Joel Jr LLABAN (siya, he, him) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice of the International Schools Services (ISS). He is a learner and an international education leader who is committed to our collective work for the transformation of international education grounded on anti-racism, DEIJ, and belonging. Prior to his current role, he was a Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and schoolwide DEIJ Lead at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. He is the program lead of Learning to Action Foundational and Advanced, ISS yearlong cohorts designed to build leadership capacity and competencies for DEIJB action development in international schools.

Joel has been in education for more than 20 years. He worked at the International School of Brussels, International School of Beijing, and Cebu International School as a classroom teacher, department coordinator, and accreditation coordinator. He has led schoolwide initiatives and innovation in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development. Joel is a trained accreditation team leader and has been involved in accreditation as an evaluator during team visits representing the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

Joel leads professional learning for leadership teams, faculty and staff, families, and boards in international schools and organizations. He coaches, consults, and supports leaders in the development of DEIJ professional learning and strategic plan, collaboratives, and initiatives that are mission-driven, practice-focused, and contextually-grounded.

Joel served in the advisory role of the CIS Board Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Anti Racism (I-DEA). He was also a member of the editorial team of The International Educator. Joel completed his Master of Education in International Education Administration from Endicott College in Massachusetts and a Certificate of International School Leadership from The Principals Training Center (PTC) where he also teaches a course Leading for DEIJB in the International Schools. He is a proud member of  the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC), facilitating a leadership course for DEIJB leaders. Joel is a lead facilitator of the Diversity Collaborative (DC). He is a dog parent to Frida, a poodle, and Asgier, a schnauzer.