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MLRC Capstone - Translanguaging: Surveying Our Current Context

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MLRC Capstone - Translanguaging: Surveying Our Current Context

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Introduction to Data Wise: A Collaborative Process to Improve Learning and Teaching

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Introduction to Data Wise: A Collaborative Process to Improve Learning and Teaching

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Action Research Faculty Workshops [Facilitator]

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Action Research Faculty Workshops [Facilitator]

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Co-delivered a keynote address and ran workshop sessions on Action Research for faculty at Canadian International School Bangalore's TeachConX 2026.

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Instructional Coaching Through Change: Supporting Teachers in Action [Participant]

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Instructional Coaching Through Change: Supporting Teachers in Action [Participant]

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This course is one of four courses that make up the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Instructional Leadership Certificate.

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WASC and the MLRC explored evolving demographics, why multilingualism is an asset, and practical strategies for success.

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Instruction Equity PD - Session 1 [Facilitator]

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Instruction Equity PD - Session 1 [Facilitator]

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This two-part professional development series, hosted at Cayman International School, equipped K-12 teachers with practical strategies to implement equitable instruction in their classrooms.

The series focused on increasing teachers' awareness of what equitable instruction is and provided tools to make instruction more equitable for diverse groups of learners. We explored key concepts like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and addressed common questions teachers have about creating and implementing equitable learning environments.

The training empowered teachers to better support their students by applying a more equitable approach to their teaching practices.

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I come from beautiful tropical twin-islands - Trinidad and Tobago. I was born and raised here, and this is where my international school journey began as a Student Support Educator at the International School of Port of Spain (ISPS).

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I am a PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver, and when I'm not in the classroom, I'm looking for a deep sea adventure.

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I'm Sam, a Trinidad-born Student Support Educator with a decade of experience in international school settings, specializing in creating and leading inclusive learning environments from elementary through high school. I have proven expertise in implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to proactively identify and intervene with diverse learners. My work also includes strategic school-wide policy and procedure reform to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students. I am a highly collaborative educator, dedicated to partnering with teachers, parents, and administrators to build a holistic and supportive school culture that empowers every student to reach their full potential.

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"CIS Welcomes Ms. Samantha Sankar as Our High School Learning Support Educator.

With a rich background in international education from the International School of Port of Spain and Cayman International School, Ms. Sam brings extensive experience to the high school. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Trinidad and Tobago and is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership along with SENIA International certifications. Ms. Sam is passionate about guiding students to discover their strengths and succeed.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Sam loves adventurous travel and exploring diverse cultures through food and celebrations."

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After attending the MLRC Research Symposium, my partner and I identified an area for improvement at our school. We then developed and presented an action research proposal.

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Action Research - Translanguaging [current]

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Action Research - Translanguaging [current]

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Upon leadership's approval of our action research proposal, we are in the process of rolling out the action research plan within the high school department.

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Instructional Equity PD - Session 2 [Facilitator]

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Instructional Equity PD - Session 2 [Facilitator]

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This two-part professional development series, hosted at Cayman International School, equipped K-12 teachers with practical strategies to implement equitable instruction in their classrooms.

The series focused on increasing teachers' awareness of what equitable instruction is and provided tools to make instruction more equitable for diverse groups of learners. We explored key concepts like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and addressed common questions teachers have about creating and implementing equitable learning environments.

The training empowered teachers to better support their students by applying a more equitable approach to their teaching practices.

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SENIA Virtual Conference 2024 [Facilitator]

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SENIA Virtual Conference 2024 [Facilitator]

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I presented on instructional equity at the SENIA Virtual Conference 2024 - Inclusive Insights, where I adapted my in-person presentation for a global online audience.

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I designed and delivered a professional development session to train teachers on the effective implementation of access arrangements for students taking the IGCSE and IBDP examinations. The session provided educators with practical knowledge and clear guidelines to ensure these accommodations are applied correctly, promoting equitable assessment opportunities for all students.

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Blue and Grey Minimalist Business Presentation 

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I co-facilitated an intensive professional development session as part of the ongoing Professional Explorations initiative at Canadian International School Bangalore. This training introduced a diverse group of educators to the foundational principles of action research and helped them begin to explore potential topics related to translanguaging. The session laid the groundwork for teachers to develop their own research questions and action plans, which will be implemented as part of their professional growth.

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Masters of Education in Educational Leadership

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Masters of Education in Educational Leadership

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Bachelor of Education - Special Needs Education

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Bachelor of Education - Special Needs Education

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OISE - Teaching English as a Foreign Language 

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OISE - Teaching English as a Foreign Language 

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OISE TEFL Certificate - Samantha Sankar-Gooljar

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The Dyslexia Association of Trinidad and Tobago

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The Dyslexia Association of Trinidad and Tobago

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I attended a two-day intensive action research workshop hosted by the Multilingual Learning Research Center (MLRC). This global workshop brought together educators to engage with current research on multilingual learners and develop actionable plans to address key areas of need within our own school contexts. I used this opportunity to explore practical, research-based strategies to better support multilingual students.

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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support [current]

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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support [current]

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As a learning support teacher, I am currently leading the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in our 9th and 10th-grade math and English classes. This comprehensive framework is designed to provide targeted academic and behavioral support to all students, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. We continuously review student data to determine appropriate tiered interventions, which allows us to provide timely support and prevent academic gaps from widening.

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Leveraging AI for Instructional Equity PD [current]

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Leveraging AI for Instructional Equity PD [current]

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This current project focuses on empowering teachers to use AI as a tool for equitable instruction. Through a professional development workshop, we will explore the latest data on AI in education, break down the key components of effective AI prompts, and practice crafting prompts that lead to more inclusive and engaging lesson plans.

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I completed the SENIA Implementing Inclusion Systems course, focusing on co-planning, co-teaching, and leveraging a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to build more inclusive school environments.

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Implementing Inclusion Systems (November 2025)

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Participants gain a better understanding of the various inclusion systems schools often utilize. We explore co-planning and co-teaching concepts, how to make the most impact as a learning specialist within your school, and how a Multi-Tier Support of Systems can transform your current school.

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Five Practices for Equity-Focused School Leadership

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Five Practices for Equity-Focused School Leadership

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10 to 25 - The Science of Motivating Young People

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10 to 25 - The Science of Motivating Young People

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UW-Madison Verified Action Researcher

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School of Education - MLRC Action Research - 2026-06-23

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As a member of the ACE Design Team at Canadian International School Bangalore, I contributed to the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging subgroup. I also supported the Governance and Leadership for Learning subgroup. Our collaborative work was instrumental in compiling the report for the school's ACE accreditation.

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As a learning support specialist at Cayman International School, I drafted a set of procedures for the student referral process to external providers like occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. This framework aimed to streamline the process of determining a student's eligibility for on-campus services.

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Photography is my hobby, and India has been my muse since July 2024.

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My love for poetry led me to publishing my own collection in August 2020.