105 - Small International Schools - Jeremy Majeski, Jimena Zalba, and Michael Hibbeln

Small International Schools are wide spread around the world, with their size come different dynamics in the culture, structures, educator and leadership approaches, finances juggling the daily workflows and community building, Jimena, Jeremy and Michael who have started an ECIS (https://www.ecis.org/) "Intentionally Small Schools" special interest group join us and share their experiences as small international school leaders and together we explore the uniqueness of small international school and the creative tensions that come with such schools.
                 
Dr. Jimena Zalba 
Primary Principal    
The International School of Belgrade 
https://www.isb.rs/
 
Dr. Jeremy Majeski 
Principal
Frankfurt International School Wiesbaden Campus
https://www.fis.edu/ 
 
Dr. Michael J. Hibbeln 
Director 
International School of Krakow
https://iskonline.org/ 
 
About Dr. Jimena Zalba 
 
Jimena Zalba is an educational leader with over 22 years serving international schools in Serbia, Czech Republic, Romania and Cambodia. During her tenure as a school leader, Jimena has, in close collaboration with her colleagues, led the design and implementation of innovative school improvements with  high impact on student learning.  When teachers and colleagues describe Jimena, they use words such as ‘caring’, ‘change agent’ and ‘systems thinker’.  Jimena leverages these qualities and competencies to build and sustain thriving school cultures with a relentless commitment to learning and wellbeing for all members of a community.   In addition to being a transformational and constructivist leader, Jimena is a passionate and avid learner.  She holds a Masters in Education, a Post-Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in July 2021.   Her EdD research focused on developing the professional capacity of educators in international schools. 
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jimenazalba 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimena-zalba-edd-23828549/ 



About Dr. Jeremy Majeski
 
Dr. Jeremy Majeski is currently the principal at Frankfurt International School’s Wiesbaden Campus, a preschool through grade eight international school. Prior to this, Jeremy served as the elementary school principal at the American School of Barcelona as well as an elementary educator and administrator in the Chicago suburbs. Jeremy has been recognized for his work in leading efforts in making schools more welcoming for LGBTQ+ staff, students, and families.
 
He recently completed his doctorate in leadership in curriculum and instruction from Aurora University’s School of Education where his research focused on the experiences of gay and lesbian parents and schools. Jeremy has presented on topics of literacy, technology and leadership at conferences including the Illinois Reading Association, National Association of Elementary School Principals, District Administration and The Bett Show. In addition to his work in schools, Jeremy is an adjunct professor, teaching graduate courses in curriculum, instruction and leadership.
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjmajeski 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeremy-j-majeski-08693832/?originalSubdomain=de 
 
About Dr. Michael Hibbeln 
 
Dr. Michael Hibbeln is Director of the International School of Kraków, Poland.  Prior to his current role he served as the Elementary School Principal at Shanghai American School in Shanghai, China.
Michael’s career in education has taken him to
Thailand, Paraguay, the USA (Michigan), Italy, and
China.  He holds a Ph.D. in Education Organizational Leadership, Policy and Development from the University of Minnesota, as well as a M.Ed. in K-12 Education Administration and Leadership from Michigan State University.
 
Michael's research interests lie in the factors that lead to the development of student intercultural competence in international schools. Using clear systems and frameworks that bring a school's mission to life and drive school transformation, rather than only school improvement, is what excites him most about his work in school communities.
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MjHibbeln 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-hibbeln-2b62b191  
 
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantcz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanTaylorAE
Web: www.appsevents.com
 
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