In Episode 72 of the podcast, we will dive deep into the concept of belonging in the educational space with Dr. Ilene Winokur. Navigating between two homes, Buffalo, NY, and Yarmouk, Kuwait, Dr. Winokur unearthed profound insights about belonging that are intricately tied to learning and well-being. Through her personal journey and rich experiences, she has unveiled layers of belonging - from the self, to personal, to the professional realms. Her book, "Journey to Belonging: Pathways to Well-Being," not only chronicles her own discoveries but offers educators a map to decipher their own sense of belonging. Together, we'll explore the pivotal connection between belonging and the educational journey, and how, as educators, we can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Guest Bio
Dr. Illene Winokur is an international educator located in Kuwait. She has had experience teaching and leading secondary schools and universities. Her journey began over thirty-five years ago when she moved to Kuwait from Buffalo, NY, and culminated with her retirement in 2019 as Director of the Foundation Program Unit (Math and English) at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). Early in her career, she served as a teacher and administrator for early childhood and elementary levels, in addition to teaching intensive English in private institutions in Kuwait for twenty-five years.
Currently, she is an avid blogger, sharing insights from her life in Kuwait and supporting refugee teachers globally. Her podcast, Journeys to Belonging, features guests discussing their personal sense of belonging. She recently authored a book, "Journey to Belonging: Pathways to Well-Being," available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Over the years, she has presented workshops at conferences worldwide, with topics ranging from Kuwaiti culture to visionary leadership and inclusive teaching practices. She's passionate about asset-based teaching approaches that foster a sense of belonging for all students. As a mentor, she guides struggling teachers and budding administrators, often nurturing their leadership potentials.
She values her memberships in educational communities that connect her with other educators. Notably, she's a Wakelet Ambassador and has held leadership positions at ISTE Global Collaboration Network and the TESOL International Refugee Concerns interest section (RCIS). She warmly invites others to expand her professional learning network (PLN) by following her on social media (@IleneWinokur).
A true advocate for continuous learning, she was awarded a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University in 2013, possesses an MBA from the University of Miami, Florida (1979), and completed her ESL certification at the College of New Jersey (2000). Her academic interests span topics like psychological safety, belonging, social-emotional learning, project-based learning, and professional development.
Guest Social Media
@ilenewinokur
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