School Counsellor and Designated Safeguarding Lead, RJC: Educational Research, Vientiane International School
Dr. Rana Cheatwood brings a wealth of experience to the field of education, having served in various roles including clinical counselor, university and college professor, and educational consultant. With a passion for international education, Rana has spent her years abroad consulting with schools across the globe and currently works as a school counselor and designated safeguarding lead. Guided by the motto "changing the world...one student at a time," her work is deeply rooted in improving the wellbeing of educators. Her research focuses on the basic psychological needs of international school teachers, collaborating with both educators and school leaders to enhance their overall wellbeing.
This presentation will explore the findings of a recent qualitative phenomenological study examining the basic psychological needs of international school teachers. Grounded in the Basic Psychological Needs Theory, the research highlights the unique challenges faced by educators living and working abroad, including job insecurity, cultural adaptation, and the complexities of balancing personal and professional lives.
Attendees will gain insights into the lived experiences of teachers, focusing on how their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are being met—or unmet—within the international school context. The session will also discuss the implications of these findings for school counselors and administrators, offering practical recommendations such as establishing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), integrating mental health check-ins, and fostering a supportive community. By addressing these psychological needs, school counselors can play a critical role in enhancing teacher well-being, job satisfaction, and overall effectiveness within the school environment.