Global Educators Connect and Collaborate

Seventeen St. Mark’s teachers and administrators traveled to the other side of the world to attend the 2026 International Boys’ School Coalition Annual Conference, hosted by St Stithians College in Sandton, South Africa. Many St. Mark’s community members will be familiar with the IBSC Annual Conference after the School hosted it in 2004 and 2022. The conference provided a space for educators from nearly 300 boys' schools worldwide to connect and learn from one another how best to educate boys in the modern world.  

The St. Mark’s delegation included Greg Bergeron, Ryan Brewer, Sarah Choi, Jenny Creech, David Dini, Jason Lange, Linda Liu, Bradd Lodge, Lauren Logan, Danielle Maxfield, Dr. Jonathan Moody, Veronica Pulido, Dr. Gabby Reed, Eliza Rosenbloom, Josh Shandera, Kurt Tholking, and Reilly Walker. 

As the conference got underway, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini welcomed guests in his capacity as Chair of the IBSC Board of Trustees. Over the next several days, St. Mark’s educators connected with peers from boys’ schools around the world. Throughout the sessions, teachers had the chance not only to learn how others approach their classrooms but also to step away and reevaluate their own pedagogy.  

“There’s something clarifying about talking through your work with others; it forces you to step back and think carefully about what you’re doing and why,” said Humanities teacher Bradd Lodge. “The conference was a good reminder of how valuable it is to stay connected with other educators.” 

In addition to learning from peers, several St. Mark’s educators shared their own expertise with international colleagues: 

 

At the conference, science teacher Ryan Brewer and math teacher Lauren Logan wrapped up their year-long participation in the IBSC Aspiring Leaders Colloquia. Following the Colloquia’s initial meeting at the 2025 IBSC Conference at Belmont Hill, the cohort worked and met throughout the year. Various Heads of School, including David Dini, spoke to the cohort, detailing all aspects of leading a school, from budget and strategic planning to culture and academics.  

“Completing this program has only solidified my desire to step into a leadership role where I can intentionally shape school culture, mentor faculty, and build environments where young men are taught to build lives of consequence, purpose, and service to their communities,” said Ryan Brewer.  

Beyond the sessions and speakers, the IBSC Conference also provided a space for St. Mark’s teachers across the divisions and disciplines to spend time together outside their classrooms.  

“After a keynote speaker or a workshop, the conversation amongst colleagues inevitably turns to our work with the boys,” said Jason Lange, Assistant Head of Middle School. “We had a large group representing a diverse cross-section of the faculty and staff, many of whom do not work or collaborate directly on a daily basis. This time together allowed us to reflect upon our shared work with the boys and find affirmation or inspiration.” 

Outside the formal sessions, guests enjoyed musical performances and drum and marimba lessons from students at St Stithians and experienced local culture, history, and hospitality. One highlight was the Apartheid Museum and Soweto, the former home of Nelson Mandela and the site of the 1976 student uprising, which became a turning point in the movement to end apartheid in South Africa.

For St. Mark's educators, the experience extended well beyond the conference itself, offering opportunities for both professional reflection and personal perspective.

"Connecting with educators across the globe is always an enriching experience," said Danielle Maxfield, Humanities Department Chair. "It is uplifting to know how many people are dedicated to promoting the future through hard work, flexibility, and optimism."

Next year, the IBSC Conference will be hosted by The Scots College in Sydney, Australia.