Unlocking Cultural Intelligence: A Toolkit for Educators

Inspiring teachers work for best outcomes in student engagement, achievement, and classroom management. In the United States where 20% of the population speak a language other than English at home, teachers with a sharpened CQ (Cultural Intelligence) are in the best position to do just that. This interactive presentation aims to empower teachers and educational professionals with the essential skills and resources needed to understand, influence, and engage students from diverse cultural backgrounds, priming them to be successful in a multicultural world.  

Learning Objectives: 

Through a combination of research-based insights, practical examples, and engaging group activities, participants will explore various aspects of cultural intelligence, including: 

1. Understanding Cultural Diversity: Gain a comprehensive overview of the importance of cultural diversity in education, the challenges faced by educators, and the benefits of developing cultural intelligence. 

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on personal cultural biases, assumptions, and blind spots, and learn strategies for overcoming these obstacles in order to promote cultural understanding and empathy. 

1. Communication Strategies: Explore effective communication techniques and classroom strategies that facilitate cross-cultural understanding, bridge cultural gaps, and create a more inclusive learning environment and can set students up for success outside of the classroom. 

1. Adapting Communication Styles: Learn how to adapt communication styles to cater to the diverse needs and perspectives of students, promoting equity, accessibility, and a sense of belonging for all learners. 

1. Working with Interpreters: Discover best practices for working with interpreters for effective, trust-building communication with Limited English proficient and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and parents. 

By the end of this presentation, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to unlock their own cultural intelligence, enhance their teaching practices, and contribute to building inclusive, culturally rich educational environments that encourage success for all students. 

Presenter 

Ryan Foley 

Director of Communications, MasterWord Services Inc. 

Ryan Foley is an Australian-born communications coach, human behavior expert, and keynote speaker equipping inspired people with the tools and knowledge they need to enjoy personal success as powerful communicators.  

Ryan’s fascination with verbal and nonverbal communication grew as he studied American Sign Language in the United States. Soon after, he became a nationally certified sign language interpreter. He later gained extensive experience in body language analysis and deception detection through training and mentorship by the best in the business, including the Paul Ekman Institute and former ATF agent, and ‘human lie detector,’ Janine Driver. After accepting a position as head of training for one of North America’s top ten language service companies in 2011, he grew the division to offer some of the most comprehensive interpreter and intercultural communication training programs in the industry. Since 2014, Ryan has consulted for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and professional organizations and coached phenomenal thought leaders, professors, and C-suite executives in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia on body language, communication, and culture.  

Today, Ryan is the Director of Communication for the fastest growing woman-owned language services provider in the world. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and has been featured as a body language expert providing analysis for political debates and current events for Fox 26 and ABC 13 in Houston, Texas.