main Conference Day , held on Saturday, November 29 , will feature a keynote address by Dr. Rana Cheatwood , a seasoned clinical counselor, educator, and researcher with more than 25 years of experience in international schools. Dr. Cheatwood’s keynote will explore how schools can create ecosystems that nurture purpose and well-being for both students and educators. The main day will also include counselor-led and expert-led sessions, job-alike meetings, and collaborative workshops covering a range of topics—from program design and mental health practices to family engagement and global admissions trends . Since its inception, KISCA has become a cornerstone professional gathering for the region’s counseling community—bringing together educators from across Korea, and beyond. The conference is recognized for its blend of professional rigor, cultural insight, and collegial warmth, creating a networked environment where meaningful collaboration thrives. “ Whole Hearts, Clear Paths  is both an invitation and a mission,”  say the KISCA Committee organizers. “Our goal is to help counselors create environments where students feel seen, supported, and purposeful—because when students have clear paths guided by whole hearts, they thrive both academically and emotionally.” Registration for the 2025 KISCA Conference closes on November 8, 2025, with limited spots available for both the pre-conference and the university tour. For more information, including sponsorship and registration details, visit the conference website.

Diana Osagie will be leading a pre-conference masterclass, workshop and keynote at EdInspire Singapore 2025. We are thrilled to welcome Diana Osagie, founder of the Courageous Leadership Consultancy and the Academy of Women’s Leadership, to EdInspire Singapore 2025. A seasoned headteacher, consultant, coach, and author, Diana is internationally recognised for her ability to cut through the noise and speak with truth, humour, and deep wisdom about the realities of leadership. About Diana Osagie With over 26 years of experience in education, Diana has led schools through some of the most challenging circumstances. She served as a London secondary school headteacher and later an executive head, establishing her reputation as a resilient and highly effective leader. For nearly a decade, Diana also worked as an OFSTED inspector, scrutinising leadership and operational systems across schools. This background gives her an unparalleled insight into what effective leadership looks like — and how to build it in practice. Her passion for empowering leaders led her to found the Academy of Women’s Leadership, where she supports women to strengthen organisational cultures and flourish as confident leaders. Diana has also authored four books on leadership, each offering practical, unvarnished lessons on leading with courage, humour, and strength. Meet Diana Osagie, keynote presenter, workshop and pre-conference masterclass leader at EdInspire. Pre-Conference Masterclass: Courageous Leadership 📍 Friday, 7 November | Morning 8:30–11:30 AM OR Afternoon 1:00–4:00 PM Why does leadership seem so effortless for some, whilst others struggle? In this 3-hour masterclass, Diana will demystify the “secrets” of courageous leadership. Whether you’re a new leader looking for practical tactics, or a seasoned leader seeking a refresh, this session delivers the real, hard-won insights you can’t just Google. Through three interactive modules, participants will explore how to handle the pressures of leadership with clarity, confidence, and courage — leaving with tools and methods that make leadership not only more effective but more sustainable. Workshop: Practical Strategies to Create Psychologically Safe Teams 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 10:00 – 11:00 AM Teams that feel safe are teams that perform. In this hands-on workshop, Diana will outline the four stages of building psychological safety and show leaders how to create cultures where people can bring their best selves to the table. Expect practical strategies, relatable stories, and even a visit from the “well-being dog.” Participants will leave not just with theory, but with the beginnings of a concrete action plan to implement in their own schools. Plenary: Confidence is NOT a Feeling 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 16:00 – 16:30 | Main Stage In this closing plenary, Diana will challenge assumptions about confidence, offering a transformative insight: “If my confidence is predicated on how I feel, I will never accomplish anything. How I feel changes with the wind.” In just 30 minutes, she will equip attendees with a mindset shift that positions confidence as a superpower — one that fuels innovation, leadership, and self-esteem regardless of circumstance. Why Attend? Diana Osagie doesn’t just talk about leadership — she’s lived it in the most demanding contexts and distilled her lessons into practical strategies leaders can use immediately. Whether you attend her Friday masterclass, join her Saturday workshop, or hear her plenary on confidence, you will walk away with renewed courage, clarity, and conviction. 👉 Be part of Diana Osagie’s sessions at EdInspire Singapore, 7–8 November 2025, and discover what it means to lead with courage. VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE: https://www.ed-inspire.com/ SECURE YOUR TICKET: https://www.ed-inspire.com/tickets

