- Professional Development
On a warm weekend in eastern China, Hangzhou International School (HIS) had the privilege of hosting an EARCOS-sponsored workshop led by the inspiring Jennifer Abrams.
Originally from the U.S., Jennifer is an international educational and communications consultant for public and independent schools, universities and non-profits. Jennifer trains and coaches teachers, administrators and others on new teacher and employee support, having hard conversations, collaboration skills and being your best adult self at work.
The workshop focused on two key topics over the two days: the keys to stretching your collaborative edges, and a deep dive into having hard conversations. Along with HIS, there were attendees from several schools around Asia, including YCIS Chongqing, Shanghai Community International School Pudong, Concordia International School Bangkok, Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, and SIAS International School.
Throughout the first day, Jennifer led those involved through discussions of how each educator can develop themselves to contribute to healthy professional learning culture. During the second day, there was a focus on giving people the direct tools needed to have hard conversations within the regional context and changing demographics of our schools.
“It was a gift to be with everyone at the EARCOS-sponsored workshop hosted by Hangzhou International School!” said speaker Jennifer Abrams.
“We stretched at our collaborative edges and worked on being value add members to a healthy, professional adult culture of learning, as well as learning how to have hard conversations with colleagues and parents - with an increased cultural awareness and even more cultural sensitivity.
“I learned with and from all who participated! So grateful for the opportunity. Many thanks to HIS Superintendent Mr Jeffry Stubbs for arranging it all!”