SkyGems Academy

SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 1 –  26th speaker is Chris Bradbury.

Chris is an innovative and dynamic teacher with a strong presence as an educational leader demonstrating creativity and agility. He has a proven track record of achieving effective change management targets by developing concrete strategies in working collaboratively with others to build awareness of the need of change, developing a shared mission and a common agenda.

“The challenges posed by COVID-19 has forced and allowed schools to engage in the effectiveness of technology. It has also enabled us to communicate and connect with the community both locally and globally,” said Chris.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Chris Bradbury.

SkyGems Academy Podcast 25th speaker is Jasmyn Wright.

Jasmyn, a globally recognized educator, author, and speaker, received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College and her Master in Education from Christian Brothers University. Jasmyn is one of Teach for America and Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms alumna. She is also the CEO & Founder of The Push Through Organization – a non-profit that uses innovative practices to equip, inspire, educate, and empower individuals to overcome adversity and become change agents.

Her new affirmational and empowering children’s book, I’m Gonna Push Through!, encourages children to access their power within and use it to overcome challenges. Jasmyn has had the opportunity to deliver two TEDx talks, as well as travel the world, leading keynotes and serving as a consultant to various educational organizations.

To find out more about Jasmyn and her exceptional work, please visit her non-profit’s website at www.wepushthrough.org.

"Know that you're worthy. You were born with a purpose and a set of gifts that set you apart. They make you who you are. There's a reason behind your story. There's a reason why you think the way you think. There's a reason why everything your life is the way it is. It is to help to make your gifts stronger," said Jasmyn.

Now, we are pleased to introduce to you and present to you … Jasmyn Wright.

SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 1 – 25th speaker is Jasmyn Wright.

Jasmyn is an educator of 10 years. Jasmyn’s empowering and "out of the box" teaching style has been featured in GAP Kids back to school global campaign, as well as various national and international news and media outlets, including NPR News and Good Morning America.

Her “Push Through Mantra” and teaching philosophies have been adapted into adult and K to 12 classroom settings across 19 U.S. states and 26 countries.

“Know that your talents, your calling, your gifts are powerful. They're powerful enough to change the world. Believe in your purpose. Know that you can push through anything that you put your mind to. Do not allow anyone else to tell you otherwise, not even yourself,” said Jasmyn.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Jasmyn Wright.

SkyGems Academy Podcast 24th speaker is Tatiana Mayor. Tatiana is fondly known as Tati.

Tati is the founder of Urban Camp, an education startup based in Brazil.

Overseeing all aspects of the business, Tati has focused heavily on the direct relationship and engagement with parents that has created a virtuous cycle fostering the continuous process of evolution of the curricula. Intensively trained in Singapore Mathematics and Orton Gillingham methodologies as well as through educational connections around the globe, Tati has developed a program where students, instructors and parents can adjust to each other's cultures ensuring an extremely effective learning experience.

Tati was also a pro-swimmer in Brazil and a swimming scholarship holder from The University of Tennessee with a degree in Geography and Business Administration.

"Human resilience is the key lessons learnt from this Covid-19 pandemic. We are all learning how to adapt and how to accept a new normal. We need to look with positive lens which enable us to surpass the virus. We will move forward with our families, with our friends and with our businesses," said Tati.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Tatiana Mayor.

SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 1 – 24th speaker is Tatiana Mayor. Tatiana is fondly known as Tati.

Tati is the founder of Urban Camp, an education start-up based in Brazil. After spending over a decade working in sales, marketing and consulting for American corporations, Tati returned to Brazil. Since 2017 she has been dedicated in developing an unconventional education program that has become a gateway to connect local kids to the world through Math and English.

“Especially during this time where everybody's looking for a solution, you gotta be the solution," said Tati.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Tatiana Mayor.

SkyGems Academy Podcast 23rd speaker is Vahid Husen Sayyad.

