AGIS Conference 2026 Potsdam: Full Schedule

Working Together To Support Learning

9:00am CEST

AGIS Librarians Working Group: Best practices in school libraries

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST

Join us for a day of connection and creativity at the AGIS librarians’ pre-conference! This event is all about bringing school librarians together to share ideas, experiences, and challenges unique to our international school settings. Many of us work solo in our schools, so this is a wonderful chance to exchange stories, pick up fresh ideas, and be inspired by one another. Come ready to chat, collaborate in small groups, and take home new strategies to help your students thrive.

Draft schedule (subject to change!)
10:00 - 10:15
Welcome
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch
10:15 - 10:30
Ice Breakers
13:30 - 14:30
Success Stories
10:30 - 11:00
New Tools
14:30 - 15:30
Breakout Groups
11:00 - 11:30
Book Sources
15:30 - 16:30
Book Talks
11:30 - 12:30
Challenges
16:30 - 17:00
Wrap Up

Session Outcome(s)

Connect and build community – Meet other AGIS librarians and strengthen our professional network. Together, we can turn isolation into collaboration and support.
Share ideas and best practices– Exchange tips, resources, and experiences on everything from library management and literacy programs to sparking student curiosity.
Solve challenges – Explore real-world issues faced in international school libraries and uncover creative solutions through lively group discussions.
Be inspired – Pick up new ideas for using technology, promoting reading, curating collections, and linking the library to the curriculum.
Grow professionally & confidently – Engage in meaningful conversations that boost confidence and reaffirm the impact of our work.
Collaborate across schools – Open doors to future partnerships, joint projects, and shared initiatives—like the Sora eBook Consortium or Battle of the Books collaborations.

Speakers

Elaine Smith

Librarian, Extended Essay Coordinator, Franconian International School

Librarian and Extended Essay Coordinator

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST
0.237 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Full-Day Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary

9:00am CEST

EAL Working Group Pre-Conference

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST

0.245

This pre-conference aims to continue the development of a support network among EAL teachers in AGIS schools, building on the foundations in last year’s AGIS preconference and the monthly online meetings. It will offer the platform to exchange effective practices, strategies, resources and systems that enhance support for our English language learners and teachers. EAL working group members will contribute to shaping the topics and sessions featured at the AGIS Pre-Conference 2026.

Speakers

Courtenay Comiskey

Secondary EAL / I&S, Grade 6 Lead Teacher, Leipzig International School

to be added later

Mirjam Strauss-Paris

to be added later, Munich International School

To be added later

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST
0.245 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Full-Day Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Language Learning

9:00am CEST

NEASC 4Cs model

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST

Full-Day Workshop, School organisation and infrastructure; Teaching pedagogy/methodology

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

9:00am CEST

Student Support Full-Day Conference: aligning student support practices through different frameworks, requirements towards student-centred approaches and biopsychosocial model

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST

Lake View Room

This full-day workshop introduces the biopsychosocial model (Engel, 1977) as a unifying framework to align counsellors, learning support teachers, school psychologist, nurses, progress leaders, and leadership across. Participants will explore how biological (health, neurodevelopment), psychological (cognition, emotion, identity), and social (culture, family systems, peer context) factors intersect to influence learner agency, wellbeing, and academic access.
The workshop explicitly addresses how to plan within the school and support all stakeholders, integrate documentation requirements, access and inclusion arrangements, safeguarding expectations, and external accreditation standards of each country/region into one coherent process, through cross-divisional case analysis and systems mapping, participants will design aligned referral pathways, case meeting protocols, and documentation templates that meet multiple frameworks while maintaining a learner-centred approach and keep the standards regulated from both the educational and local frameworks.

The structure of the full-day session should be based on the following timeline:
08:30-9:00 Welcome Coffee
9:00-12:45 Morning Session
Holistic education
The biopsychosocial model (Engel, 1977) and ICD 11
Ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner) and developmental neuroscience
Mapping IB constructs (Learner Profile, ATL, agency, inclusion) onto biopsychosocial domains
From “support service” to “whole-school ecosystem”
12:45-13:45 Lunch
13:00-15:45 Afternoon Session
Sharing of resources and co-planning
Case studies

References
Engel, G. (1977). The biopsychosocial model. Science.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (Ecological systems theory).
Immordino-Yang, M. (Affective neuroscience and learning).
IB publications: Learning Diversity and Inclusion in IB Programmes, Access and Inclusion Policy, Approaches to Learning, and safeguarding guidance.