Dan Haesler will be leading a pre-conference masterclass, providing the opening keynote and leading a workshop at EdInspire Singapore 2025. This November at EdInspire Singapore, we are delighted to welcome Dan Haesler, Director of Cut Through Coaching, as both a keynote speaker and masterclass facilitator. Known for his work at the intersection of performance, mindset, and leadership, Dan has inspired some of the world’s best athletes, corporate leaders, and educators — and now he brings that expertise to the international school community. About Dan Haesler Dan Haesler is a performance and leadership coach who specialises in mindset, mental skills, and leadership. His work spans sport, business, and education. In elite sport, he has coached members of the Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams, and serves as the Performance & Leadership Coach for the Penrith Panthers (four-time NRL Premiers) and the NSW Swifts in Super Netball. He also works with athletes from the Wallabies, the Socceroos, and many others at the peak of their fields. As Director of Cut Through Coaching, Dan advises leading organisations across the Asia Pacific including Boston Consulting Group, Roche Diagnostics, CHEP, People’s Choice, and Boston Scientific. In education, Dan draws on his own experience as a teacher in the UK and Australia, combined with years of working alongside school leaders to strengthen culture, wellbeing, and performance. Dan is also a best-selling author. His book, The Act of Leadership , has been described by Legacy author James Kerr as a book that will “change your life.” He also hosts the popular podcast The Habits of Leadership, engaging global experts, researchers, and practitioners in conversations that cut to the heart of what it means to lead effectively. Meet EdInspire Keynote presenter and masterclass leader, Dan Haesler. EdInspire Keynote: Better Together 📍 Main Stage | Saturday, 8 November | 09:10 – 09:45 In high-performing teams, talent is important — but culture is everything. In this keynote, Dan will unpack what it takes, both individually and collectively, to build thriving education teams. Drawing on lessons from elite athletes, corporate leaders, and his own classroom experience, Dan will explore how mindset and psychological safety underpin sustainable success. All attendees will walk away with insights into how to create cultures where teachers and students alike can perform at their best. Workshop: The 5Cs of a High-Performing Culture 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 10:00 – 11:00 At the heart of every thriving culture is a set of shared behaviours and beliefs. In this workshop, Dan introduces his 5Cs Framework — Connection, Clarity, Commitment, Consistency, and Challenge — as the foundation for high-performing teams. Rooted in research and tested in high-performance environments, this framework provides a practical, actionable blueprint for school leaders who want to strengthen engagement and create cultures where people thrive. Masterclass: High Performance in Leadership & Life 📍 Friday, 7 November | Morning 8:30–11:30 AM OR Afternoon 1:00–4:00 PM Before his keynote, Dan will lead a half-day masterclass designed specifically for school leaders and aspiring leaders. Education is demanding, and leaders often prioritise everyone else — teachers, students, parents — before themselves. This masterclass invites participants to pause, reflect, and focus on their own leadership and wellbeing. Dan will share practical tools and techniques to help leaders enhance the quality of their professional and personal lives, strengthening their relationships both at school and at home. Delivered in an intimate setting, this session offers the chance to go deeper with one of Australia’s most sought-after performance coaches. Why Attend? Whether you’re attending the Friday masterclass for an immersive, personal learning experience, or joining the Saturday keynote and workshop to inspire your whole team, Dan Haesler brings a unique perspective that bridges education, sport, and business. His message is clear: high performance is not just about results — it’s about people, culture, and leadership on a human level. 👉 Don’t miss your chance to learn with Dan at EdInspire Singapore, 7–8 November 2025. VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE: https://www.ed-inspire.com/ SECURE YOUR TICKET: https://www.ed.events/event-details/edinspire-singapore-2025

