Global Education Concierge

The Pool of Life- Still trying to decide if you want to transition out of teaching? What should you do!? Here is what I am considering as I decide my next 4 years! Sometimes, life feels like standing at the edge of a pool. You know how to swim, but the hesitation to dive in keeps you pacing around the edge. Do you take the ladder? Jump off the side? Or go straight for the diving board? It's a dance we all know too well. Today, I'm challenging myself—and you—to stop circling. It's time to get in the water. #IntentionalLiving #DiveIn #ThePoolOfLife #innovativeedu #makingdecisions #theeduconcierge

Educated Voter! The Kids Are Watching, Listening, and Learning Let's be honest this election season feels different. As an educator I’ve been watching my students watch us. They’re listening. They’re paying attention—not just to what we say, but to what we don’t say. They pick up on the looks, the tone, the warmth, the coldness, the arguments, the unity. And this election? It’s already one for the books. I recently sat down with my students, a mix of curious, energetic Black American and Hispanic voices, and asked, “So, tell me what you know?” What followed was a burst of conversation, questions, and yes, debates. They weren’t so focused on the candidates themselves. What they really wanted to understand was the process. Terms like electoral college, popular vote, early voting, and polls swirled around as they tried to make sense of it all. They even asked about stories they’d heard—like people burning up ballot mailboxes. Then, one of my students dropped the idea that made me stop in my tracks: “We should have our own vote here.” What?! Say what now? My educator mind started racing. I wasn’t prepared. I hadn’t planned any mock election activities, didn’t order fake ballots, hadn’t watched the debates with them. But here we were, and their enthusiasm was all the spark I needed. So, here I am, a few nights before the election, googling ballots, piecing together interactive activities, and creating resources to let them explore local, city, state, and national candidates. On Tuesday, they’ll cast their mock votes, fully informed, ready to experience what it means to be an educated voter. I’m even on the hunt for some “I Voted” stickers (or we’ll make them ourselves!). Why Does This Matter? Because They’re Watching Let’s face it—our students are more than just listeners. They’re soaking up everything. They see the frustration, the joy, the hope, and yes, the tension in the air. They may not be old enough to vote, but they’re starting to shape their ideas, values, and beliefs. And it’s up to us to help them see the bigger picture. In this mock election, they are picking their candidates. We’re learning the process. They’re leading the way, asking questions, and becoming educated about what it means to make choices that matter. They’re figuring out what it means to engage and be heard. My Call to Action: Let’s All Be Educated Voters To my fellow educators, parents, and mentors—let’s embrace this moment. Encourage their curiosity. Let’s give them the tools to understand, to think critically, and to learn that their voices matter. Because this isn’t just about now; it’s about every election to come. So, here’s to raising the next generation of educated voters. They’re watching. They’re listening. And they’re more than ready to lead.

Three out of my four Auntie’s babies cast their votes! The youngest isn’t quite old enough yet, but soon enough. I’m beyond proud of their parents for raising strong, educated young men and women. They’re empowered to use their voices, value community service, prioritize education, and embody perseverance and leadership. Amazing work, K1, K2, and TT! Love you endlessly. Your grandmothers are so proud, and the ancestors are celebrating with us! (my 4 nieces and nephews)

The Power of Silence: Being Present Without Being Vocal in Micro-Schools Today, I learned an unexpected lesson in communication. I woke up without my voice—no fever, no cold, no other symptoms, just silence. (somebody was praying, lol) I didn’t feel ill, so I headed to work, curious about how my day would unfold in the studio without my usual way of connecting with students. The moment I walked in and students arrived they noticed. They were empathetic and sympathetic, but they also quickly found humor in it, joking with me about my new, quiet role for the day. They didn’t skip a beat, though. Instead, they adapted, using everything from notecards to sign language, my phone, and even our classroom screen to communicate. And I couldn’t have managed without the support of my fellow team members and the other guide, who stepped up to help manage the day. Their presence and assistance were invaluable, making it possible for us to remain connected with the students, even without my voice. In a micro-school, experiences like these become powerful teaching moments. I couldn’t speak, but that didn’t stop us from diving into our usual conversations. We shared our affirmations, guardrails review, birthday shoutouts, expressed gratitude, the days rhythm, discussed next steps, and reflected on how our classes were going. The students took the lead, steering the conversations while I listened and responded as best as I could—quietly. This experience reinforced something valuable: as educators, it’s okay not to be the center of every conversation. (Unlearn) Sometimes, the most powerful learning moments come when we simply step back and let students take charge. Micro-schools allow for this kind of flexibility. They create a space where students learn to communicate in real-world ways—adapting to silence, reading nonverbal facial expressions, body language, finding creative ways to interact, and experiencing the balance between leading a discussion and listening. By being present but not vocal, I showed them that communication isn’t just about words; it’s about empathy, creativity, and connection. It’s about listening as much as it is about leading. These “little” conversations are the building blocks of our relationship, and they offer students a taste of real-world dynamics—learning to adapt, to empathize, to step up when necessary, and to enjoy the unique situations that life throws at us. In the end, the students didn’t just navigate the silence—they owned it. And in doing so, they reminded me of the incredible power of simply being there, quietly guiding, and allowing them to find their voices, even when I couldn’t use mine. I’m deeply grateful for my team, who made it possible for me to embrace this unique experience, and for the students, who showed once again just how resilient and adaptable they are. #innovativeedu #microschool #kaipodcatalyst #educationaladvisor #learningtounlearn