Speakers

Aristea Mastoraki

Head of Student Support, Berlin Metropolitan School

Placeholder - more to come soon!

Laura Beccherini

Head of Primary Student Support, Berlin Metropolitan School

Placeholder - more to come soon!

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST
Lake View Room Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Full-Day Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary

9:45am CEST

Creating Cultures of Safety: Practical Child Safeguarding for International Schools in Germany

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST

0.241

International schools in Germany operate within culturally diverse communities and a unique national child protection landscape. This workshop equips AGIS educators with practical safeguarding skills they can apply immediately in the classroom and wider school environment. Participants will learn how to recognize early indicators of abuse, neglect, or emotional vulnerability; respond to disclosures using trauma‑informed, supportive language; and report concerns confidently using consistent school procedures aligned with German Kinderschutz expectations.

Intended Impact: Through interactive case studies and guided discussion, the session focuses on everyday strategies that strengthen a culture of safety—clear boundaries, consistent language, proactive relationship‑building, and effective documentation. Teachers will leave with increased clarity, confidence, and concrete tools that support the wellbeing of all students in the AGIS community.

Speakers

Chris Floor

Senior School Guidance Counselor and Child Protection Officer, Munich International School

Senior School Guidance Counselor and Child Protection Officer
Bicycles
Sailing
Music
Politics
Psychology

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST
0.241 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Well-Being

9:45am CEST

Fostering Academic Writing in Multilingual IB Classrooms: Pedagogical insights from longitudinal research grounded in Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST).

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST

0.226

I completed my PhD dissertation last year. It focused on L2 academic writing development among adolescent learners. I employed the Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) as the guiding framework. The presentation that would like to share is designed for both language specialists and non-language teachers, as academic literacy development is a shared responsibility across subject areas. It connects theoretical insights from applied linguistics with practical classroom strategies that enhance students’ writing, critical thinking, and language awareness. My goal is to create an interactive space for IB educators to explore concrete, evidence-based practices that support multilingual learners’ academic writing development. Session Outcome(s) By the end of the session, teachers will: 2. Know/review reusable discourse moves (e.g., This matters because…, If…, then…, To a certain extent…) to employ in class. 3. Remember why key vocabulary and sentence structures need to be explicit in subject areas. 4. Be aware of revisiting important language patterns frequently across tasks and contexts. 5. See variability in student writing as a sign of development, not failure

Speakers

Carlos Rico Castillo

Head of Modern Languages, Franconian International School

A dedicated language teacher and swimmer

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST
0.226 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Language Learning

9:45am CEST

Lesson study-A Co Planning Protocol for Lessons within the Whole School

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST

0.246

Lesson study is a transformative approach to professional development that is based on collaborative action research. Originating in Japanese educational practices and spread around the world after, lesson study is a process in which a small group of teachers plan one or more lessons collectively, observe each other's teaching and then come together to refine their strategies. The main aim is to improve curricular resources and teaching methodologies in order to increase the quality of student learning. At Franconian International School a pair of teachers designed a lesson for three G7 Science classes. The following competences were considered: motivating students for the act of learning, using interactive methods based on teamwork, training students to ask questions to help them solve the requirements od the task. The lesson was directly observed and analysed according to an observation grid created for this purpose. Students participated constructively with ideas and suggestions, working both individually and in teams.

Session Outcome(s)
To familiarise teachers of all grades with this approach and to encourage them to apply it to their lessons in their schools.

Speakers

Constantin Lomaca

Science and ToK Teacher, Franconian International School

A science and ToK specialist with a passion for pedagogy.

