In Episode 5 of The Bear Cave, host Myles Finn sits down with longtime AISZ teacher Kristina Ana Šprljan to explore her remarkable journey from AISZ student to AISZ educator.

Kristina shares stories from growing up at the American School of Zagreb, navigating the Croatian War of Independence, adapting to Croatian public school after years abroad, and eventually finding her calling in teaching. The conversation dives into the importance of relationships in education, building school culture, learning alongside students, and the evolving role of AI in the classroom.

They also discuss language, literature, resilience, family, and the heart of what makes AISZ such a special community.

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In Episode 4 of The Bear Cave, host Myles Finn sits down with Doreen Garrigan, AISZ Lower School Principal. Doreen shares her 36-year journey in education, from classroom teaching and gifted education to school leadership in Romania, China, Brazil, and now Croatia.

Myles and Doreen talk about building school culture, supporting teachers, staying connected to students, learning from feedback, and what makes the AISZ Lower School community so special. They also chat about Zagreb, dogs, Battle of the Books, Friday community dances, historical fiction, and the joy of being around children.

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In Episode 3 of The Bear Cave, host Myles Finn sits down with Dr. Katherine McMullen, AISZ Assistant Principal and incoming Principal. Katherine shares her journey from archaeology to education, with stops in Washington, Singapore, Beirut, and now Zagreb.

Myles and Katherine talk about international teaching, school leadership, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, building relationships with students, and why feeling seen matters so much. They also chat about life in Zagreb, tea, puppies, Law & Order: SVU, and the everyday joy of being around students.

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