#CEESA2026 Speaker Spotlight: Azra Pathan

Meet Azra Pathan at CEESA 2026

In March 2026, international educators will gather in Sofia, Bulgaria for the 36th Annual CEESA Conference, hosted by the Anglo-American School of Sofia. With pre-conference learning on March 12 and the main conference on March 13–14 at Grand Hotel Millennium, CEESA 2026 is designed for educators who want practical strategies and renewed purpose in their work.

One speaker you will want on your schedule is Azra Pathan, Director of Learning at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Azra brings deep experience across the United States, India, and Malaysia and is known for helping schools build human-centered systems where relationships, belonging, and wellbeing sit at the heart of learning.

About Azra Pathan

Azra Pathan serves as Director of Learning at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Over more than 25 years in education, she has held leadership roles including Elementary School Administrator, Teaching & Learning Coordinator, and Director of Curriculum & Instruction. Her training includes Inclusive Leadership and Cross Language Acquisition, and she contributes to the wider education community through accreditation work and conference presentations focused on leadership, change, and effective teaching practices.

At CEESA 2026, Azra’s sessions sit at the intersection of wellbeing, instructional practice, and school culture – supporting educators to create calmer classrooms, lead difficult conversations with care, and strengthen community responses to grief and loss.

What you’ll take away from Azra’s sessions at CEESA 2026

Participants can expect practical, school-ready takeaways, including:

• Tools for co-regulation and predictable classroom routines that support learning and emotional safety
• Facilitation strategies for sensitive and polarizing topics that keep dialogue respectful and productive
• A clearer understanding of grief literacy and how to respond with compassion and equity in international school communities

   

Sessions featuring Azra Pathan at CEESA 2026

Emotional Regulation in the Classroom: Tools for Teachers and Students

Date: March 13, 2026
Location: Grand Hotel Millennium
Calm, regulated classrooms are essential for learning and wellbeing. This interactive session equips educators with practical emotional regulation strategies for themselves and their students – reducing stress and reactivity while building resilience. Expect ready-to-use tools that support calmer, more responsive learning environments.

Navigating Complex or Polarizing Topics with Grace and Impact

Date: March 14, 2026
Location: Grand Hotel Millennium
Educators should not have to avoid difficult topics to maintain harmony. This workshop offers structured protocols and facilitation strategies to support respectful dialogue while maintaining emotional safety. Participants will reflect on identity, positionality, and emotional triggers and leave better prepared to lead courageous conversations with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

Exploring Emotional Recovery: Grief Literacy in International Schools

Date: March 14, 2026
Location: Grand Hotel Millennium
Grief and loss can be present in school communities in visible and invisible ways. This session introduces grief literacy as a vital part of student and staff wellbeing, offering compassionate approaches to recognizing and responding to grief at classroom, school, and community levels. Educators will leave with stronger tools to support emotional recovery and belonging.

Why prioritize Azra’s sessions in Sofia

International schools are relationship-rich environments – yet the emotional load on students and staff is real. Azra’s sessions provide practical ways to strengthen regulation, communication, and care across your community, helping schools move from reactive moments to sustainable, human-centered practices.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

CEESA 2026 is strengthened by the generous support of CEESA partners and sponsors, including the  Office of Overseas Schools, Insurance Services International, International Schools Services, Clements Worldwide, a Gallagher Company, ISAM360, HMH, NWEA, Consilience Learning, COGNIA, S+B Furniture, Integrated Financial Planning Services, NEASC, Wilkes University, Search Associates and Endicott College.

See you in Sofia

If your 2025–26 priorities include wellbeing, belonging, and building school cultures that can hold both challenge and care, plan to learn with Azra Pathan at CEESA 2026. Join colleagues in Sofia, Bulgaria, March 12–14, 2026 – and register through the CEESA Conference website to secure your place.