OUR COMMITMENT TO DEIJB
DEIJBAt International Schools Services (ISS), we are steadfast in our commitment to a collective journey toward organizational and school transformation rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB).
We recognize that this work is both urgent and ongoing, requiring deliberate action and reflection. As a global organization, we are committed to:
- Embedding DEIJB into the core of our values, strategies, and services
- Challenging systems of oppression and inequity that impact international education, global communities, and our internal organizational culture
- Building equity-centered leadership competencies for caring, courageous, and critical change-making that impacts student learning, safety, and well-being
- Partnering with schools and organizations to advance identity-affirming leadership, culturally responsive practices, and equitable systems
This commitment is not confined to one team, one statement, or one initiative—it is the shared responsibility of everyone at ISS. We believe that educational environments should be designed for belonging, and that all students and adults deserve to learn, work, and thrive in spaces where they are seen, heard, and valued. We will continue to reflect, learn, and act with courage and care—together.
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.
PURPOSE
At International Schools Services (ISS), we believe education is a catalyst for change — transforming not just schools, but the world we share.
Our purpose is to support schools and communities in creating learning environments where every person — across all identities, backgrounds, and roles — is seen, safe, and supported. We know we cannot do everything, nor can we do it alone. But we can act with integrity, compassion, and innovation — harnessing the capacities, expertise, and agency we hold to Make a World of Difference.
This is ongoing work. It calls us to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB) into what we do — from the programs we design, the services we offer to the partnerships we cultivate. We are committed to helping shape schools where everyone can thrive — and where belonging is not an accident, but a result of intentional design.
PEOPLE
People are at the heart of ISS. Our global team, school partners, and extended network bring rich diversity in experience, identity, and expertise. We are educators, leaders, learners, and collaborators — united by a shared commitment to high-impact learning for all students and adults, undergirded by equitable and inclusive cultures, systems, and structures. We recognize that meaningful change happens through people — through relationships built on trust, actions aligned with values, and communities that center care, belonging, and justice. Together, we are shaping learning environments where everyone can thrive.
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 DEIJB 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
- Advocacy and Leadership: Leading initiatives and participating in global conversations to advocate for anti-racism, equity, and inclusion within the international education sector.
- 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.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Working with international schools and organizations to share best practices and develop collective strategies for advancing DEIJB principles.
- 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 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.
DEIJB COMMITTEE
The DEIJB Committee at International Schools Services is an internal, action-driven group committed to advancing our core value of Equity through meaningful dialogue, reflection, and strategic action. We collaborate to build collective capacity, foster psychological safety, and address inequities across intersectional identities within our organization.
While our primary focus is internal, our learning and actions influence the services we offer to international schools—supporting a more equitable, inclusive, and justice-centered global education community.
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.
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