Greg and Kent sit down with Aimée and Jacob—two international educators with a passion for honest conversations and creative collaboration. They dive into the story behind their own podcast, The International Staff Room, and share what drives them as educators and podcasters. Stick around to the end and learn about the meaning of the episode title.
The conversation covers a lot: from the power of partnership in teaching to tackling tough topics with empathy and humor. Aimée and Jacob open up about what it really takes to engage listeners, build community, and keep things real in the world of international education. There’s thoughtful discussion about using tech in meaningful ways, coaching and empowering teachers, and finding that sweet spot between seriousness and laughter in the classroom—and in life.
You’ll also hear personal stories—from funny moments at border control to the essential items they always pack when moving abroad. If you’ve ever wondered how to break through passivity in students, or why it’s worth taking risks and starting something new, this episode is for you.
On Spotify: The International Teacher StaffRoom Podcast
On Apple Podcasts: The International Teacher StaffRoom Podcast
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introductions
(01:55) Aimée's Journey in Education
(04:45) Jacob's Unique Path to Teaching
(08:02) Collaboration and Partnership in Education
(10:48) The Concept Behind Their Podcast
(13:19) Navigating Difficult Topics in Education
(16:16) Listener Engagement and Feedback
(19:04) Future Topics and Guest Appearances
(27:44) The Dynamic of Podcasting and Community Building
(30:23) Navigating Challenges in Education
(31:41) Addressing Aimée's Impromptu Letter
(33:42) Empathy in Difficult Conversations
(38:22) The Importance of Listening
(41:23) Balancing Seriousness and Humor in Education
(45:20) The Value of Authentic Engagement
(50:49) What is Teach Spark?
(55:00) Humorous Encounters with Border Control
(01:00:09) Cultural Differences in Driving and Authority
(01:03:15) What We Carry: Essential Items for Moving
(01:07:52) Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators
The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.
Additional Gems Related to Our Show:
Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw
Signup to be our guest https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01
Our Website - https://www.itpexpat.com/
Our FaceBook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat
JPMint Consulting Website - https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/
Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO
Books By Gregory Lemoine:
"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education" | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
"Finding the Right Fit: Your Professional Guide for International Educator Recruiting Fairs and Amazing Stories of a Teacher Living Overseas" |by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.
Partner Podcasts:
Just to Know You: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513Educators Going Global: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.