Spring break at VIS wasn't just a time for rest—it was also an opportunity for growth and collaboration. Over two dedicated days, VIS staff engaged in a dynamic series of professional development workshops aimed at deepening their understanding and enhancing support for multilingual learners.
The sessions focused on key areas including co-teaching strategies, addressing the unique needs of multilingual students with learning differences, and exploring innovative assessment tools designed with these students in mind. Throughout the workshops, educators engaged in meaningful dialogue, reflecting on their practices and sharing strategies to better support all learners across the school community.
A standout moment from the PD days came when the usual roles were reversed: students stepped up as teachers. Drawing on their experience at the 35th annual CEESA (Central and Eastern European Schools Association) Conference in Split, Croatia, VIS students delivered impactful presentations on diversity and inclusion. These students were part of the CEESA Student Collaborative on Diversity and Inclusion and co-led sessions at the conference such as “Building Belonging: A Student-Driven Playbook for Inclusive Schools” and “Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions: A Student-Led Guide for Educators.”
Inspired by their experiences and the powerful conversations they had with peers and educators from across the region, the students brought their insights home to VIS. Their presentations to staff sparked important discussions about inclusion, equity, and the student experience, encouraging educators to reflect on how they can make their classrooms—and the broader school environment—more welcoming for all.
These student-led sessions were a powerful reminder of the value of student voice and the importance of creating space for young people to contribute to shaping their educational communities.
At VIS, learning never stops, and sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from the students themselves.