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Early Childhood Conference at HKIS
I am grateful for this thoughtful highlight from Hong Kong International School. I look forward to keynoting the Early Childhood Conference in January with Rosemarie Truglio, PhD as we explore belonging, play, and children’s perspectives in learning.
I invite early childhood colleagues across the region to join us in Hong Kong for this meaningful professional experience. Register to deepen your capacity to support our youngest learners grow " kinder, stronger, and wiser."
American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
Fostering Cultures of Dignity and Respect at American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
I was delighted to return to Guadalajara for my eighth visit to the The American School Foundation of Guadalajara to continue our ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive school community grounded in dignity and respect for all.
The intercultural competency work focused on cultivating shared language around the knowledge, skills, and competencies that we all need in an international community to engage with one another with empathy, respect, and adaptability. This included parent education, student assemblies, board conversations, and strategic planning to inform the next phase of data guided belonging and wellbeing work that strengthens a coherent and inclusive school environment.
Before leaving campus, I paused at a set of elementary murals that echoed these commitments. Their messages served as a simple and powerful reminder of the values the community is intentionally nurturing.
I look forward to returning in the spring.
Cultivando culturas de dignidad y respeto en el American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
Me dio mucho gusto regresar a Guadalajara para mi octava visita al The American School Foundation Guadalajara y continuar con nuestros esfuerzos para cultivar una comunidad escolar inclusiva, basada en la dignidad y el respeto para todos.
El trabajo de competencia intercultural se centró en cultivar un lenguaje compartido sobre los conocimientos, habilidades y competencias que todos necesitamos en una comunidad internacional para relacionarnos con empatía, respeto y adaptabilidad. Esto incluyó sesiones para familias, asambleas para estudiantes, conversaciones con la junta directiva y planificación estratégica para orientar la siguiente fase del trabajo en pertenencia y bienestar, guiado por datos, que fortalece un entorno escolar coherente e inclusivo.
Antes de salir del campus, me detuve ante un conjunto de murales en la sección de primaria que reflejan claramente estos compromisos. Sus mensajes ofrecen un recordatorio sencillo y poderoso de los valores que la comunidad está cultivando de manera intencional.
Espero con entusiasmo regresar en la primavera
United Nations International School of Hanoi
I am grateful for a meaningful visit to United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi), where I had the opportunity to engage with students, educators, and parents in thoughtful dialogue about inclusive school communities grounded in dignity, respect, and authentic belonging.
This visit built on our session with the Board last August, where we highlighted intercultural competency as a critical skill for bridging differences and strengthening our shared humanity within an international community.
Many thanks to Liz Gale, Ed.D., Head of School, and Maria S. Chung, board chair, for their partnership and leadership as the community continues to advance this important work.
Saigon South International School
“We were honored to once again host Dr. Derrick Gay, a world-renowned Belonging and Intercultural Strategist. During his multi-day visit, Dr. Gay shared invaluable expertise on intercultural competency with our community. ”
Intercultural competency is crucial to support belonging in international schools. I am thrilled to sustain our partnership with Saigon South International School (SSIS) to foster an inclusive school grounded in dignity and respect.
Penn Graduate School of Education
It is a privilege to return to my alma mater for the second year to teach intercultural competency to international college counselors, fostering dialogue on the skills essential for inclusive and culturally responsive advising.
Intercultural Competency in Brazil
I was delighted to return to Escola Concept to continue our work on fostering an inclusive school community grounded in dignity and respect.
During our latest sessions, I worked with learners, educators, and parents to develop intercultural competency — the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to interact and communicate with empathy, respect, and adaptability.
I deeply appreciated the thoughtful engagement and openness throughout our conversations, and I can’t wait to return in a few months to continue this important work.
Please enjoy this video highlighting our work.
What an inspiring start to the 2025–26 academic year!
“Dr. Gay’s sessions provided practical tools and guidance for mindset shifts that support our ongoing efforts to foster a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging across every role at AISV.
With decades of experience in international education, he brought rich insight into how schools can move beyond awareness to action and create environments where all members of the community feel seen, valued, and empowered.”
I am excited to continue collaborating with the thoughtful American International School of Vienna community as we build on their longstanding efforts of deepening belonging and fostering an inclusive environment grounded in dignity and respect.
EduLead 2025 at Taipei American School
It has been a profound and rewarding experience collaborating with the Taipei American School community over the past two years.
At EduLead 2025, we engaged in deep inquiry into the meaning of belonging, examining how personal background, culture, and institutional practices shape the everyday experiences of students, faculty, and families.
Through dialogue, reflection, and evidence-informed strategies, we explored how schools can foster cultures grounded in dignity and respect. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important work and to support a community committed to sustainable and meaningful change.
Belonging and Intercultural Competency at RIS in Bangkok
Many thanks to the Ruamrudee International School community for an incredible two days of learning and connection. During my time on campus, I worked with faculty and staff, middle and upper school students, administrators, and parents—all united in the effort to deepen inclusion and foster a community rooted in dignity and respect.
I look forward to returning to Bangkok in the winter to continue this important work.
Special thanks to Dr. James O'Malley for his partnership and commitment to this journey.
Academy for International School Heads Conversation
I am grateful for the opportunity to facilitate an instructive conversation on Strategic Leadership: Advancing Belonging Amidst a Complex Global Landscape with the Academy for International School Heads (AISH). Many thanks to Sheena Nabholz and Jeff Paulson for the invitation and to all who engaged in this critical discussion.
In a world of shifting geopolitical landscapes, fostering belonging in international schools has never been more nuanced. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions—what works in one context may not be feasible in another due to variations in laws, customs, governance structures, and funding. While belonging and fostering inclusive schools grounded in dignity and respect are non-negotiables, effective execution requires strategic leadership and intentional change management.
In our session, we explored the challenges and opportunities of this moment, equipping school leaders with structured approaches to assess their unique conditions and make informed, strategic decisions that align with their mission, values, and external realities.
I appreciate the rich dialogue and thoughtful engagement. I am looking forward to continuing these important conversations.