Diversity Collaborative
Through member meetings, research, resources, shared learning, and consultant connections, the Diversity Collaborative helps the international education community move from conversation to meaningful action.
dialogue, learning, and action
Member Meetings
Meeting Materials
About the Diversity Collaborative
The Diversity Collaborative was first established in 2017, with 17 founding members. Today, the Diversity Collaborative has more than 1,000 members and is growing.
Our Mission
The Diversity Collaborative (DC) is committed to creating and sustaining a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just international school community through our focus on leadership.
Our Vision
We recognize that diversity without equity, inclusion, and justice is insufficient and can perpetuate ongoing harm. Therefore, we strive not only to recognize and redistribute power, but also to eradicate the systems and structures in place that cause and have caused injustice, inequity and exclusion. We aspire to see the leadership of international schools reflect the global majority.
Our Commitments
To realize our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Diversity Collaborative wholeheartedly challenges all leaders, international schools and associated organizations to address the absence of diverse leadership in formal leadership positions. Concurrently, we acknowledge that anyone in a school can demonstrate leadership by serving as an agent of change. The Diversity Collaborative (DC) conducts research on the leadership pipeline and recruitment practices, provides leadership development, and advocates for international school communities to (1) critically reflect on diversity or the lack thereof, (2) develop equity-minded stakeholders, (3) promote inclusive environments, and (4) serve as social justice activists.
Resources and Insights for Inclusive Leadership
Access research, tools, and other resources to support more inclusive leadership and meaningful change in international schools. Create the change that you wish to see in education around the globe
Diversity Collaborative Norms
Shared agreements and practices reviewed at the start of every meeting
Transforming Systems through Systemic Development
Results of the 2023-24 DC Survey, authored by Beverly D. Shaklee, Ed.D., Kimberley Daly, Ph.D., Tami Carsillo, and Sophia Wells-Williams
Recommendations from the 2021 Leadership Pipeline Survey
Recommendations for making recruitment more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just.
Determining the Diversity Baseline in International Schools
Survey led by Anne Hilbert, Alejandra Neyra, and their colleagues at the Council of International Schools (CIS) along with the Diversity Collaborative, George Mason University (GMU), and International Schools Services (ISS)
Antiracism Padlet
Explore a collection of Black voices, media, history, and joy; you’ll also find resources for educating yourself and students about antiracism and systemic racism, and steps for change.
Diverse Professional Development Consultants
We seek to provide a space and platform where leaders and learners from different schools, organizations, and communities can access and benefit from diverse professional development consultants’ experiences and expertise. Find facilitators and consultants who offer professional learning experiences that educate and inspire participants to be agents of change.
Recommended Book List
Explore a specially curated selection of books that offer diverse perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and support learning around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Develop and deepen understanding, challenge perspectives, and inspire positive change.
Research Study
During the spring of 2019, the Diversity Collaborative, a voluntary group of international educators, initiated a research study by partnering with ISC Research and George Mason University. The goal was to survey the field of accredited international schools to establish a baseline of information in the international school sector about school leadership and diversity. The study was distributed to approximately 2,676 accredited international schools. All are encouraged to download and share this information broadly.
The following are available: research brief, executive summary, video, and full report.
Presentations and Other Resources
Mona Fairely-Nelson, Ed.D.
White-washing in International Schools: Examining BIPOC Underrepresentation in Senior Leadership Roles
Download
Diversity Collaborative AIELOC Presentation
Presented at AIELOC Community Visioning
May 2021
Download
Diversity Collaborative Member Meeting Presentation
Diversity Collaborative Member Meeting Presentation
May 2021
Exploring Implicit Bias
Presented by Darnell Fine, at Diversity Collaborative Member Meeting
September 2020
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice in Our International Schools
Presented at AAIE Action Through Conversation
June 2020
Frameworks, Tools and Strategies for Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Among International School Leadership
Presented at NESA Fall Leadership Conference
October 2019
From Resistance to Sustainability and Leadership: Cultivating Diverse Leaders in International Schools
Presented at NESA Fall Leadership Conference
October 2019
The School Leadership Pipeline: Ensuring Robust Leadership Development at Independent Schools
Presented at NAIS Annual Conference
February 2019
Women & Leadership: Patterns, Strategies and Tools for Navigating Your Leadership Journey
Presented at NAIS Annual Conference
February 2019
2024-2025 Diversity Collaborative Meeting Presentation
Meeting notes and presentation slides from the 2024-2025 Diversity Collaborative Meetings
2023-2024 Diversity Collaborative Meeting Presentation
Meeting notes and presentation slides from the 2023-2024 Diversity Collaborative Meetings
FAQ
Questions Answered
CommonlyAskedQuestions
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Can my school find professional development consultants through the Diversity Collaborative?
How do I get involved?
Next Steps