Transition and Mobility

TRANSITION AND MOBILITY

Transition and mobility are features of international and national schools worldwide, and continue to present both challenges and benefits to those who move and those who stay behind. As a transition specialist I work with schools to develop transition programmes to support mobile families and the school community, and to integrate transition education into the existing curriculum and life of the school.

I am co-author of New Kid in School: Using Literature to Help Children in Transition, which is a comprehensive resource that provides educators K-Grade 5 with lesson plans to help children learn about and benefit from the experience of transition, and to approach change with confidence and enthusiasm.

I developed a Model for Transition Education (1998) over twenty years ago, and it is as relevant today as it was then with the ever increasing mobility in our world. Our schools recognise the need to support children and families in transition, and migration and immigration pose current and additional challenges to our schools and communities. A strong transition education programme helps address these issues, and also develops intercultural understanding and international-mindedness in children.

Please contact me for more information and to discuss your particular needs and context.

TESTIMONIALS

“Debra is a wonderful trainer and resource for International schools who are dealing with Transitions. Her work at our school helped parents, faculty and students to understand and manage better their ‘moving’ experience through the use of relevant, engaging literature and personal stories. I highly recommend her!”

Elementary School Counselor, International School of Düsseldorf

“All the ideas and tips Debra shared including using literature and the quick ways we can honor TCKs were fantastic. She gave us many ideas we could incorporate the very next day!

I went to the parent session (as a parent), the Gr 3 session and the staff session (as a teacher) and was impressed at how the ‘same’ information was targeted appropriately for each group.”

Class Teacher, International School of Düsseldorf

“I found the experience incredibly informative, encouraging and uplifting – Thank You!”

Parent, International School of Düsseldorf

“I came away with a much better understanding of the importance of explicitly focusing on Transition Education in our schools. The workshop was very practical and useful as Debra expertly used many appropriate and meaningful literature resources to highlight how they can be effectively used in supporting students in transition. She also led us through some personal connection experiences that touched each of us in a profound way.”

Principal, International School of Singapore

“I discovered things about myself that I had no clue I was able to do and feel. Debra brought this knowledge to a whole new level with her input about transition education and the importance of letting students and parents alike take an active part in learning about the process of transition to facilitate it. As part of the staff of a highly mobile international school, I am now in a better position to help the members of the different constituencies of our community through transition.

It was a great experience to learn about the positive way in which story-telling, relaxation techniques and other creative pursuits can impact and assist students, parents and teachers to live through transition, to gain more in-depth knowledge of themselves and others, to embrace cultural interaction, and to maximize their experience in any corner of the world.”

Class Teacher, International School of Havana