Ceci Gomez-Galvez will be leading a workshop and presenting the closing keynote at EdInspire Singapore 2025 At EdInspire Singapore 2025, we are proud to feature Ceci Gomez-Galvez, ES EAL Coordinator at Saigon South International School, whose work is dedicated to ensuring equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for multilingual learners. As both a practitioner and advocate, Ceci brings a wealth of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep empathy to her sessions. About Ceci Gomez-Galvez Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a bilingual household where languages were equally cherished — a value instilled by her family that continues to guide her work today. With extensive experience in international schools, she has developed a reputation as a collaborator, coach, and advocate for multilingual education. Ceci leads educators in designing programs that prioritise culturally responsive teaching and ensure equitable access for all learners. Her passion lies in helping schools embrace linguistic and cultural diversity not as a challenge, but as a source of strength and opportunity. Meet Ceci Gomez-Galvez, ES EAL Coordinator at Saigon South International School. Workshop: Translanguaging in Action – Practical Strategies for International Educators 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 10:00 – 11:00 AM In this interactive workshop, Ceci will guide participants through the principles and practices of translanguaging — intentionally using and valuing students’ full linguistic repertoires to support learning. Through classroom examples and hands-on activities, educators will: Learn practical ways to incorporate translanguaging in lesson planning and instruction. Discover strategies for inclusive text selection and multilingual project design. Develop an action plan to advocate for linguistic equity in their own school contexts. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to immediately celebrate and support multilingual learners. Keynote: Embracing Linguistic Diversity – Inspiring Mindset Shifts for Equitable Classrooms 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 16:30 – 16:50 | Main Stage In this closing plenary, Ceci will inspire educators to see multilingualism as an asset to be celebrated, not a barrier to be managed. Sharing powerful stories from her own journey and research-backed practices, she will challenge educators to reframe their approach to linguistic diversity. Attendees will walk away motivated to foster classrooms where every student’s language and identity are valued, creating spaces of joy, inclusion, and opportunity. Why Attend? Ceci Gomez-Galvez is more than an EAL specialist — she is a champion of equity. Her sessions will equip educators with practical tools and mindset shifts to ensure multilingual learners thrive. Whether in her hands-on workshop or her inspirational plenary, Ceci’s message is clear: when schools embrace linguistic diversity, they unlock the full potential of every student. 👉 Learn more at: www.ed-inspire.com 👉 Get tickets: https://www.ed-inspire.com/tickets

The K25 edSummit, held last week at Dwight School Seoul, offered educators a chance to connect and learn in a focused yet relaxed setting. Friday evening set the tone with a relaxed showcase and social event. Short talks from educators sparked ideas and conversations, which then carried on over food and drinks. The informal atmosphere gave participants the space to connect across schools in a way that felt easy and genuine. Natural way to expand network with various colleagues. Brief presentations, kept interest! - Friday attendee. Saturday provided a selective programme of workshops, giving teachers and leaders the chance to choose from a range of focused professional learning opportunities. Each session stood on its own, offering practical insights that participants could bring back to their schools. "It was very informative. I learned that I can use AI in my Grade 2 classroom, and I also discovered ways to be more efficient and productive with my workload." - Saturday attendee of " Pi-oneering Efficiency" workshop. The combination of a relaxed Friday night and a selective Saturday of learning created a balance of connection and growth. Feedback from participants highlighted a strong desire to see more networking opportunities across Korea, suggesting that the edSummit model fills a valuable gap in the professional learning landscape. The Friday night social. If you are based in Korea and would like to become involved in an effort to strengthen community and networking in South Korea, please contact David Burke: dave@ed.events

Andrew Mowat leading an AI workshop at International Community School Singapore. International Community School (ICS) Singapore recently hosted an engaging professional development workshop, AI for Non-Teaching Staff and Community Partners, led by author, speaker, and educational leader Andrew Mowat. The event welcomed over 30 participants from a wide range of international schools across Singapore, making it a vibrant afternoon of shared learning and collaboration. Attendees explored how artificial intelligence can support operations, administration, and community engagement in schools, highlighting the vital role non-teaching staff play in the education ecosystem. ICS was a wonderful host, providing both a warm environment for learning and a much-appreciated afternoon tea that gave participants time to connect and network. The atmosphere throughout was collegial, open, and highly practical - reflecting the spirit of professional growth that underpins the Singapore Professional Development (SGPD) network. Workshops like this underline the international school community’s ongoing commitment to working together in support of one another. They also provide host schools with the opportunity to showcase their support for professional learning within the wider schools community. Professional development opportunities for all staff - both teaching and non-teaching - are essential in ensuring schools continue to provide the best possible service to their students and communities. The afternoon was a great success, leaving attendees inspired with new ideas to implement in their work at schools. If your school is interested in hosting an AI workshop led by Andrew Mowat, please contact info@ed.events

