Presenter: Karl Ryan Osia- MindChamps Indonesia

Workshop description: 

This workshop provides a practical guide to implementing Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies in schools with limited access to in-house special education professionals. By fostering collaboration among subject teachers, parents, and external consultants, participants will learn how to create a sustainable and effective RTI model.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand how to design and implement an RTI plan tailored for schools without full-time specialists, leveraging available resources.

2. Explore a sample RTI plan featuring clear interventions supported at home and by external specialists, with progress tracked over 6-8 week intervals.

3. Discover strategies for forming and managing a Learning Support Team using existing staff to coordinate and oversee the RTI process effectively.

This session equips educators with actionable strategies to support students' diverse needs, even in resource-limited environments.

Presenter bio: 

As a servant leader and lifelong learner, I am committed to fostering holistic and inclusive education through collaboration, empowerment, and service. My leadership focuses on creating environments where students and staff thrive together.

With extensive experience, I have led Cambridge Exams Officers training sessions across Indonesia, served as a panelist at the 2022 EDUtech Indonesia Online Conference on Student Well-Being, and facilitated professional development in curriculum, assessment, and learning support at both school and system levels.

Presenter: Edward Jiwari- Mentari Intercultural School Bintaro

Workshop description: 

Students need peer interactions for social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Inclusive environments foster these relationships most effectively, particularly for students with disabilities. Using universal design for learning, collaborative learning, and social skills education, educators may foster healthy peer interactions. We need to plan and execute effectively to overcome student resistance and time constraints. Sharing excellent practices and case studies can motivate instructors. Through peer support, we can help all kids succeed in inclusive environments.

Presenter bio: 

Edward is a dedicated clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience as a school counselor. Throughout his career, he has supported the mental health and well-being of students across diverse age groups, helping them navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges. With expertise in child and adolescent psychology, Edward has implemented evidence-based interventions, provided individual and group counseling, and collaborated with families and educators to create supportive environments. Passionate about fostering resilience and growth, Edward continues to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health and education.

Presenter: Kristin Collins- SPH Kemang Villiage

Workshop Description: 

Recent studies show that 1 in 5 students have dyslexia. As educators, how can we best support these students if we aren't confident in knowing what dyslexia is and how it affects our learners? This workshop will focus on debunking common myths related to dyslexia and provide knowledge on how we can support these diverse learners both in the classroom and through targeted interventions and support. 

Presenter bio: 

Kristin Collins holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education: Learning Disabilities from Anderson University. With nine years of teaching experience, she has worked extensively within the frameworks of IB Primary Years Program, Common Core Curriculum, and Montessori education. Kristin is trained in various instructional methodologies, including Orton-Gillingham's multi-sensory approaches, Fountas and Pinnell's guided reading interventions, and TouchMath's multi-sensory interventions. Currently, she serves as a Learning Support Teacher at Sekolah Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Presenter: Rae Merrigan

Workshop description: 

We know that students who feel that they belong are more likely to want to come to school, show more motivation to learn, and are more likely to be successful in school and beyond. Yet what can teachers do to create inclusive spaces where diversity is valued and seen as an asset?  In this workshop, we will explore various strategies that will help students develop their cultural understanding through a lens of empathy and curiosity.

Presenter bio: 

Rae Merrigan has been teaching Health in MS at JIS for 7 years. She is dedicated to crafting curriculum resources for Health and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) that are relevant and meaningful to students, helping them to develop the skills they need to live happy, healthy and balanced lives. She also has her Masters in Education for Sustainability. 

At the core of her educational philosophy, Rae believes in the transformative power of education to create a more compassionate and equitable world. Through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Rae aims to empower students to enter the world equipped with empathy, strong interpersonal relationship skills, and the capacity to make responsible and ethical decisions.

Presenter: Stephen Lawerence

Workshop description: 

"Neural Basis of Dyslexia" This workshop provides an overview of how dyslexia affects the brain, focusing on the neurological differences that impact reading and language processing. It covers the reduced activation in the left hemisphere of the brain, which leads to difficulties in phonological processing, decoding, and fluency. It also explores effective support strategies, such as multisensory learning, assistive technology, and classroom accommodations. By understanding the brain basis of dyslexia, participants will gain empathy and practical tools to better support students with this learning difference.

Presenter bio: 

I am a Middle School Science and Math teacher and grade-level leader at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), with 12 years of teaching experience spanning kindergarten through 12th grade. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Psychology and a Master’s in Education.

