A Teachers Tells all about International Moves and Kids with Jessica Lander | Ep 82

Moving across borders changes who we are and how our kids learn. In this very current, eye opening  conversation, Mickelle sits down with award‑winning teacher and author Jessica Lander to unpack what real belonging looks like in schools: not a vibe, a design. From reframing “English first” to seeing multilingual students as the cultural navigators they already are, Jessica brings clarity, hope, and practical wisdom.

We explore her research for Making Americans, the eight pillars of belonging, and why family–school partnerships should be a school’s responsibility, not a parent’s side‑hustle. We also touch the shifting U.S. policy climate and how to help kids become upstanders, age‑appropriate action that restores agency.

In this episode:

• Strengths over deficits for multilingual learners

• The 8 pillars of belonging (safety, advocates, voice, and more)

• Family engagement that actually works

• Policy context: Plyler v. Doe and school safety

• Practical frames for hard conversations with kids

• Upstander habits for every age

Connect with guest Jessica Lander at https://www.jessicalander.com and on Instagram @JessicaLander9. Explore House of Peregrine memberships and resources at https://www.houseofperegrine.com. 

House of Peregrine is the network for International life, made by and for people living abroad.  

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