AGIS Conference 2026 Potsdam

Working Together To Support Learning

2:30pm CEST

Inclusive Classroom Strategies to Support Elementary Learners with Neurodiversity

Saturday September 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CEST

This one-hour professional development session is designed to equip elementary educators with practical, research-informed, and immediately applicable classroom strategies to support neurodiverse learners. These learners may include students with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, or other learning and neurological variations.
As classrooms become increasingly diverse, educators are often asked to meet a wide range of needs with limited training or resources. This session addresses that gap by providing educators with realistic tools that can be implemented within existing classroom structures—without requiring specialized programs, additional staffing, or excessive preparation time.
The session emphasizes inclusive practices that benefit all students, not only those with identified needs. By shifting the focus from reactive, compliance-based behavior management to proactive regulation and accessibility, teachers are supported in creating calmer, more predictable, and more responsive classroom environments that reduce stress for both students and educators.

Speakers

Jo Olson

Elementary Counsellor, International School of Düsseldorf

Elementary Counsellor

Sara Hartmann

Elementary Performing Art, Visual Arts and German Teacher, International School of Düsseldorf

Elementary Music and German Teacher

Saturday September 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CEST
0.233 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

4:00pm CEST

Helping Our Third Culture Kids Thrive

Saturday September 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CEST

0.239

Many of the students (and probably quite a few staff) in our schools can be considered Third Culture Kids, or TCKs. What does this mean and what are the implications for those of us who care for and teach them? In this workshop we will discuss an overview of recent research on TCKs and explore practical strategies for understanding and supporting our TCKs through the unique challenges (and opportunities!) they encounter in areas of identity, transition and belonging.

Speakers

Micah Powers

Director of Student Learning, Black Forest Academy

I am the Director of Student Learning at Black Forest Academy, where I have worked off and on for 14 of the past 23 years.

Saturday September 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CEST
0.239 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

4:00pm CEST

MTSS: A systematic approach to addressing the transition between Primary and Middle School.

Saturday September 19, 2026 4:00pm - 6:15pm CEST

This session will explore an intervention focused approach to addressing the transition challenges that students, teachers and parents face between grade 5 and grade 6. It will explore how adapting timetables and staffing structures through innovation, results in addressing student wellbeing and confidence in their transition to MYP. Additionally, by utilizing learning response team meetings that include all teaching staff, protocols will be explored that deepen collaboration and identify accountability, responsibility, consultation and and information sharing approach (ARCI). We will explore how Tier 1 Intervention, within an MTSS structure, form the basis of solid teacher standards and we will address how student learning and behavioural needs on either side of the learning continuum are met. We will discuss how data has been collected and analyzed, in connection with the project management structure that has been utilized, to measure the impact of this new approach. Participant will inquire into various change management approaches were used in support of the success of this structure and how we will adjust for future.

Speakers

Andrea Haake

Assistant Principal Learning - PYP/MYP Coordinator, International School of Stuttgart

Raised across two continents, Andrea brings a global perspective and deep appreciation for cultural diversity to her work in education. During her teacher training, Andrea collaborated with educational publishers to develop innovative English-language learning materials for German... Read More →

Lea Pedlow

Assistant Principal Pastoral & Organisation, International School of Stuttgart

Lea is an accomplished educator and leader with extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and change management within Europe and the Middle East. Lea excels in fostering teacher collaboration, enhancing understanding of inquiry-based learning, and... Read More →

Scott Jackson

Head of Campus, International School of Stuttgart

Scott is the Head of Campus at the International School of Stuttgart–Sindelfingen Campus in Germany. Originally from Western Australia, he has over 30 years of experience in international education across Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong (SAR), Switzerland, and Germany. Scott has... Read More →

Saturday September 19, 2026 4:00pm - 6:15pm CEST

Two-Hour Workshop