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST
0.246 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

9:45am CEST

Maxed Out Minds: Managing Working Memory for Powerful Learning

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST

0.219

Understanding and Supporting Working Memory in Learning
Working memory is the brain’s mental workspace—the system that temporarily holds and manipulates information during thinking, problem‑solving, and learning. This workshop explores how working memory functions, why it is limited, and how cognitive overload can disrupt students’ ability to process new information and move it into long‑term memory. When working memory becomes overwhelmed, learners struggle to follow directions, complete multistep tasks, or retain new concepts, making instructional design and pacing essential to student success.
Participants will examine the relationship between attention and working memory, including how distractions, stress, and competing stimuli reduce the brain’s capacity to hold information. The session highlights how attention acts as the “gatekeeper” for learning—if attention is lost, working memory cannot engage, and long‑term storage cannot occur.
The workshop provides practical, classroom‑ready strategies to support working memory during lessons. These include chunking information, using visual anchors, modelling thinking steps, reducing unnecessary cognitive load, incorporating retrieval practice, and embedding purposeful brain breaks to reset attention. Educators will learn how to design instruction that aligns with how the brain learns best, ensuring students can process, store, and retrieve information more effectively. Participants leave with tools to create learning environments where working memory thrives and long‑term learning sticks.

Speakers

Deb Lancashire

MYP Teacher / Author, International School of Stuttgart

Deb Lancashire has been a passionate educator for 41 years and a two time teacher of the year. Her experiences include Kindergarten-third grade behaviour disabilities, Learning Support for grades 6-8, Grade 4 classroom teacher, and Grade 6-8 classroom teacher all subject areas... Read More →

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST
0.219 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

11:15am CEST

Building Practice, Not Positions: Moving International Schools from Rhetoric to Authentic Student Leadership, Agency, and Service.

Saturday September 19, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CEST

0.245

This workshop critiques how international school student leadership often prioritizes confidence, compliance, and availability - narrowing leadership to titles and power - and invites educators to reframe leadership as service, emotional intelligence, and authentic agency using SEL and IFSEL competencies. Participants will interrogate whether their systems solicit mere feedback or genuine student voice and will explore practical, inclusive models (issue-based teams, student proposal cycles, low-threshold roles) that enable student-initiated, service-oriented action while preserving appropriate adult support.

Through reflection, discussion, and hands-on design, attendees will identify adult behaviors that limit agency, apply a Leadership Audit Tool to spot barriers, redesign one leadership structure to pilot immediately, and leave with concrete tools and coaching strategies to cultivate leadership as a learned practice that strengthens wellbeing, belonging, resilience, and global citizenship.

Speakers

Jessica Stralkowski

Deputy Head of Secondary, English Teacher, Franconian International School

A dedicated Deputy Head of Secondary, English teacher of 18 years, and advocate of student voice.

Saturday September 19, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CEST
0.245 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

1:15pm CEST

Better Together: Facilitation That Moves Groups Forward

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST

“Facilitation is creating the conditions for a group to learn from one another, make progress on goals, and accomplish a task.” — Candice Bocala

This session is designed for educators who facilitate professional learning and want to strengthen their ability to design purposeful and impactful meetings. Too often, meetings are seen as routine parts of the school day, yet the way they are designed and led has a direct influence on school culture, collaboration, and collective effectiveness.

Thoughtful meeting design matters. Meetings communicate what a school values. They shape how people listen, contribute, think together, and move work forward. When intentionally facilitated, meetings can build trust, promote inclusion, strengthen collaboration, and create the conditions for shared ownership.

Participants will explore the mindset of an effective facilitator through the lens of Heart, Head, and Hands: leading with emotional awareness and trust, intellectual clarity and focus, and practical strategies that turn dialogue into action.

Participants will leave with practical approaches for leading meetings that better align with the values of effective collaboration.

Speakers

Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini

Head of Middle Leadership, ECIS, the Educational Collaborative for International Schools

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

1:15pm CEST

Bridging Across Differences: Cultivating Intercultural Understanding in Polarised Times

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST

0.237

What do we need to consider and be mindful of to bridge affectively as a remedy to our current polarised times? Intercultural development research shows that the ability to hold multiple truths, suspend judgement, and stay curious under tension is learned, practised, and essential in intercultural environments (Bennett, Deardorff). Discover what intercultural competence looks like across a continuum ranging from denial to adaptive. In our current complex times it’s not about staying silent or smoothing things over. Join this session to engage in ways to bridge across differences while navigating and holding onto your integrity and core value.

