In this month's podcast, Lori Boll, Erin Madonna and Matt Barker explore the challenges of being a Newbie (starting at a new school). We discuss the challenges with starting somewhere new, the additional complexities of being a special educator in a new position, and the advice they would give both themselves and others who are starting at a new school. Lori and Erin also talk about the additional challenges of having started new positions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Matt Barker

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Lori Boll

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Erin Madonna

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Matt Barker

Matt is an experienced teacher and teacher trainer who is a passionate advocate of inclusive practices for diverse learners. He currently works as a High School learning support teacher at International School Bangkok. He is also a workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Matt takes a pragmatic approach to virtual learning and ensures that he harnesses student voice and agency in his online classes.

Erin Madonna

Erin joined International School Bangkok as a K/1 Learning Support and EAL teacher this school year. Most recently, she was Upper Primary Learning Support Specialist at Shekou International School where she was part of the team developing the school’s inaugural Learning Support program.

Lori Boll

Lori is SENIA’s Executive Director after teaching for 25 years. When Lori’s son was diagnosed with profound autism in 2003, Lori changed her focus from teaching elementary to special education. Lori worked internationally for 20 years, and now finds herself back in the United States building a program for her now adult son.