TCKs Finding Belonging in School

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Stephen Toole for a rich conversation about the challenges and triumphs surrounding belonging and transition for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and their families. Stephen draws from his decades of teaching and counseling experience across the globe, sharing practical advice and personal anecdotes about fostering community, supporting children and parents through transition, and the growing focus on well-being in international schools.

Key Discussion Topics

1. Challenges of Belonging for TCKs

• Increasing diversity in international schools, with more local students mixing with expats.

2. Inclusive Practices in International Schools

• The shift away from “English only” policies and embracing translanguaging strategies.
• The importance of validating and integrating students’ home cultures and languages in the classroom.
• Offering a variety of extracurricular activities to help students find their community.

3. Approaches to Supporting New Students

• Allowing space and time (a month or more) for new arrivals to settle before deep check-ins.

4. Community Building Beyond the Classroom

• Roles of parents, teachers, and staff in fostering a sense of belonging for the whole family.
• School events like welcome barbecues, international days, and cultural festivals as bridges for integration.

5. Advice for Parents Navigating Transition

• Transition is difficult—normalize sadness, frustration, and “not getting it right” at first.
• Don’t dismiss your child’s (or your own) grief; making space for discomfort is important.
• When challenges persist, reach out and communicate with counselors and trusted staff; don’t try to handle it alone.

6. Self-Care for Educators and Counselors

• The importance of having personal rituals and support networks (e.g., family time, walking pets, supportive colleagues).
• Creating safe, welcoming office spaces for students to retreat to when they need a break.

Memorable Quotes

• “Transition is difficult and it’s okay to cry. You’re not going to get it right the first time, and that’s also okay.”  Stephen Toole
• “Allowing them to speak about where they’ve come from is just as important as helping them move forward.” —Stephen Toole

Resources & Contact

• Connect with Stephen Toole: He welcomes outreach via LinkedIn for resource sharing and conversation about TCK transition and school support.
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-toole-m-ed/
• Recommended Books/Practitioners Mentioned:
  • Doug Ota  “Safe Passage” (on transition care)
  • Ruth Van Reken  on TCK identity, transition, and support

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• Subscribe for more stories and insights from global nomads and experts on the topic of Belonging.

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