Empowering Education in Myanmar: A Conversation with Mike Livingston

Empowering education involves fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments that cater to diverse student needs. Schools can cultivate a lifelong learning culture by integrating innovative teaching methods, supporting professional development for educators, and emphasizing 21st-century skills. This holistic approach ensures students are well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities. In this episode, we are joined by Mike Livingston, the Director at Yangon International School in Myanmar. Mike shares insights on the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of the school's community, highlighting their DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) initiatives. He discusses the unique ways the school supports its teachers through professional development and collaborative efforts to enhance the educational environment. Mike also talks about the challenges and resilience of COVID-19 and political turmoil, innovative programs aimed at developing 21st-century skills among students, and the impactful support provided by the International Schools Services (ISS) over the past two decades. Stay tuned to learn more! Timestamps [00:57] Mike Livingston's introduction [01:27] Yangon International School's uniqueness [02:44] Challenges and resilience in the face of COVID and political turmoil [04:10] How the school is prepared to develop skills among students [04:44] AI embracement in the school [05:36] How the school celebrates different cultures and backgrounds of students [07:20] The shift to the readers-writers workshop model enhanced students' learning experience. [08:04] The definition of the readers-writers workshop model [08:51] How the ISS supported the school and community [09:51] The importance of the ISS work to the international education community Notable quotes ● “Despite setbacks like COVID-19 and political instability, schools must continue to recover and innovate. Focusing on professional development and recovery from these events is crucial for long-term success.” ● “Celebrating and integrating different cultures within the school community enhances the overall educational experience.’ ● “Integrating technology and AI is vital for preparing students for the future.” Connect with Mike Livingston Linkedin: Linkedin Mike Livingston Facebook Yangon International School: Yangon International School Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts: ●     Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre: ●     Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● ISS Events and Certifications: Information about upcoming events and certifications can be found at iss.edu/events. ● Senia International: A non-profit organization promoting inclusive educational practices and supporting educators through a membership program, podcast, certification program, and conferences. More details can be found at senia-international.org. ● Inspire Citizens: They offer support to schools in global citizenship education, including a global citizenship certificate program in partnership with ISS. Visit inspirecitizens.org for more information. ● Moreland University: An institution offering fully online programs with flexible start dates and affordable tuition rates, including US teaching certifications and master’s degrees in education. Visit moreland.edu for more information. ● ISS EDU Learn Ask Me Anything Podcast: This podcast series offers actionable insights and strategies for international schools, featuring conversations with top-tier educators and school leaders on various educational topics.