Our Story
We are AAICIS, a non-profit educational association (501c3) dedicated to amplifying the impact of instructional coaching in international schools. We are a dynamic, committed collective from international schools and organizations across the globe with a shared purpose:
to empower educators, cultivate thriving communities, and unlock student potential through advocacy centered on instructional coaching.
Why? Because we champion the success of every teacher.
We believe in fostering vibrant, inclusive school communities where belonging is the norm and teacher retention isn’t wishful thinking. We believe every learner deserves to thrive and that well-implemented instructional coaching is part of unlocking their full potential, and we hope to give everyone the opportunity to be part of this important conversation.
Since the summer of 2023, we’ve been building something special: a movement, a community, and the start of research-based practices for international school educators, coaches, and leaders yearning for robust instructional coaching cultures.
Our Mission
AAICIS is dedicated to amplifying the impact of instructional coaching in international schools to empower educators, cultivate thriving communities, and unlock student potential.
Our Vision
Our Values
Belonging: We create spaces where everyone feels they can belong—without needing to be the same. Each of us is a unique thread, woven together to build something greater than the sum of its parts.
Growth: We are always learning. Our work is a continuous journey of reflection, thinking, rethinking, and taking meaningful steps forward. In our collective, support is constant, and curiosity is celebrated.
Our Beliefs
We Believe:
- empowered coaches can transform student and professional learning.
- coaches play a role in helping teachers feel valued and recognized for their unique talents, creating a sense of belonging.
- coaches and instructional coaching supports school leaders in creating a culture of growth mindedness.
- Instructional coaching leads to equitable and transformational learning experiences for all students.
Our Impact
After exceeding all goals for school & individual membership during our opening launch, we focused on implementing all of our key services through the 2024 – 2025 academic year. Click on the image to read our Impact report.
Our Team
Executive Committee
Kim Cofino
Executive Director
Paula Plaza-Ponte
Operations Director
Cary Hart
Finance Director
Team Leads
Aaron Shelby
Development Team Leader
Diana Beabout
Schools Team Leader
Kristen Moreland
Research Team Leader
Reyna Lazarou
Membership Team Leader
Pana Asavanatana
Communications Team Leader
Action-Team (A-Team) Members
Jordan Benedict
Maggie
Hos-McGrane
Kaitlyn Pettinga
Amy Garrett
Samantha
Olson-Wyman
Abena Baiden
Andrew Ranson
Joel Bevans
Sasha Robins
Tina Peji
Kim Porter
Kim Bentley
James Kessler
Advisory Board
Joellen Killion
Madeleine Maceda Heide
Tico Oms
Steve Barkley
Retired Founding Members
We are grateful for the contributions of our founding members who helped us form AAICIS
Jana Poukka
LaTyia Rolle
Keri-Lee Beasley
Nicki Hambleton
Nneka Johnson
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At AAICIS, everyone is welcome. We champion diversity and foster an inclusive environment where educators of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences feel empowered and valued. We recognize the richness that diverse perspectives, cultures, and journeys bring to our community, fostering both personal and professional growth for all members.
We invite educators worldwide of all backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities to join our vibrant community. Together, united by our shared passion for instructional coaching in international education, we can learn from each other and continue to thrive.
Join Now!
Join our community today and start connecting with international school instructional coaches around the world!
