It’s November. New month, the changing of clocks, the time of year for balancing calendars, budgets, and moments of joy, and the start of the holiday silly season.
How are you greeting this moment?
Have you noticed how much more we talk about health now compared to five years ago? Not just doctor visits or vitamins, but how air quality affects asthma. Why clean water isn’t a guarantee. Or how one sick person can shut down a school. Suddenly, public health isn’t just a field—it’s dinner conversation.
When our family first thought about moving overseas, one thing we didn’t worry too much about was what type of school (and school curriculum) was the right fit for our kids. We were operating under the proviso that the only way my hubby would accept a role at an international school was that the kids would also go to the same school!
Years ago, when watching the Food Network, I quickly found my favourites: the quirky chef, the one who helped us navigate meals in a short span of time, and Ina, who was always a welcome visitor. Whether it was the relevance of the show's location to my world, her empathetic joyful demeanor, or the deliciousness coming out of her kitchen, I don’t know, but I’ve always been a fan of Ina.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming an international teacher (or joining your teaching partner abroad), you’ve no doubt thought about the pros and cons. Things like travel perks, access to different cultures, and giving your kids the chance to gain a more global perspective are all big benefits.
Today’s high schools—constrained by low expectations for working-class kids, limitations on teachers’ autonomy, and more segregation than 50 years ago—find it challenging to create an environment that cultivates engagement, learning and a sense of belonging. They can learn something from the successes of the past.
Malaysia has become an incredibly popular destination for many expats - especially families. Many big corporates with head offices in the UK and the US have established premises here. And to attract top talent, these corporates are offering attractive expat packages.
So it’s no big surprise that Malaysia is seeing significant growth in international schools, which also makes it a big drawcard for educators looking to teach in Malaysia.
Hi, I’m Kelly – founder and editor of International Teaching Families, official “trailing spouse,” and mum of three. I grew up in Australia and caught the travel bug early after moving to the UK in my 20s. That’s where I met my husband (a fellow Aussie and travel enthusiast), before we returned home to get married, buy a house, and have a few kids... But we quickly realised the traditional path wasn’t for us.
Imagine finding a dinosaur bone or a fossil of a plant or animal that existed millions of years ago. Most kids love dinosaurs, and their fascination with these exotic creatures can spark an interest in science.
Here are five activities you can do with children to ignite their passion in dinosaurs:
My career spans more than 20 years working with children and adolescents in education and nonprofits. Since joining Sandy Hook Promise in 2022, my focus has been to develop and implement high-impact school safety initiatives and violence prevention programs. This work has given me a profound insight: true school safety requires a holistic approach, extending well beyond the school grounds.