EdInspire is a major international schools conference taking place at Dulwich College (Singapore). The international education community will gather in Singapore this November for EdInspire 2025, a landmark event bringing together more than 300 educators, leaders, and innovators from across the region. Taking place on Saturday, 8 November 2025 at Dulwich College (with pre-conference masterclasses on Friday, 7 November), EdInspire is the first major conference designed specifically for international educators in Singapore. Presenters are joining from around the world, making it a truly global platform for collaboration and learning. Under the theme “Connect, Innovate, Thrive,” the event will showcase an unprecedented range of professional learning opportunities – from inspiring keynote speakers like Dan Haesler, Diana Osagie and Ceci Gomez-Galvez to a diverse program of workshops across seven learning streams. Participants will also have access to a dynamic main stage pass, providing even more ways to engage with thought leaders and colleagues. “We are thrilled to introduce a brand new conference for international educators from Singapore and beyond: EdInspire 2025. There’s so much choice in the workshop streams, there really is something for everyone,” said Sarah Aldous, co-founder of The Bright Side Coaching and Training. In addition to the learning program, EdInspire will feature an expo of solutions providers, connecting schools with the latest innovations and services tailored for international and local education. “EdInspire is about elevating professional learning and creating a space where educators can build connections, explore new ideas, and take practical strategies back to their schools,” said David Burke, Founder of EdEvents. “It’s a conference designed to inspire, but also to empower action.” The strong response from the international education community has also been reflected in the number of presenters keen to be involved. “We were overwhelmed by the interest to present. It's going to be a wonderful day to welcome so many people to the Singapore international schools scene,” said Flora Xu, co-founder of The Bright Side Coaching and Training. The conference is organised by EdEvents in partnership with The Bright Side Coaching and Training and supported by the Singapore Professional Development Network (SGPD) . Registration Early Bird tickets are available until 17 September 2025. Visit www.ed-inspire.com for more information and to register.

A new initiative to celebrate innovation and excellence in international education across Southeast Asia will launch next year with the inaugural ASEAN School Awards. The event will take place on 8 May 2026 in Bangkok, recognising schools, educators, and education service providers from across the 10 ASEAN countries. Organised by 21st Century Learning (21CL), the awards are the first regional programme dedicated to highlighting outstanding contributions in teaching, learning, and school development. Submissions are now open, with entries closing on 15 December 2025. Celebrating regional innovation The awards feature 21 categories, covering areas such as EdTech, STEAM, diversity and inclusion, wellness, leadership, arts, athletics, student agency, and innovative facilities. A Public Choice Award will also be determined through online voting in January 2026. Winners and finalists will gain regional recognition, opportunities to share best practice, and increased visibility among educators and decision-makers. Justin Hardman, CEO & Founder of 21C Learning, said the awards are an opportunity for schools and providers to gain recognition and inspire further progress across the region: “We invite schools and companies from the 10 ASEAN countries to showcase their innovation— to gain recognition, share best practices, and inspire progress across the education scene in the region.” Part of a wider programme The awards ceremony will be co-located with two major professional learning events at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit (8–9 May 2026): Lead to Succeed Summit (L2SS): Focused on developing leadership capacity in international schools. International School Marketing & Admissions Conference: A new gathering for marketing and admissions professionals to strengthen strategy and community engagement. Key details Deadline for submissions: 15 December 2025 Public voting: January 2026 Awards ceremony: 8 May 2026, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit For full details on categories and eligibility, and to submit applications, visit the ASEAN School Awards website or contact info@21c-learning.com

The Youth AI Leadership Competition’s e-learning programme, designed to help young people explore AI ethics and digital wellbeing. Kigumi Group has announced the Youth AI Leadership Competition 2025—a self-paced e-learning challenge that helps students aged 8–21 explore AI ethics, digital character, self-esteem, and cyber-safety whilst building practical solutions for their communities. What schools need to know Format & time: Fully online via KiguLab; no teacher training required. Flexible delivery over 6–12 hours total—at home, in class, homeroom, or SEL sessions. Students may work solo, in pairs, or small groups. Languages & accessibility: English, Chinese, and Thai. All trainings include subtitles and audio voice-overs to support low-vision or low-hearing learners. Who can enter: Any school or organisation serving learners 8–21. Cost : US$10 per student (regular price US$30), charged when the school first accesses the platform on its chosen start date. Fee includes curriculum access, the e-learning platform, round-the-clock support from Kigumi consultants, and submission to the judging panel. Limited fee-waivers are available for schools/NGOs serving under-resourced students (case-by-case). Curriculum & partners The competition’s proprietary AI-ethics curriculum was developed with AI ethicists from UC Berkeley and Peking University and is aligned to ISCA’s SEL standards. Learners tackle timely topics—such as AI chatbot companions and the interplay between human and artificial intelligences—then craft their own practical responses for school and community contexts. Who’s already onboard As of 1 September, five institutions—including middle and high schools, a university, and a Ministry of Education—across Hong Kong, Thailand, and West Africa have registered, with more announcements to come. Why this matters With unregulated AI tools increasingly in students’ lives, Kigumi aims to create a safe, structured space where young people learn to evaluate AI’s benefits and risks, support one another, and develop responsible, values-driven technology habits. The competition model makes it simple for schools to run impactful AI-ethics learning without added PD or timetable strain. Registration Email Mila Devenport, Founder, Kigumi Group: mila@kigumigroup.com For Chinese language support: Connie Cheung – connie@kigumigroup.com （如需中文服務，請聯絡 Connie Cheung：connie@kigumigroup.com） Further details can be downloaded here . About Kigumi Group Mila Devenport, Founder, Kigumi Group. Founded in Hong Kong in 2023, Kigumi Group is a social enterprise serving schools, parents, and students across Asia with digital wellbeing and AI-ethics training. Since launch, Kigumi has delivered learning to 7,000+ students across Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and beyond. Have an education event or programme to share with international schools? Submit it to EdEvents to reach educators across Asia.