Speakers

Angeline Aow

Advancing Learning Lead, Berlin International School

Advancing Learning Lead (Strategic Initiatives)

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST
0.237 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

1:15pm CEST

Developing and Implementing an AI Policy

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST

0.226

Still navigating the evolving AI landscape and its appropriate application within your school? This session will detail our school's approach to integrating AI, sharing our process, feedback, and key insights. We'll facilitate discussions on the ethical, legal, and educational implications of AI, with a specific focus on the integration of the Gemini AI model within Google Workspace.

Speakers

Jessamine Koenig

Director of Education, International School Augsburg

I am the incoming Director of Education at the International School Augsburg ISA - gAG. I am very excited to be taking on this role and working within the ISA community.

Previously I had been working in leadership roles in China at various schools, including Hangzhou International School and Shanghai Community International School... Read More →

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST
0.226 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

1:15pm CEST

Supporting Students with Developing Academic Research Skills (PYP through to DP)

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST

0.235

Academic research skills are a core aspect of the IB curriculum from primary (e.g. PYP Exhibition), through middle-school (e.g. MYP Personal Project) all the way to diploma-level (e.g. DP Internal Assessments and Extended Essay). This session explores practical techniques and tools for building students’ research confidence and independence—from guiding students in formulating focused research questions, to supporting them in locating and using reliable, age-appropriate academic sources, and introducing simple approaches to citation and referencing. Participants will also have the opportunity to exchange with others and share best practice. Drawing on academic approaches, the session highlights how we can support students with research skill development, leaving participants with adaptable activities and resources to strengthen students’ ability to find, evaluate, and reference academic research effectively.

Speakers

Julie Mansuy, PhD

Extended Essay Coordinator, Berlin Metropolitan School

Placeholder - more to come soon!

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST
0.235 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)
None Groups of Tables

2:30pm CEST

Feedback That Improves Teaching: Evidence‑Based Conversations After Lesson Visits

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

0.239

High‑quality lesson visits have the potential to significantly improve teaching, but only when the feedback is clear, specific, and directly connected to student learning. Aimed at teachers, Middle Leaders, and those involved in developing teaching and learning, this session reframes observations – or visits – as learning‑focused enquiries rather than performance checks. Together, participants will look closely at how to collect meaningful classroom evidence by noticing what students are doing, saying, writing, and thinking, and how to connect these insights to precise teacher actions that shape learning.

We will model short, effective feedback conversations that identify one high‑leverage next step, avoiding vague praise, generic targets, or overwhelming lists of “areas to improve.” Drawing on research‑informed practice and real classroom examples, this session offers practical tools and scripts that make feedback clearer, calmer, and genuinely developmental. Participants will leave with a simple, sustainable approach to lesson visits that builds trust and leads to lasting improvements in teacher practice.

Speakers

Jordan Wooler

Vice Principal Teaching & Learning / AGIS Rep, Berlin Metropolitan School

Placeholder - coming soon!

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

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

2:30pm CEST

From Commitment to Coherence: What One International IB School Reveals About Inclusive Practice in 2026

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

0.241

This session draws on dissertation research conducted in an international IB World School in Germany to examine how educators and senior leaders understand preparedness for inclusive practice, and which school structures most strongly support or constrain implementation. Focusing on the gap between inclusive values and daily practice, the session explores where inclusive practice appears to rely on individual effort and where greater school-wide coherence may be needed to support diverse learners.

Participants will leave with practical questions and a clear framework for reflection, based on the study’s findings, to help them identify where inclusive practice in their school is well aligned, and where it still relies too heavily on individual effort rather than consistent systems. The session will also point to the Index for Inclusion as one possible tool for whole-school reflection and review.

Speakers

Claudia Freitas

Learning Support teacher, Bavarian International School

I have 35 years of experience in education and have worked in five international schools across five different countries. I am Brazilian and began my career in international education in Brazil. For the past 22 years, I have worked at the Bavarian International School. I hold a bachelor’s... Read More →

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

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

4:00pm CEST

Developing Talent in the Classroom- Identifying and Nurturing Exceptional Learners

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

0.237

Very few students fit perfectly within the normal distribution curve in all aspects of their academic and personal life. Yet, we owe each of our students an engaging and challenging educational experience that recognizes their strengths and areas of exceptionality. Students whose abilities or talents lie in the far ends of the range of abilities often are overlooked in planning for the majority of students.

