PURPOSE
We aim to create an educational environment that not only acknowledges but actively combats racism and inequities. Our purpose is to foster a space where every individual feels valued, respected, and included. We are dedicated to nurturing a culture of care that promotes the well-being and success of all our community members
PEOPLE
Our strength lies in our diverse community. Members of our ISS communities including our partners and collaborators play a crucial role in driving our mission forward. We believe in the power of collaboration and recognize that our collective efforts are essential to achieving meaningful and lasting change.
Continuous Commitment & Sustained Action
One of our core values at ISS is to Act on DEIJB Principles—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging. This value drives our continuous commitment both internally and externally.
INTERNAL WORK WITHIN THE ISS COMMUNITY
- Active Reflection and Learning: Regularly evaluating our practices and policies to ensure they align with our values and goals. We engage in continuous professional development and encourage open dialogue about issues of race, gender, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Intentional Action-Taking: Moving beyond reflection to implement concrete actions that promote equity, justice and belonging. This includes defining and reviewing our practices, fostering inclusive practices, and creating supportive spaces for growth and learning.
- Intentional Data Collection: Our internal Anti-Racism Committee actively collects and analyzes data to inform our strategies and measure progress, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement while engaging all staff in collective sense-making of the data, adding input and perspectives to support the development focus and outcomes.
EXTERNAL WORK WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS SECTOR
- Collaboration and Partnership: Working with international schools and organizations to share best practices and develop collective strategies for advancing DEIJB principles.
- Advocacy and Leadership: Leading initiatives and participating in global conversations to advocate for anti-racism, equity, and inclusion within the international education sector.
- Resource Sharing and Support: Providing resources, training, and support to other schools and educators committed to similar goals, fostering a broader impact on the global educational landscape.
- Building Leadership Competencies: We build leadership competencies for courageous, critical, and caring change-making through DEIJB Learning to Action.
- Professional Development: Facilitating tailored schoolwide professional development responsive to the purpose, needs, and contexts of a school. A range of learning workshops designed intentionally for school leaders, teaching and operational staff, students and their families.
- Coaching and Consultancy: Providing coaching and consultancy for leadership teams on school transformation grounded on DEIJB.
Building a Culture of Care, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Our commitment to these principles contributes to building a culture where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging. By prioritizing anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, we create a supportive and nurturing environment for our students and staff. This culture not only enhances student learning and professional success but also fosters empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.
As we continue this journey, we remain dedicated to learning, growing, and effecting positive change and Making a World of Difference within our community and beyond. Together, we can create a more just and equitable world for the communities we serve.
Antiracism
Let this be a catalytic moment where we acknowledge and address the systemic prejudices and biases in ourselves, in schools and in organizations around the world. We believe in the dignity of all, the benefit of cross-cultural perspectives, and the power of diverse, inclusive, equitable and just communities. Together, not apart, we can make a world of difference. We can do better and we must do better.
ISS ANTIRACISM PLAN
We recognize that our Progress to Date and 2021-2022 Priorities are preliminary steps on what will be an ongoing journey toward more antiracist behavior and outcomes.
ISS ANTIRACISM PADLET
We have curated this antiracism padlet, which is updated regularly. Explore a collection of BIPOC voices, media, history, and joy. You’ll also find resources for educating yourself and students about antiracism and systemic racism, and steps for change.
JOIN THE DEIJB LEARNING TO ACTION INSTITUTE
Let this be a catalytic moment where we acknowledge and address the systemic prejudices and biases in ourselves, in schools and in organizations around the world. We believe in the dignity of all, the benefit of cross-cultural perspectives, and the power of diverse, inclusive, equitable and just communities. Together, not apart, we can make a world of difference. We can do better and we must do better.
Listen to the EDUlearn® Ask Me Anything Podcast!
The ISS EDUlearn® AMA Podcast brings experts from around the globe to discuss the most important issues and trends in international education.
DEIJB PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in learning more about DEIJB and how it can impact your school and your career? ISS is proud to offer numerous professional development opportunities that allow participants to take a hands on approach to DEIJB.
DIVERSE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
ISS is happy to work with a wide array of professional development consultants. We also work with several consultants specializing in DEIJB professional development.
The Diversity Collaborative (DC) was first established in 2017, with 17 founding members. Today, the Diversity Collaborative has more than 1700 members and is continuing to grow. All are welcome to join.
ISS CORE VALUES
Our Core Values
ISS is about Making a World of Difference. Here are our core values that guide us in all we do.
Integrity
We Do the Right Thing
Collaboration
We Engage the Global Community
Compassion
We Care for All
Equity
We Advocate and Act on DEIB Principles
Innovation
We Champion Learning
Excellence
We Practice High Standards