Vahid is an International Educational Trainer from India and is based in Gujerat, India. He has been working in the education industry for more than 13 years.

Vahid is the founder and COO of English Zone. He is also the founder and director of One Step Educational Solutions.

He has more than 13 years of experience in teaching English and Communication Skills/ IELTS/ Career Counseling / Parenting/ Teachers' Training.

“We need to get our students to be more skillful, we need to focus on STEAM education system. STEAM will be something that is going to help them,” said Vahid.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Vahid Husen Sayyad.

SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 1 - 23rd speaker is Vahid Husen Sayyad.

Vahid is the founder and COO of English Zone. He is also the founder and director of One Step Educational Solutions.

“We are not independent. We are living in independent countries but we are not independent. We are dependent on each other on every single thing,” said Vahid.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Vahid Husen Sayyad.

SkyGems Academy Podcast 22nd speaker is Damian Rentoule.

Hiroshima International School principal and author of Conversations for a Global Child, Damian has been supporting families with the education of their children across four countries for over twenty years.

Damian has a PhD in Education and an interest in the way everyday conversations affect our sense of identity. Originally from Australia, Damian enjoys reading in quiet times, and surfing whenever he gets the chance.

Damian is an author and a special shout out to Damian’s website @www.damianrentoule.com

"The connection between the school and the others as a support network has significantly changed. It is really important to have collective resilience," said Damian Rentoule.

Now, we are pleased to introduce you and present to you … Damian Rentoule.

SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 1 - 22nd speaker is Damian Rentoule.

Damian is the Principal of Hiroshima International School, Japan. He is a passionate educator, surfer, writer and loving father to 2 beautiful daughters.

Some of the novels Damian authored are Oystermouth Whispers, Life on the Pharm, Shadow of the Pharm and The Silence of Azul.

Check out Damian's very interesting website @ www.damianrentoule.com

"Look after each other. Look after the planet. Over time, you will realize that those two things are in fact, the same thing," said Damian.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Damian Rentoule.

SkyGems Academy Podcast 21st  speaker is Margo Furbert.

At Warwick Academy Bermuda, Margo has held the position of Upper Primary Coordinator and is currently the Year 5 & Year 6 Learning Support Teacher and Maths Coordinator. She also conducts booster classes for new Year 5 students.

Margo has led the primary school through its transition into the UK National Curriculum for mathematics, and has been the driving force behind its recently-adopted Singapore approach to teaching mathematics. Margo has led maths workshops for teachers and parents, and has helped to expand the curriculum through problem-solving initiatives for students in an effort to create enthusiasm towards mathematics.

Considering herself a late-bloomer in the education arena, Margo was a substitute teacher and part-time art and P.E. teacher before landing a full-time teaching position at Warwick Academy, the oldest school in continuous operation in the Western Hemisphere.

Starting a full-time teaching position at age 41 meant that Margo had to keep abreast of the changes in education in order to “remain current”.  She has attended conferences, workshops and courses throughout Bermuda, the US and the UK. In 2014, she received a Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Development (UK).

After graduating from university, Margo married Lance and decided to stay at home to begin her family. She tutored privately until both of her children, Leah and Jamin, began attending primary school. During this time, she also operated a home-based cake decorating business.

In her spare time, Margo enjoys reading, gardening and is learning how to play the piano. A born-again Christian, she is an active member of her church where she continues her passion for working with children.

Margo and Lance spent many summers traveling extensively across the US and Canada by motorhome. They recently sold their motorhome and had decided that cruise ship travel would be their new form of seeing the world - until Covid 19 arrived!

“When you've been teaching, as long as I have, you have to recognize that just like the world is changing every day, the methods of teaching are also changing. We can't stay stuck in a rut if we are educating 21st century children. We just can't. You know, some of my colleagues are young enough to be my children. In fact, I've taught some of them," said Margo.

Now, we are pleased to present to you … Margo Furbert.