Prior to joining JIS, I spent seven years working in the mental health field and two years teaching at a specialized school for students with dyslexia, where I applied my Orton-Gillingham training. As a dyslexic individual, my personal experiences have fueled my passion for integrating neuroscience and educational research into my teaching practices, particularly to support students with dyslexia and diverse learning needs.

Presenter: Jessica Davis

Workshop description: 

The need to belong is important for all ages.  Understanding and fostering a sense of belonging for international school students may be crucial for institutions that wish to support access and equity for all groups of students.  This workshop combines the research of belonging with the fast-paced design and future search processes to leave with a tangible next step in moving schools to be deliberate about making them places students feel a sense of belonging. 

Presenter bio: 

Jessica’s work as a teacher and leader in international schools is the quest to develop happy, confident and curious learners. Balancing teacher agency with system coherence, Jessica helps to lead communities into the future of education while supporting and honoring the school culture. Jessica, originally from Washington State,  has been teaching internationally since 2006. Her career has taken her to Burma, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia. She is a parent to three children who have grown up in our schools. Jessica is a member of the JIS Student Support Team working together to support all learners to thrive in their future.

Presenter: Robyn Harwood and Lyndsy Duet

Job Alike description: 

Job alike session for Student Support Team Leaders/ Department Heads of Student Support Teams. We would like to facilitate a discussion on best practices used by Student Support Teams for documentation, best practices for data gathering (such as measures used), potential referral resources in Indonesia, the process for creating Individualized Learning Plans, and effective team leadership strategies. 

Presenter bios: 

Robyn Harwood
Robyn Harwood is the Elementary Guidance Counselor at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) in Indonesia, with prior experience in Ghana and Jordan. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she integrates social-emotional learning, personal empowerment, and strengths-based approaches to create safe and inclusive school environments. Robyn has extensive training in mindfulness practices, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and the Mindful Schools program, and has facilitated the Counselors Training Center summer institute for eight years. She co-leads the Student Support Team at Pondok Indah Elementary, guiding students and families to harness their innate strengths and abilities.

Lyndsy Duet
Lyndsy Duet has been an Elementary Counselor at JIS for eight years. A Licensed Professional Counselor, Lyndsy specializes in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She collaborates with teachers, students, and families using strengths-based strategies to promote agency and problem-solving skills. Lyndsy is also the co-Team Lead for the Student Support Team at Pondok Indah Elementary.

Presenter: Jami Sefiane (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3+) , Carol Souisa (Tier 1),  Kristin Collins (Tier 2) and Emily Simbana (helping with Tier 3+)

Workshop description: 

In this 3 part workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, emphasizing how schools can implement tiered interventions to support all students academically, socially, and behaviorally. Participants will explore the purpose and structure of each tier, with practical strategies and examples for implementation.

Key Areas of Focus:

• part 1: Tier 1: Universal Support- for admin and classroom teachers

  • Core instruction and school-wide practices designed to meet the needs of all students.

  • Strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment with differentiated instruction and proactive classroom management.

• Part 2: Tier 2: Targeted Support- For admin and LS

  • Small group interventions for students needing additional support beyond Tier 1.

  • Evidence-based practices and tools for monitoring progress and addressing specific challenges.

• Part 3- Tier 3: Intensive Support- For LS (assist given by Emily Simbana)

  • Individualized, high-intensity interventions for students with significant needs.

  • Collaboration between educators, specialists, and families to develop personalized plans and measure outcomes.

Workshop Outcomes:
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the MTSS tiers and learn how to identify and implement appropriate interventions at each level. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped with actionable strategies to create a cohesive, data-driven support system that fosters success for every student.

Presenter bios: 

Jami is the Director of Student Support Services at Sekolah Pelita Harapan Schools in Jakarta, Indonesia, with over 15 years of international teaching experience in Morocco, the UAE, Saipan, and China. A graduate with a master’s degree in Special Education from Western Oregon State College, her career began in Houston, Texas, working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing students, building expertise in language development and disability support. Fluent in American Sign Language, Jami has developed inclusive school programs in diverse settings.

An active SENIA member since 2017, she co-founded the Shanghai chapter and now serves as co-chair of SENIA Indonesia, promoting inclusive practices and collaboration among international schools. Though originally from Washington state, Jami considers home to be wherever her work takes her.

