IB Global Conference Budapest Highlights

I had an amazing time connecting with so many people during the IB Global Conference.  My mind is still buzzing with excitement as I reflect on the memories.  What a gift to the soul!

In one of my first sessions, I reconnected with Leanne Hagen, the Lower School Principal at the International School of Bergen in Norway.  

In Oct 2023, I had the priviledge of leading an IB workshop at ISB.  It was a deep dive into how we evidence learning in the PYP.  I was happy to hear that so many seedlings of growth emerged from our experience together.  This is the dream every time I lead a workshop. 

These two people make my heart happy, Taylan Çeltik and A. Merve Korkmaz.  I had the pleasure of meeting both of them as part of a project for the IB Exchange.  Through our project, I came to love them so much, although our roles are so different ranging from DP maths to early years.  The only one who is missing our friend Shannon.  We miss you!

Speaking of the IB Exchange, I was finally able to meet the legend that is Lukas Gohl.  He contacted me about submitting some materials for the IB Exchange and it's been an amazing journey.  I really appreciate his faith in my work and patience with my continual extensions due to my work schedule.  

Through it all, I learned so much about content creation and helping other PYP educators from around the world. 

Lukas and his team leader Laura have done a phenonmenal job of bringing valuable resources to so many.  

Truly grateful. 

There are other people that I was able to connect with, but I don't have pictures for some reason.  

• Ali Hassan was as delightful in-person as he has been on-screen. 
• Dalit Halevi's gave me the biggest hug and it put a smile on my face.
• Allison Garrett Navas was simply her charming Texas self. 
• Ali Ezzedine had a calm energy that made me feel so relaxed. 
• Jules and Grant were as kind as ever.  
• Lucy Elliott made me laugh out load due to her sassiness. 
• Dianne Blackburn was my listening ear. 
• Dimitra Milioni and Isabel Dykes, I don't know where our pictures went, but you made me smile so much. 
• Deepanshu Arora gave the best Toddle party ever.  The snacks were epic.

Robert Tomalin and I met online in an IB zoom room.  We wer both given the opportunity to coach new IB workshop leaders in the Africa, Middle East, and Africa region.  Although we didn't get to chat that much, I really found him quite cool and funny. 

​At this global conference, we kept running into each other.  I enjoyed making Rob laugh, especially in my Union Jack dress.  

Something tells me that we will see eachother again soon and share more laughs.  Hopefully, this time Over can join us too!

The last person on this journey was John Nicholls, who used to work with the IB and host IBEN development trainings in the Africa, Europe and Middle East region.  He is one of the key players that made it possible that I might become a workshop leader.  I will forever be grateful to him and his support.  It was wonderful to see him again after all of these years.  A full circle moment. 

I missed seeing several people at the conference too and know that you were missed.  I can't wait to catch up again next year in The Hague. ​