First, I share some of the traits and characteristics of highly able students and highly talented students. I will provide some tools and metrics to assist teachers and staff in identifying, supporting, and enriching the talents of those exceptional students . The social and emotional intricacies of highly able students will be discussed.

Lastly, and time dependent, we will engage in some lesson revision, highlighting some ways to bring rigor and challenge to the highly able students in our classroom, utilizing AI and questioning strategies.

Teachers will leave the workshop with a better understanding of the needs and challenges of highly able students and will have some tools to provide some appropriate and challenging academic experiences.

Speakers

Nicole Noteman

Secondary Teacher, Metropolitan School Frankfurt

I am an experienced educator in her second year at MSF. My teaching experience involves teaching PYP and a variety of middle school subjects, many centered on student driven projects. I have an interest in the and experience with the needs and characteristics of exceptional learners... Read More →

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

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Mathematics; Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

4:00pm CEST

From Passive to Participating: Building Inclusive Classrooms

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

0.233

This workshop aims to support secondary teachers in developing practical, inclusive approaches that increase meaningful student engagement across diverse classroom contexts. The session will begin with a brief overview of key engagement trends and barriers to learning that commonly affect participation, including language load, confidence, neurodiversity, and prior learning experiences.

The workshop will explore how classroom routines, and communication strategies can improve access for all learners. Participants will be introduced to adaptable, cross-curricular strategies that promote low-risk participation, scaffold language and thinking, and explore techniques and structures that enable and encourage students to contribute. The session will then shift to collaborative discussion, allowing teachers from different subject areas to reflect on their own contexts and share effective practice. The overall goal is to strengthen classroom environments where all students feel able, supported, and motivated to participate actively in learning.

Speakers

Eloise Williams

Secondary Drama and English Teacher / CAS Coordinator, Berlin Metropolitan School

Placeholder - more to come soon!

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

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

4:00pm CEST

From Re-reading to Retrieval: Evidence-Based Revision Strategies That Actually Work

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

0.226

Many students invest hours in revision strategies that feel productive but lead to fragile learning, high anxiety, and rapid forgetting. Cognitive science research shows that some of the most popular techniques-such as re-reading and highlighting-are among the least effective, while less intuitive approaches such as retrieval practice, spacing, and learning through error produce durable understanding and deeper transfer.
In this interactive session, participants will explore key findings from cognitive psychology and neuroscience on how learning really happens. Using concrete classroom examples from secondary and Diploma contexts, the workshop will unpack why testing can be a powerful learning tool, how distributed practice supports long-term retention, and how “getting it wrong” can strengthen understanding rather than undermine confidence.
Participants will critically reflect on their current revision and assessment practices and redesign a learning activity using evidence-based strategies that improve retention, reduce cognitive overload, and support student well-being.

Speakers

Margarita Mechkova

Science Teacher and College Counsellor, Heidelberg International School

To be added by speaker

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

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

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

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Well-Being; Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

4:00pm CEST

Relationships at the center: Building classroom and whole school culture through relational and restorative practices

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

0.219

This workshop equips educators with practical strategies to implement relational and restorative practices. Grounded in the FIS’ journey of becoming a school committed to restorative practices, the workshop explores means for placing relationships at the centre of learning, which ultimately strengthens wellbeing, empathy, accountability, and positive school culture.

Participants will explore how restorative practices support communities at both classroom and whole-school levels, and gain insights for developing an action plan. Classroom content focuses on practical relational strategies, managing behaviour while maintaining high expectations, and responding to harm in ways that repair and restore. Whole-school content includes building a relational culture, amplifying student voice, strengthening accountability, and supporting systemic change.

Facilitated through relational strategies for building group dynamics, such as circle practices, and various routines for guided dialogue, the day is a deep dive into restorative practices in action. You will leave with practical tools and approaches to support your journey within your own school context.

Session Outcome(s)
Participants will walk away with tangible tools for putting relationships at the heart of teaching and learning, which ultimately strengthens wellbeing, empathy, accountability, and a positive school culture.

