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Transatlantic Educational Leadership Academy

Join the Transatlantic Educational Leadership Academy to expand your leadership knowledge through international collaboration. Participants will engage with both U.S.- and German-based instructional leaders, benefit from personalized one-on-one coaching, and gain insights from experts with over 120 years of collective experience. This comprehensive, year-long academy is designed to strengthen leadership skills and deepen understanding of educational leadership across diverse contexts in the U.S. and Germany. The experience includes intercontinental travel, school visits in Atlanta and Munich, meaningful cross-cultural exchange, and interactive in-person and virtual sessions. Apply now to take part in this transformational learning experience.

Your Experience Includes:

  • Membership in a supportive cohort of school leaders
  • One-on-one and group coaching sessions with leadership experts
  • Access to asynchronous classroom for group work, individual reflection, and resource repository.
  • School Visits: Direct observation of U.S. and German IB schools to understand leadership in context
  • Virtual Sessions: Cross-national teams for problem-solving, peer coaching, and scenario role-play
  • Action Projects: Implement cross-cultural leadership strategies in home schools
  • Reflection Journals: Structured prompts for comparative insights between U.S. and German practices
  • Peer Mentoring: Regular cross-cultural coaching partnerships 
  • 40 hours of Professional Development

The $1,395 USD registration fee covers: 

  • Round-trip transatlantic airfare from your home airport (Germany to ATL or US to MUC)
  • Three (3) hotel nights during your transatlantic trip (Atlanta or Munich)
  • Three (3) meals a day during each of the trips’ 2 working days (Atlanta and Munich)
  • Ground transportation during each of the trips’ 2 working days (Atlanta and Munich)

Your Responsibility:

  • Any domestic flights or transportation to reach Atlanta or Munich
  • Meals and incidentals during your transatlantic travel days (to Atlanta or Munich)
  • Ground transportation between your home, airports, and hotels

Schedule

9:00 – 11:00 am US ET, 1500 – 1700 CET

Zoom Platform

9:00 – 11:00 am US ET, 1500 – 1700 CET

Zoom Platform

9:00 – 11:00 am US ET, 1500 – 1700 CET

Zoom Platform

9:00 – 11:00 am US ET, 1500 – 1700 CET

Zoom Platform

TELA's Leadership Experts

John Denine

Executive Director,

CASIE

In his 30 years of experience in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, John served as a Diploma Programme (DP) teacher, school administrator, and District IB Coordinator in Atlanta Public Schools.

In addition to his work in education, John is a retired U.S. Navy Commander and operational planner. His diverse background brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, disciplined leadership, and organizational effectiveness to his educational leadership roles. 

Jill Sims

Director of Education,

CASIE

Jill focused 20 of her 30 years of educational experience leading International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes in Marietta City Schools, serving as an MYP Coordinator, PYP Principal, district IB and academic programs executive director, and member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN) serving as a school visit team member and verification/evaluation visit programme leader.

A former teacher, principal, and Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Jill brings an informed approach to instructional leadership and program development.

Dr. Ovura (Thea) Murphy

Director of  Outreach,

CASIE 

With 30 years of experience in education and over 20 years dedicated to the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, Thea served in a wide range of roles within Atlanta Public Schools, including teacher, instructional coach, PYP Coordinator, IB school assistant principal, District IB Coordinator, and District College and Career Readiness Coordinator.

As a member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN), Thea has contributed as a visit team member and leader, evaluation leader, and workshop leader, supporting the implementation and evaluation of IB programmes. .

Tim Kelley

Founder and Principal,

TKonnect Coaching and Consulting

Tim Kelley served as the Director of the International School of Stuttgart, an IB Continuum school for 17 years and has been a leading educator for over 30 years. Formerly the Head of Ross School in New York, he was also the Headmaster for the Leysin American School in Switzerland beginning his career at the Noble and Greenough School (USA) as an award-winning teacher.  

In addition to receiving a Klingenstein Fellowship on Educational Leadership, Tim has served as a Board Chair for the Executive Committee for the Swiss Group of International Schools, the Association of German International Schools and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools.  He is currently the founder of TKonnect Coaching and Consulting working with educational leaders all over the world. 

Dr. Chrissie Sorenson

Founder and Principal,

TKonnect Coaching and Consulting

Chrissie Sorenson has served as Head of School and Executive Board of the Bavarian International School since 2014 and has been a leader in international education for nearly 25 years. Previously, she founded and led the International School of Monterey and later served as Head of the Dresden International School.
 
A German-American educator, Dr. Sorenson holds an EdD in Educational Leadership, an MBA in International Management, and a BA in German. She currently serves as President of the Academy for International School Heads and previously served for a decade on the Board of Trustees of the Educational Collaborative for International Schools and is a founding member of TKonnect. Coaching and Consulting.  She is passionate about mentoring leaders worldwide, particularly women in leadership, swimming and yoga.

Funders

We are so grateful for our funder, the Halle Foundation.

Travel Information

OUR ADDRESS

2635 Century Parkway NE
Suite 125
Atlanta, GA
30345

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

CASIE has negotiated a special rate for this event at the Marriott Northeast Emory Area.
 Located .5 miles from the CASIE office, it is an easy walk, or take advantage of the hotel shuttle. 

Other amenities include:

  • Complimentary shuttle service within 3 miles of the hotel.
  • The shuttle will also pick up and drop off at the Brookhaven MARTA station (public transportation) which connects directly with the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the “Gold Line” as well as many local restaurants.
  • Complimentary WiFi in guestrooms.
  • 24/7 access to fitness center with upgrade Peloton Bikes + Fitness on Demand
  • Access to outdoor pool, cabana, & firepit

AIR TRAVEL

If you have not visited Atlanta before, our airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International, is the world’s busiest! There are multiple terminals connected by a very efficient train. The airport is very large and spread out so you must allow enough time, once you get there, to deal with your luggage, make your way through security screening, get to your terminal on the passenger train, and then still reach your gate at the terminal.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Please be aware that Atlanta is largely not a pedestrian-friendly city. Most areas of town are not easily accessible by public transportation or on foot. We strongly recommend renting a car while visiting us.

If you have a car and plan to drive to our office, there is an open parking lot with 100+ free spaces at your disposal. This lot is regularly patrolled by security.

CASIE has negotiated a discounted car rental rate with Enterprise Rent-A-Car/National Car Rental. To obtain this discount, click HERE and use group code XZ03314 when making your reservation.

Our public transportation system, MARTA, does run buses by our office campus but does not have in-town metro stops nearby.

Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are plentiful and well-priced for travel all over Metro Atlanta.