“I specifically wanted to go for the sessions onSocial Entrepreneurship, which I am involvedwith in the 10th grade during our initial year ofService Learning at this school. We learnedmuch about social entrepreneurship and I havenew ideas, templates, and resources to workwith in getting students to narrow down theirideas for projects and businesses this year. I feelmore confident in leading students during thefirst year of Service Learning at AISL.”Eric Freund, HS Economics

“AISA brings in experts in areas we needinformation on. The learning is active andengaging and all of the presenters providedpractical solutions and take away materials tosupport initiatives. AISA also provides follow upsupport and a long-term commitment to each ofthe attendees through the formation of groupswho can contact each other throughout theyear.”Darlene Heilman, Middle School Counselor

“I feel that attending the AISA conferenceallowed me to collaborate with other educatorsfrom the different African regions, share all thatwe know, discuss our challenges, and tap intotheir expertise.”Bunmi Adenihun, High School Science and Grade 10 Advisor

Celebrating the Past - Shaping the FutureCape Town, South Africa | November 21-23, 2019

The AISA 2019 Conference,"Learning from thePast, Shaping the Future,” was a celebration ofthe learning that has taken place through theyears. Presented by some of the world’s leadingexperts, a variety of learning experiences werehad from deep dives for in-depth learning toaffect change at school, discovery workshopsallowing us to dip our toes into something new,innovative practice workshops to explore goodpractice in AISA schools, learning partnerpresent workshops to see how our associatemembers can support our work in teaching,learning and leading, and even yoga andmindfulness Classes that focused on health andwell-being. AISA 2019 Conference allowed us to stretch ourminds and grow personally and professionallyin a very holistic way. Please read some of theways this conference personally affected someof the participants in the following excerpts.

AISL ATTENDS AISA'S CONFERENCE ON:

“I feel that attending the AISA conferenceallowed me to think differently, collaborate andmake relationships as we learned and sharedour imaginations together.”Priscilla Alumona, Instructional Assistant

P H O T O B Y M A R T I N R . S M I T H

“The most valuable session for me wasthe AISA Blended learning sessionduring the pre conference. It was therethat I was able to network and learn somuch about how tech is beingimplemented throughout the continent.I can now refer to this network for ideasand collaboration. It also gave meinsights into some of the world's leadingschools which have inspired me toinstill those same qualities here.”

AISA 2019: A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE

Robert Cobbs, Technology Coordinator

"The Young Child as a Competent Learner-A ContemporaryImage of the Child

Pam Mewbourn, Preschool Teacher

“I have come to a new realization that for the student agencyto be fully actualized, there is a need for a review of WellAccepted Methods of Instruction. Help students discovertheir dispositions and Habits of Mind. In other wordsstudents should be developed to think for themselves ratherthan remember only what they are taught from books.Learning should be a lifelong and I think that helpingstudents become independent learners is the way forward!”Elizabeth Ntan, Permanent Substitute Teacher

“The things I found most impactful were being able to shareideas and learn from peers and their experiences, gettingvalidation of some work ethics and being able to clarifypersonal questions on Understanding by Design.”Mudi Danmole-Logun, Elementary World Language Teacher

I had the pleasure of going with our school leadership, faculty and admin staff to the AISAconference in Capetown. Initially I was not keen on the trip because I thought to myself whatexactly is the value proposition? After returning from the trip I can now say I’m a convertand a firm believer in professional development. As it turns out I was in classes all dayparticipating in sessions on child protection, how to recruit best talent, governance etc. Thehighlight was to see faculty, administration and leadership taking part in sessions thatincluded early childhood, role of technology and various other related topics.I got a crashcourse in the education sector and a better appreciation for members of staff in what it takesto keep a school running efficiently with best practice.

Clyde Dallass, AISL Parent & Board Member

session reminded me that all children are competent and we need to give them opportunities to

grow as learners. Children should be trusted to be moreindependent and allow students to take risks.”