We’re inviting colleagues from international schools and education organisations to step forward as edSummit Event Advisors in their city. Event Advisors play a key role in shaping the summit so it reflects the needs of the local education community. Each advisor receives a complimentary ticket to the Friday night Innovation Showcase and contributes by: Helping guide the allocation of workshops and stage presentations Sharing opportunities with colleagues in their school or organisation Encouraging peers to apply to present or attend This is a light but meaningful contribution - ensuring the edSummit is built with the local community, not just for it. To keep things balanced, we ask for one Event Advisor per organisation wherever possible. Upcoming edSummits Bangkok: 23–24 January 2026 - www.ed.events/bangkok Singapore: 27–28 February 2026 - www.ed.events/singapore Dongguan: 6–7 March 2026 - www.ed.events/dongguan By taking part, you’ll connect with fellow educators in your city, help shape an impactful program, and ensure your organisation’s voice is heard. For inquiries, please contact David Burke - dave@ed.events

Dwight School Seoul is the venue for K25. This September, a select group of educators from across Korea will come together at Dwight School Seoul for the K25 edSummit — a focused professional learning gathering designed to encourage meaningful conversations, authentic networking, and the sharing of practical ideas. 📅 19–20 September 2025 📍 Dwight School Seoul Friday Evening – Innovation Showcase & Social The event begins on Friday evening with an Innovation Showcase, where educators present fresh ideas and initiatives making an impact in schools. The showcase flows into a social event at a nearby venue, Black Circus, offering space to connect in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Dinner on arrival and the first drink at the social are included with the $25 ticket. Saturday – Workshops Saturday’s programme features intimate, interactive workshops, delivered in both English and Korean. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with presenters, explore new practices, and collaborate with colleagues from international and local schools across Korea. Each workshop is ticketed at $89. “K25 is a great opportunity for busy educators to touch base, make meaningful connections, and be selective about the sessions they attend. By keeping it focused and flexible, we’re making it easier for colleagues to share ideas and learn from each other without the pressure of a large-scale conference.”   - David Burke, EdEvents Why Attend? K25 is not a large-scale conference. It is a focused, community-driven gathering that prioritises: Depth of conversation over volume of sessions. Connections between educators who want to collaborate beyond the event. Practical, take-home strategies that can be implemented immediately in schools. 🎟️ Tickets are limited – available for Friday evening, Saturday workshops, or both. www.ed.events/k25

For 2025–26, Singapore International Schools PD Network (SGPD) are offering two structured leadership pathways, each designed to strengthen the capacity of educators to lead change and growth across their communities. Leadership Programme (Level 1) Aimed at new and aspiring leaders, this programme blends three full-day workshops with in-school “gel sessions” to provide practical tools and mentoring. Themes include Leading Change, Leading Learning, and Leading Systems, with a focus on collaborative culture, pedagogy, and conflict management. 💡 Cost: $750 per person View flyer Extending Leadership Programme (Level 2) For those ready to step into senior leadership, this advanced strand combines three one-day forums with monthly Action Learning Groups. Participants explore Strategic Change, Growing Leaders, and Leading in Challenging Circumstances. The programme culminates in a Lead-up Unconference open to all Singapore educators. 💡 Cost: $995 per person View flyer Both programmes are facilitated by Greg Jansen and Dr Chris Jansen, and are designed to balance theory, collaboration, and hands-on leadership practice. Together, they offer a progression from foundational skills to senior-level strategic leadership. 👉 To register, educators should sign up through their school’s PLD Lead.