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I'm thankful to have had this round table discussion with my wonderful colleagues Laura Pendergast, Jessica Boland, and Carrie Mcewen about the role of the Pedagogical Coordinator and the work that we do at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia. The role itself is a very unique one that not only involves being a coach, collaborator,  consultant, and curriculum coordinator but also to work side-by-side with the amazing teachers in our school helping to support them with their own professional growth journeys. Not a day goes by when I am not extremely appreciative and thankful to do the work that I do at the school and to be a part of such a great leadership team at Gardens Elementary School. A special thanks to Laura, Jessica, and Carrie for their willingness to share their insight and experiences.

About Laura
Born and raised in small-town Ontario, Canada I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.

I was very fortunate to attend local schools that were brimming with kind and passionate teachers who always went above and beyond to help me and my fellow students. I saw from an early age the power of teachers in my own life and the lives of my peers. 

While in university in Canada, and facing an unstable job market for newly qualified teachers, I decided to teach aboard. The plan was to spend two years teaching overseas in Kuwait and then move back home to Canada to continue my career. Well, nearly 15 years later I am still teaching overseas. Currently, I am a Pedagogical Coordinator at the KAUST School in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.

As a mother to three young boys I am furthering my own beliefs around learning and researching more about the power of play. I am finding ways to sneak vegetables into every meal I serve. Most importantly, I am eternally grateful for the opportunities to travel and connect with other people that life as an international Educator has brought me and my family.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/penderlc

About Jessica
Jessica Boland always knew that she would be a teacher.  As an educator for 20 years, in the states and internationally, she has held many roles, such as an elementary teacher, mathematics coach, Asst. Director of Math and Science and is currently working as a G1 Pedagogical Coordinator at KAUST. 

In addition to having two Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Mathematics Education, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching for the state of Arizona in 2010 and received National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards as an Early Childhood Generalist in 2008 and received renewal in 2017. She contributed classroom vignettes and student work to the book, Beyond Answers: Exploring Mathematical Practices with Young Children. 

About Carrie
I’m American, born in Iowa, grew up in Ohio and in 1998 started my teaching career in Texas.  I’ve been teaching internationally now for 17 years, in Syria, Bangladesh and now Saudi Arabia at the Kaust School.  My classroom experience is in the early years, teaching kindergarten, first and second grade.  My undergrad degree is in early childhood education and my masters is in International Education.  Four years ago, after a number of years in the classroom, I moved into the role of pedagogical coordinator.  I feel so fortunate to have opportunities to work alongside such highly professional teachers.  From our partnerships we work together to really have a lasting impact on student learning and growth.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clmcewen

Special thanks to Bronx band Conversing with Oceans & Alex Bondarev for creating the podcast music.