Carol Souisa, born in Papua, Indonesia, and raised in Southern California, has made Jakarta her home for the past ten years. With over 25 years of rich experience in education, spanning Primary School and Early Childhood in Indonesia and the US, Carol currently leads as the Head of Academics at Sekolah Pelita Harapan in Jakarta. Her extensive background equips her with a deep understanding of diverse educational environments and student needs. Carol is a fervent advocate for the belief that the classroom is the fundamental locus of learning support. Her commitment to the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework emphasizes Tier 1 support, underscoring her dedication to enhancing instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of every student right from the first point of contact in the educational journey.

Emily Simbaña has a Masters in Special Education K-12 and a BA in Education & Psychology. She is currently the Head Teacher for the newly opened MS JIS Learning Center at Jakarta Intercultural School. The JLC program works with students who have higher needs, and that require an individualized curriculum. Prior to JIS Emily was brought onto the International School Manila to aid them in opening up their diverse learning needs program similar to JLC. She is also the chairperson for Jakarta SENIA and part of the International SENIA Associate Directors. Internationally, Emily has worked with communities to continue to develop and educate about creating inclusive environments for all. She will be facilitating a job titled Understanding Intensive Needs Programs in Indonesia, as well as presenting alongside her Advocate for Change students about the importance of Peer Education. 

**Note Emily will only be assisting Jami in her last session on Tier 3+.

Kristin Collins holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education: Learning Disabilities from Anderson University. With nine years of teaching experience, she has worked extensively within the frameworks of IB Primary Years Program, Common Core Curriculum, and Montessori education. Kristin is trained in various instructional methodologies, including Orton-Gillingham's multi-sensory approaches, Fountas and Pinnell's guided reading interventions, and TouchMath's multi-sensory interventions. Currently, she serves as a Learning Support Teacher at Sekolah Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Presenter: Stephanie Bortmas

Workshop description: 

How can teachers integrate support measures into their classrooms for all students? How can schools integrate support measures into the everyday environment so that it becomes the standard? Consider a classroom, a school, a world where accommodations and supports are normalized and just part of the daily routine. It can be done and the results can be transformative! Normalizing accommodations is the first step to reducing stigma and creating truly inclusive work and school spaces.

Presenter bio: 

With 18 years of experience in education, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for supporting diverse learners. Stephanie holds certifications in K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education, Highly Qualified English instruction, and endorsements in Gifted Education, Adult Education, and Structured English Immersion.

Stephanie started her career in education as an elementary school teacher before earning a Master’s degree in Special Education in 2010. She also has additional degrees in Disabilities Studies, Psychology, and Organizational Leadership and Supervision. Since 2010, she has worked exclusively in various roles in Learning Support. 

Stephanie is passionate about empowering students to achieve their full potential by utilizing innovative strategies, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of individual learning needs.

Presenter: Vicca Maria

Workshop description: 

Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution guarantees the right to education for all, supported internationally by the Salamanca Agreement. To uphold this, educators must create inclusive environments, particularly for Neurodivergent students, who often face challenges in communication, language comprehension, and social interactions.

Research highlights that visual processing is a strength for many learners with learning difficulties (Chalfant, Rose & Whalon, 2017), making visual supports like social stories, timetables, and flashcards highly effective tools. These strategies not only enhance understanding and learning outcomes but also help Neurodivergent students regulate emotions, build confidence, and develop essential social and life skills.

This workshop explores practical strategies for integrating tailored visual supports into mainstream classrooms, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all students can thrive.

Presenter bio: 

Vicca Maria is a Learning Diversity Teacher at British School Jakarta with a passion for inclusive and equitable education. She began her teaching career in 2007 as a Mandarin teacher in Jakarta and later helped establish Papua National Plus School in West Papua in 2009.

In 2014, Vicca received a scholarship from the Indonesian government to pursue a Master’s in Education at Monash University, Australia. During her time in Melbourne, she worked as a teaching assistant for special needs students and earned a Certification of Education Support from Monash, further deepening her expertise in special education.

Vicca’s dedication to inclusive education led her to share her insights at the 2023 SPK Convention in Bali. She is committed to using her knowledge and experience to improve Indonesia’s education system, making it more inclusive and equitable for all learners.

Presenter: Deanna Vajpeyi

Workshop description: 

This workshop will share an overview of the key components of the Response to Intervention model and share how flexibility within the model, and flexibility in how we conceptualize student support, can allow for effective and meaningful systemic change, resulting in better student outcomes. Insights and reflections will be shared from the presenter's experiences piloting and implementing RTI in the secondary international setting. 