Speakers

Michelle Ang

Well Being Coordinator, Franconian International School

Well Being Director

Clare Owens and Michelle Ang

Primary Deputy Head, Franconian International School

Well Being Director and Primary Deputy Head

Saturday September 19, 2026 4:00pm - 6:15pm CEST
0.219 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Two-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Well-being
global Y

5:15pm CEST

Knowing Students, Knowing Ourselves: From Reaction to Relationship

Saturday September 19, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm CEST

0.233

Research on school belonging shows that students who feel seen, valued, and understood demonstrate stronger engagement, improved behavior, and higher academic achievement. In internationally mobile school communities—where students navigate cultural transitions, multilingual environments, and evolving identities—relational safety is a critical protective factor. Educator self-awareness and regulation directly shape classroom climate and students’ sense of belonging.
Grounded in belonging research, attachment theory, and co-regulation frameworks, this interactive workshop examines how teacher reactivity and attunement influence learning readiness. Participants will reflect on personal triggers, explore culturally responsive interpretations of behavior, and practice practical strategies—including the 2x10 relationship approach, connection-before-correction language, co-regulation tools, and structured repair conversations—to move from reaction to intentional, relationship-centered practice.

Speakers

Anja Centennial

Whole School Counselor, Leipzig International School

to be added later

Fanni Németh

Whole School Counsellor, Leipzig International School

to be added later

Juan Carlos Campos

Whole School Counsellor - Focus Upper Primary and Secondary School, Leipzig International School

to be added later

Saturday September 19, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm CEST
0.233 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Well-Being

5:15pm CEST

Unlocking the Power of Data: Insights and Collaboration for Educators

Saturday September 19, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm CEST

0.241

The AGIS Data Usage Working Group aims to create a collaborative space for educators to explore how different types of data can be used thoughtfully to support student learning and inform school improvement. Participants will have the opportunity to share practices from their schools, discuss approaches to collecting and interpreting data, and reflect on how data can meaningfully inform teaching, learning, and decision-making. The group will also serve as a network for ongoing collaboration among AGIS educators. We hope to begin this work with our first face-to-face meeting at the upcoming AGIS Conference.

Learning OutcomesParticipants will deepen their understanding of data-informed practice and gain insights into how different schools collect, organize, and use data to support student learning. The working group aims to foster collaboration across AGIS schools, encourage reflective dialogue around data use, and support educators in developing practical approaches for using data to inform teaching, learning, and school development.Participants will deepen their understanding of data-informed practice and gain insights into how different schools collect, organize, and use data to support student learning. The working group aims to foster collaboration across AGIS schools, encourage reflective dialogue around data use, and support educators in developing practical approaches for using data to inform teaching, learning, and school development.

Speakers

Merve Korkmaz

Lower School Assistant Principal, International School of Stuttgart

Merve Korkmaz is an experienced international school leader with over 16 years in education. Her work focuses on curriculum design, leadership development, and school improvement, and she is known for bridging strategic vision with practical classroom practice to support sustainable... Read More →

Vedran Kapetanovic

Upper School Assistant Principal, International School of Stuttgart

Saturday September 19, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm CEST
0.241 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

9:00am CEST

School - University Collaboration in the Area of Science, Art, Engineering, Design and Architecture

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CEST

0.231

Munich International School (MIS) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) introduced students to the intersection of robotics, architecture, and engineering through hands-on exploration of digital fabrication techniques. With a focus on additive manufacturing in clay, the program supports students in designing and 3D printing their own clay projects, offering an engaging way to experience how robotics and materials can enhance sustainable construction practices, linking students with people, places, and resources beyond the school.

Speakers

Armin Martin

PYP Coordinator, Munich International School

Armin Martin is an IBEN Workshop Leader and Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator in addition to PYP Maker Lead Educator in the areas of making and technology at Munich International School (MIS) in Starnberg, Germany. He has presented workshops on mathematics, language, making... Read More →

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CEST
0.231 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

9:00am CEST

Educating the Whole Child: Brain Science for Everyday Teaching - Learners Have to Maslow Before They Can Bloom.

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 11:30am CEST

0.239

Teaching for maximum learning requires more than delivering content - it requires understanding how the brain learns best. This session explores the science of the brain and the powerful connection between social-emotional development and academic success. Designed for teachers at every level, the session examines how factors such as relationships, emotion, stress, motivation, and belonging directly influence attention, memory, and learning. Participants will gain practical, brain-based insights into how supportive learning environments and intentional instructional practices can foster both emotional well-being and academic growth. By connecting neuroscience with classroom realities, this session highlights strategies that help educators create safe, engaging, and responsive learning spaces where students can thrive. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of why social-emotional learning is essential, not separate, from academic achievement, and how aligning instruction with how the brain works supports the whole child.

