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At Surabaya Intercultural School, two classroom teachers and two learning assistants worked as one team, co-teaching all students rather than dividing them by roster. Every student experienced a consistent writing approach from my colleague and a consistent math approach from me. This early collaboration showed me the power of shared expertise to create equity in learning.

At the American International School of Johannesburg, my team experimented with “Genius Hour Wednesdays,” grouping students by common interests and action project goals. The energy and creativity it unleashed for students—and the possibilities it opened for our team—led us to explore flexible groupings based on needs, interests, and readiness.

At the American British Academy of Oman, a colleague’s illness forced us to rethink how we served students. We became a true learning community out of necessity, with every teacher supporting every class. That experience showed me that when teachers work collectively, students never fall through the cracks.

At the Western Academy of Beijing, I was part of the most authentic Learning Community yet. All teachers—including support services and assistants—were responsible for all students. We met regularly to plan, form targeted scaffold groups, and differentiate together. Reporting became a shared responsibility, with every teacher’s voice contributing to each child’s story.

At the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, I saw how Learning Communities sustain both student success and teacher wellbeing. When I took extended leave to be with my mother in her final weeks, my team and students continued seamlessly. The relationships, trust, and shared responsibility we had built meant students were supported, parents were confident, and no one’s learning stalled.

These experiences have shown me that Learning Communities are the most effective way to ensure all students are seen, heard, valued, and supported—while sustaining the educators who serve them. Like a hive, they thrive on connection, shared responsibility, and purposeful collaboration, creating impact far greater than any individual effort.