Presenter bio: 

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Deanna brings a strong background in English language instruction and learning support. Deanna holds a Master’s in Applied Linguistics for TESOL and a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, reflecting a commitment to fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.

Deanna has extensive experience teaching Language and Literature to students in grades 6–10 and spent five years supporting secondary-level English Language Learners (ELLs) in language acquisition and scaffolded English literature classes. For the past six years, Deanna has specialized in secondary Learning Support, working closely with students to address diverse learning needs through individualized strategies and tailored interventions.

Passionate about empowering students, Deanna integrates expertise in linguistics, differentiated instruction, and inclusive practices to help learners achieve their full potential.

Presenter: Anmaria Irmina Redy and Nova Silvi Ati

Workshop description: 

In diverse educational settings, SLA can present unique challenges and opportunities that influence both teaching approaches and student learning experiences. Understanding these factors is essential for fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

This session aims to share knowledge and experiences related to teaching a second language in multicultural school settings. By exploring effective teaching strategies and addressing common challenges, we hope participants will gain a deeper understanding of SLA. Through this understanding, educators will be better equipped to apply strategies that enhance learning outcomes for all students. This session serves as a foundation for building more inclusive, supportive classrooms where language learners can succeed. 

Presenter bio: 

Anmaria Irmina Redy

Anmaria Irmina Redy has been an educator at Global Jaya School since 2016. With a career spanning several years in language support, she has been a committed language support teacher for the past six years for English and Bahasa Indonesia. Known for her dedication to inclusive education, Redy plays a role as part of the Learning Diversity Specialist team, focusing on supporting students in language, literacy, and numeracy.

In her role, she collaborates closely with both teachers and parents to tailor educational plans that address individual student needs. She designs personalized strategies, modifying and differentiating lessons to ensure that all students can access the curriculum and thrive in their learning environment.

Nova Silvi Ati 

Nova Silvi Ati is a dedicated educator passionate about supporting student growth and development. Since beginning her career in 2009 as an Early Years teacher, she has developed a deep understanding of early childhood education, focusing on fostering essential skills that serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Her commitment to nurturing young learners has been a driving force throughout her career, leading her to continuously refine her teaching methods to create a supportive, engaging classroom environment. In recent years, she has transitioned into a Learning Diversity Specialist role at Global Jaya School which allows her to work inclusively with students of varying abilities to ensure equitable access to the curriculum. In this capacity, she collaborates closely with students, teachers, and parents to create an inclusive learning environment, tailoring her approach to meet the individual needs of each student. Her work in designing personalized learning plans and developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) enables her to support students effectively, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Presenter: Louise Harris and Andhi Hermawan

Workshop description: 

This workshop focuses on practical strategies to support English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in the mathematics classroom, ensuring equity, accessibility, and deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

While math relies on numbers and symbols, the language of math—terms, instructions, and word problems—can pose challenges for ESL students, even if they grasp the concepts. Language barriers may discourage participation, leading to disengagement and academic struggles. By scaffolding language alongside math, teachers can foster active engagement, collaboration, and a positive learning experience.

Participants will explore inclusive teaching strategies and hands-on tools to adapt lessons for diverse learners. Through demonstrations, collaborative activities, and real-life examples, this session will provide actionable methods to enhance student participation, promote inclusivity, and create a dynamic classroom environment.

Presenter bio: 

Louise Harris is an experienced educator with over 25 years in teaching and school leadership. Passionate about supporting students and removing barriers to learning, Louise has dedicated much of her career to improving outcomes for all learners. As a maths teacher at heart, she has taught across both primary and lower secondary settings, with a particular focus on fostering a deep understanding of mathematics for all students.

Throughout her career, Louise has worked extensively with second language learners, developing effective strategies to help them succeed in the classroom. Her expertise in this area is complemented by her strong background in teacher professional development, having attended and led numerous sessions on supporting second language learners in the maths classroom.

Andhi Hermawan has over 20 years of experience teaching ESL/ESOL and leading in international schools at both Primary and Secondary levels in Jakarta. He holds a Master’s degree in English Education and is passionate about active learning methods, especially in integrating English teaching across various subjects, including Mathematics. Andhi enjoys exploring innovative approaches to engage students and enhance their language skills in diverse academic contexts. Andhi believes language learning is most effective when connected to real-world applications and other subjects. He supports curriculum development and teacher training to help educators integrate English skills across different disciplines for well-rounded student growth. Committed to improving his practice, Andhi attends workshops and collaborates with educators worldwide to stay current with teaching trends. Known for his energetic and inclusive style, he aims to create a positive environment where every student feels encouraged to succeed.