Session:
Social Emotional Learning and it´s connection to brain and a workshop
Memory Is Not a Filing Cabinet: How Brains Actually Remember
Reflections, sharing, takeaways

Speakers

Mandy Madnikoff

Primary School Assistant Principal, Leipzig International School

With nearly two decades in education, I’ve come to believe that meaningful learning starts with meaningful relationships. I’m passionate about building authentic connections with students - because when students feel known and valued, they’re far more open to academic growth... Read More →

Liene Leiskalne

Primary School Teacher, Leipzig International School

I am a dedicated teacher, shaping the future one mind and one heart at a time.
I am passionate about fostering student curiosity and I believe that only students that feel safe and accepted in their learning environment can reach their full potential as learners.

I am an experienc... Read More →

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 11:30am CEST
0.239 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Two-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary
global Y

9:00am CEST

Listening to Understanding: Building Empathy Through Active Listening

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 11:30am CEST

0.237

Why do we listen, and how can we help students truly hear others’ perspectives? This workshop focuses on developing the ATL skill of listening actively to others’ perspectives and ideas to build empathy, understanding, and positive relationships. Teachers will explore practical strategies and simple language prompts that support students in sharing feelings, respecting differences, and connecting with others. By strengthening active listening, we empower students to contribute to a more caring and inclusive world.

Session Outcome(s)
10-12:30 Session 1

Circle Time Introduction
An inquiry into why we listen and what it looks like in international, inclusive schools across Germany.

We will dig deeper into:
-what is active listening
-why we need to explicitly teach active listening skills

12:30-13:30 Lunch

13:30-15:30 Session 2

An inquiry into what habits we can practice to support active listening in the classroom.

We will dig deeper into:
-how to develop a safe space.
-how to develop active listening language.
-how to support agreements, disagreements and conflict.

15:30-16 Coffee Break

16-17 Session 3
Time to plan and reflect on how to use active listening next week at your school.

Speakers

Sarah Kloha

PYP Coordinator, Franconian International School

A PYP Coordinator passionate about pedagogy and student well being.

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 11:30am CEST
0.237 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Two-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Well-being
global Y

9:00am CEST

The Learning Design Lab: Practical Tools for Every Learner

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 11:30am CEST

0.245

We've all had that lesson. The one that flopped. The one where you could feel the room slip away and you kept going anyway, wondering what went wrong.
This workshop is built around that moment.
Bring a lesson that didn't land, or one you've always wanted to do differently. Over the course of the session, we'll dig into what inclusive, accessible design actually looks like in practice: how knowledge gets expressed, how feedback reaches learners, and how the right tools can change what's possible in a classroom. Then you'll redesign it with support, with peers, and with a toolkit you'll keep using long after the conference.
No perfect lessons required. Just curiosity and something worth rethinking.

9:00–9:15 Creative Provocation
Streamlined drawing task
9:15–9:45 Tools & Frameworks Overview
We will consider applications for assistive technology, feedback and data. We will highlight a few high-leverage tools and one feedback framework. We will share case studies.
9:45–10:00 Break
10:00 –10:45 Design Lab
Participants redesign one lesson/assessment using templates.
10:45–11:00 Break
11:00 – 11:30 Gallery Share & Implementation Planning
After exploring others designs, we will have a peer Share, then individual action planning and orientation to the resource site.

Speakers

Irina Bucur-Marcu

Learning Support Teacher, Berlin Metropolitan School

I am a Learning Support teacher and inclusion-focused educator with extensive experience in international schools across Europe, Africa, and the United States. My work is grounded in Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and practical systems that help reduce barriers to learning... Read More →

Jenny McManus

Learning Support Teacher, Berlin Metropolitan School

I am a learning support teacher with a background in cognitive science and anthropology. I take an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on neuroscience, culture, and human development to better understand how children learn.I focus on supporting neurodiverse learners through inclusive... Read More →

Sunday September 20, 2026 9:00am - 11:30am CEST
0.245 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Two-Hour Workshop