Candidate Stories

From Kayaks to Classrooms: Laura Earwood’s Journey to International School Leadership

Laura Earwood’s path into education began far from a traditional classroom. After finishing school with her first degree in sport and adventure recreation and working as an outdoor instructor,…

Following a Long-Held Dream: Dr. Valerie Laugier Begins Her International School Career

After 25 years in schools in Austin, Texas, Dr. Valerie Laugier accepted her first international school position in Mandalay, Myanmar, in July 2025. Valerie's story is a powerful reminder that…

From Rural Manitoba to Grand Cayman: Wendy Novotny Embraces International Education

Wendy Novotny grew up in a small rural town in southern Manitoba, where career options often seemed limited. While neither farming nor nursing appealed to her, teaching felt like a natural fit.…

From Third Culture Kids to International Educators: Purpose, Community, and Adventure Abroad | June 12, 2026

Christopher MacLean and Laura Neagos are Adult Third Culture Kids whose global experiences have shaped their outlook, careers, and family life....

Launching International Teaching Careers in Italy | May 27, 2026

As they celebrate graduating from Trent University’s Bachelor of Education program and their first long-term overseas teaching roles, Jazlin...

A Shared Calling, A Global Classroom: How Benjie and Francis Built a Life in International Education | May 16, 2026

When De La Salle University brought Benjie Lou and Francis Saez together during their graduate studies in special education, neither could have...

Life in International Education: Chidiebere Obi Bi’s Story of Growth, Resilience, and Impact | May 8, 2026

As a trained and certified International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme teacher, Chidiebere Obi Bi (Chidi) has long been guided by a clear...

Leading with Purpose Across Continents: Dr. Paula Gordon’s Journey in International Education | April 23, 2026

“A child’s zip code should never determine the quality of education they receive,” says Dr. Paula Gordon. Guided by the conviction that every...

A Leap Toward Global Leadership: Mark Valvano’s Journey to International Education | April 10, 2026

After years as a teacher and administrator, Mark A. Valvano has recently accepted his first overseas leadership role as Elementary School Principal...

An Artist’s Journey Across Borders: Mary Muringi and the Power of Teaching Abroad | March 30, 2026

A respected art educator in Nairobi, Kenya, Mary Muringi spent more than a decade teaching in international schools before deciding it was time...

From Challenge to Renewal: Connie Mosquera Finds Her Way Back to International Schools | March 13, 2026

For international educator Connie Mosquera, teaching has never been simply a profession—it has been a constant source of purpose, stability,...

Rooted in Purpose, Growing Globally: Renea Thompson’s International Education Journey | March 3, 2026

Renea Thompson’s love story and professional calling are deeply intertwined. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English literature, she began...

From Persistence to Possibility: Landon Wood’s Journey into International Teaching | February 13, 2026

“Landon Wood offers us just a great story of perseverance,” says Senior Associate Brian Lettinga . “He really wanted to go overseas; we got...

From Venezuela to Japan: One Teaching Couple’s Global Journey | January 29, 2026

When Alexander Lashly met his wife, Andrea Medina, in their home country of Venezuela 16 years ago, their professional paths looked quite different....

Teaching Abroad: How Lisa Kling Rediscovered Her Passion | January 7, 2026

After 25 years of teaching in the United States, Lisa Kling was ready to walk away from the profession. Then, at just the right moment, she came...

Paul and Lisa Green: Discovering New Purpose Through International Teaching | December 13, 2025

After two fulfilling decades in South Africa, veteran educators Lisa and Paul Green never imagined their careers would take them across the world....

From Pakistan to the World: Fatima Adnan’s International Teaching Journey | November 13, 2025

Born in Pakistan, Fatima Adnan began her journey toward international education when her father’s posting to Myanmar allowed her to attend an...

Leading with Heart Across Borders: Ashia L. Bell’s Path in Education | October 12, 2025

During her 20 years of working with culturally diverse students in Texas, Ashia L. Bell came to understand the importance of guiding them to...

From Studio Dreams to International Schools: Tazi’s Journey | September 17, 2025

About 17 years ago, recent college graduate Tazi Makwavarara found herself at a crossroads with her father. He wasn’t convinced by her dream...

From Spain to Kuala Lumpur: Javier Castro Guinea’s Global Teaching Adventure | August 26, 2025

When Javier Castro Guinea was 25 years old, he came across the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good...