A Quick Summary
In this episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Erin Kent, founder of Erin Kent Consulting, shares her extensive experience in international education and literacy consulting. With a background spanning from Teach for America to leading a global consulting group, Erin discusses the evolving landscape of international education, particularly focusing on literacy instruction, the unique opportunities in international schools, and the critical role of leadership in driving educational innovation.
In this enlightening episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, hosts sit down with Erin Kent, the visionary founder of Erin Kent Consulting. With a rich background in international education, Erin's insights span from her time with Teach for America to leading a global consulting group dedicated to educational excellence. This discussion dives deep into the transformative shifts occurring in literacy instruction and the broader educational landscape, particularly within international schools.
Key Highlights:
The International School Advantage: Erin emphasizes the unique freedoms international schools possess, enabling them to craft tailored missions and curricula that closely reflect the needs of their diverse communities. This flexibility presents exciting opportunities for innovation in educational practices.
Literacy in a Post-Pandemic World: The conversation explores the pressing need for data-driven decision-making in literacy instruction. Erin discusses how educators are now focusing on foundational skills, scaffolding complex texts, and implementing more effective assessment methods to enhance student learning outcomes.
Leadership's Crucial Role: Effective leadership is fundamental during times of educational change. Erin highlights the necessity for school leaders to engage in professional learning actively. Their presence and support are vital for driving successful transformations within their institutions.
Valuing Multilingualism: As linguistic diversity becomes increasingly recognized as a valuable asset in international schools, Erin advocates for an asset-based approach to bilingual and multilingual learners. This perspective enriches the educational experience and fosters a more inclusive environment.
Personalized Learning Strategies: This episode also touches on the growing emphasis on equitable access to personalized learning paths. Erin underscores the significance of accommodating diverse learner needs to foster a more inclusive educational landscape.
Strategic Change Management: Successful innovation in education requires thoughtful implementation. Erin provides insights on how schools can support teachers through transitions by ensuring they have adequate time, resources, training, and support.
Embracing Continuous Learning: Throughout her journey, Erin emphasizes the importance of adaptability and a growth mindset, encouraging educators to embrace challenges and pursue continuous learning as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education.
Join us for this inspiring conversation with Erin Kent as she shares her wealth of knowledge on the future of international education, leadership, and literacy. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply interested in educational innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your understanding of the current educational climate.
Bio
Erin Kent is the founder of EKC (Erin Kent Consulting), a global literacy consulting group dedicated to serving international schools. Erin leads a team of over 50 literacy experts who partner with hundreds of international school communities worldwide, providing customized support in reading and writing instruction across 7 languages. Everything EKC offers—onsite and online consulting, an evolving subscription service, regional conferences, and bespoke text sets—is thoughtfully designed with international schools in mind. Before founding EKC, Erin taught in urban, independent, and international schools, eventually becoming a literacy coach and PK-12 Director of Teaching and Learning in Shanghai.
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