Peer Learning Community — Free for All
EAL
Your Hosts.
Kai Smith
Director of Student Support Services
Joscelyn Benitez
Multilingual Learner (MLL) Director
It’s free to join!
The EAL (English as Additional Language) community (also known as ELL) invites experienced practitioners, those who are learning the ropes of EAL teaching, and EAL leaders within an international school to join. The intention of our community is to share our experiences, pose questions, and be supportive of others as we continue to learn and improve our practices and respective programs. As a member of this community, you have access to shared resources, can contribute your ideas, and learn from other dedicated educators on various topics related to English language learning and program development. Likely topics of discussion may include differentiated instruction, effective co-planning & co-teaching, using data to inform teaching and learning, technology in language teaching, and more! Through our discussion and sharing of resources, EAL community members will develop a sense of trust and belonging amongst colleagues within our network.
How It Works
Each PeerSphere Community brings together education professionals with similar roles, interests and challenges.
1
Sign up
Complete the community sign-up form to confirm your seat.
2
Join Circle.co
You’ll receive an invitation to join our Circle.co platform, where your community is hosted.
3
Access session information
Session dates, meeting links, reminders and shared resources will all be posted in Circle.co.
4
Hear an idea worth exploring
Each session begins with a short contribution from a guest speaker, sharing an experience, challenge, lesson or question.
5
Learn with peers
Explore the session’s central question through a facilitated small-group discussion and whole-community debrief.
6
Continue the conversation
Stay connected between sessions, access shared resources and build relationships with peers throughout the year.
Live Session Schedule
All sessions are on Tuesdays.
Live Session 1
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
4:45 – 5:45 PM GMT+8
Live Session 2
Tuesday, February 16, 2027
5:15 – 6:15 PM GMT+8
Live Session 3
Tuesday, March 30, 2027
4:45 – 5:45 PM GMT+8
Your Hosts
Kai Smith
Director of Student Support Services, Education Consultant
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Kai Smith is an educational leader and student support specialist with over 19 years of experience serving diverse learners in international schools across China, Vietnam, North America, Belgium, Hungary, and Japan. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Master of Science in Teaching with a specialization in Special Education. Currently serving as the Director of Student Support Services at Marist Brothers International School in Kobe, Japan, Kai leads school-wide initiatives that support inclusive education, learning support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and student well-being. She works collaboratively with teachers, counselors, and school leaders to develop systems and practices that ensure all students have equitable access to learning and opportunities for success. Prior to her current role, Kai successfully designed and led learning support programs in multiple international schools. Throughout her career, she has supervised, mentored, and coached educators, helping to strengthen inclusive practices and improve outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. Her experience spans elementary through university education and includes extensive work with students receiving special education and language support services. Kai is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments where all students experience a sense of belonging and are empowered to reach their full potential. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to equity, and ability to build sustainable systems that support both students and educators. In addition to her school leadership role, Kai is the founder of Education Diagnostics Global Enterprises (EDGE), a consulting organization that provides assessment, professional development, mentorship, and training services to educators, students, and families worldwide.
Joscelyn Benitez
Multilingual Learner (MLL) Director
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Joscelyn Benitez is an experienced educator and school leader with more than 20 years in education, with expertise grounded in supporting multilingual learners (MLLs) in the United States and international schools. Her work with MLLs has shaped her commitment to language development, literacy, culturally responsive instruction, equitable access, and inclusive practices that support academic success.
Her leadership experience includes serving as Intensive English Coordinator, Academic Coordinator, MAP Coordinator, MSA Accreditation Internal Coordinator, Director of Instruction, and currently MLL (MultiLingual Learner) Director. Across these roles, she has led instructional coaching, professional learning, curriculum and assessment initiatives, accreditation, and student support systems while advocating for diverse learners.
Joscelyn holds Elementary Education certification with Reading and Gifted Education endorsements and PK–12 Building Administrator and Assistant Building Administrator certifications. She is committed to empowering educators, strengthening family partnerships, and developing inclusive systems that maintain high expectations while creating meaningful opportunities for multilingual learners to grow, achieve, and thrive in diverse learning communities.
Connect and Learn with Your Peers
The community membership for 2026-27 is free for all.