Ep - 145 Solo host, Greg the single guy, speaks with international Tech Directors Kyle Sumrow and Robby Cobbs about their journeys from classroom teaching into educational technology leadership across Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, Switzerland, Vietnam, and Puerto Rico. They share how careers in international schools evolved into a larger mission to improve access to technology, training, and opportunity for underserved students.
Robby explains how a sabbatical in Puerto Rico turned into the founding of Tech My School, a nonprofit supporting schools with computers, digital systems, staff training, and long-term technology planning. Kyle shares how his own background in international school leadership and edtech helped shape that mission, including partnerships that redirected used school computers into Puerto Rican classrooms. Together, they discuss the realities of burnout after COVID, the importance of staying connected to students, and how curiosity often drives educators into leadership and innovation.
The conversation also explores TechPlan Genie, a tool designed to help schools create living, actionable technology plans that align with teaching, learning, leadership, and school improvement goals. This episode is especially relevant for international teachers, tech directors, school leaders, and educators thinking about life after international teaching, nonprofit work, edtech strategy, and creating meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
-more information-
The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.
Additional Gems Related to Our Show:
Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw
Signup to be our guest https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01
Our Website - https://www.itpexpat.com/
Our FaceBook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat
JPMint Consulting Website - https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/
Hannah’s Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/thatexpatfamily?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO
Books By Gregory Lemoine:
International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025) | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education" | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
Apps by Greg:
https://apps.apple.com/app/6755244840 1. Who’s That? Name & Face Trainer Nov 21, 2025
https://apps.apple.com/app/6756509803 2. Facetag | Memory Trainer Dec 16, 2025
(00:00) Introduction and Background of Guests
(01:02) International Teaching Journeys
(04:02) Transitioning to Tech Leadership
(07:01) The Impact of COVID on Education
(10:18) Challenges in Educational Technology
(12:58) The State of Education in Puerto Rico
(15:50) Community Engagement and Nonprofit Work
(19:07) Building a Nonprofit: Tech My School
(21:52) Collaboration and Computer Donations
(24:57) Lessons Learned from High-Performing Schools
(27:55) Future Aspirations and Advice for Educators
(34:10) Empowering Communities Through Free Coding Programs
(38:48) The Importance of Understanding Educational Needs
(42:39) Innovative Solutions for Tech Planning in Schools
(46:30) Introducing TechPlan Genie: A Game Changer for Schools
(50:47) Building Leadership and Collaboration in Education
(59:34) Final Thoughts and Personal Insights