Presenter: Beryl Huët‬

Workshop description: 

This‬‭ workshop‬‭ will‬‭ explore‬‭ the‬‭ importance‬‭ of‬‭ inclusive‬‭ access‬‭ arrangements‬‭ in‬‭ education.‬

‭ From‬‭ a‬‭ human‬‭ rights‬‭ perspective,‬‭ participants‬‭ will‬‭ gain‬‭ a‬‭ deeper‬‭ understanding‬‭ into‬‭ how‬

‭ these‬‭ modifications‬‭ promote‬‭ equity‬‭ in‬‭ education‬‭ and‬‭ empower‬‭ learners‬‭ with‬‭ diverse‬‭ needs‬‭ to‬

‭ engage in learning and be successful.‬

‭ The‬‭ session‬‭ will‬‭ delve‬‭ into‬‭ various‬‭ types‬‭ of‬‭ access‬‭ accommodations‬‭ and‬‭ their‬‭ benefits‬‭ for‬

‭ students‬‭ with‬‭ diverse‬‭ learning‬‭ needs,‬‭ as‬‭ well‬‭ as‬‭ practical‬‭ strategies‬‭ for‬‭ identifying‬‭ and‬

‭ implementing‬‭ effective‬‭ accommodations‬‭ in‬‭ the‬‭ classroom.‬‭ By‬‭ the‬‭ end‬‭ of‬‭ the‬‭ workshop,‬

‭ participants‬‭ will‬‭ be‬‭ equipped‬‭ with‬‭ the‬‭ knowledge‬‭ and‬‭ tools‬‭ to‬‭ create‬‭ more‬‭ inclusive‬‭ and‬ equitable learning environments for all students.

Presenter bio: 

Beryl‬‭ Huët‬‭ is‬‭ a‬‭ passionate‬‭ educator‬‭ with‬‭ a‬‭ global‬‭ perspective.‬‭ Growing‬‭ up‬‭ in‬‭ Mauritius,‬‭ she's‬ fluent‬‭ in‬‭ English,‬‭ French,‬‭ and‬‭ Mauritian‬‭ Creole.‬‭ With‬‭ over‬‭ a‬‭ decade‬‭ of‬‭ experience‬‭ in‬

‭ international‬‭ schools‬‭ across‬‭ Dubai,‬‭ Mauritius,‬‭ and‬‭ now‬‭ Indonesia,‬‭ Beryl‬‭ brings‬‭ a‬‭ wealth‬‭ of‬ knowledge‬‭ and‬‭ expertise‬‭ to‬‭ her‬‭ role‬‭ as‬‭ Whole‬‭ School‬‭ Head‬‭ of‬‭ Learning‬‭ Diversity‬‭ at‬‭ British‬

‭ School Jakarta.‬ Beryl's‬‭ dedication‬‭ to‬‭ creating‬‭ inclusive‬‭ and‬‭ supportive‬‭ learning‬‭ environments‬‭ is‬‭ evident‬‭ in‬ her‬‭ work.‬‭ Her‬‭ research‬‭ in‬‭ inclusive‬‭ education‬‭ and‬‭ gifted‬‭ and‬‭ talented‬‭ provision,‬‭ combined‬ with‬‭ her‬‭ expertise‬‭ as‬‭ a‬‭ certified‬‭ psychoeducational‬‭ assessor,‬‭ empowers‬‭ her‬‭ to‬‭ create‬ effective‬‭ strategies‬‭ for‬‭ all‬‭ learners,‬‭ regardless‬‭ of‬‭ their‬‭ abilities‬‭ or‬‭ background.‬

‭ Beyond‬‭ her‬‭ professional‬‭ life,‬‭ Beryl‬‭ sees‬‭ herself‬‭ as‬‭ a‬‭ human‬‭ rights‬‭ activist.‬‭ She‬‭ has‬‭ volunteered‬‭ with‬‭ various‬‭ NGOs‬‭ and‬‭ associations‬‭ dedicated‬‭ to‬‭ the‬‭ rights‬‭ of‬‭ neurodivergent children, reflecting her commitment to making the world a more inclusive place.‬