IB Matters

Teaching Mapmakers, Not Map Readers: Rethinking Concepts with Adrian Von Wrede-Jervis

Send us Fan Mail In this second conversation about the new MYP themes, Adrian Von Wrede-Jervis takes us beyond the framework itself to a bigger question: How do we help students make meaning for themselves? Adrian challenges the idea that concepts are simply transferable from one subject to another. Instead, he suggests thinking of concepts as places where disciplines—and students—can meet, compare perspectives, and translate meaning. That leads to a powerful metaphor: Our goal shouldn't be to give students better maps of the world. We should be helping them become mapmakers, able to make sense of unfamiliar situations long after a teacher is there to provide the map. We also explore the first three new MYP themes, relevance and reflection, and what all of this might mean for concept-based teaching across subject areas. Links: LinkedIn post "Against learning: Reclaiming a language for education in an age of learning" link to the Immordino-Yang study on how she discovered "transcendent thinking" Follow-up to this article in Scientific American The Affective Learning Lab - Influential in Adrian's thinking Finally, Adrian's article in LinkedIn writing about how his thinking on concepts has changed Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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The IB Student Experience

Send us Fan Mail What is the IB Diploma Programme really like from a student perspective? How are IB DP students navigating CAS, the Extended Essay, TOK—and now AI in education? Twin sisters Avantika and Anantika Nair, rising seniors at Washtenaw International High School in Michigan, share an unusually thoughtful look at their IB student experience. They discuss their transition from the MYP to DP, challenging HL courses, Extended Essays in physics, and how IB has encouraged them to think creatively and become more open-minded learners. We also explore their CAS-inspired community leadership and their evolving relationship with artificial intelligence. Their perspective on AI in IB education is especially compelling: use AI to generate practice, review concepts, and improve efficiency—but not as a substitute for thinking, creativity, or doing the learning yourself. Links: LinkedIn - Anantika, Avantika Website: Wellness4Washtenaw Instagram: Wellness4Washnetaw Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Growing Up IB: Jiana Shah 3.0

Send us Fan Mail Four years ago, IB Matters first spoke with Jiana Shah when she was a 14-year-old MYP student. We caught up with her again as she entered the Diploma Programme. Now, Jiana returns for a third conversation, having completed an IB education that began in kindergarten. Jiana reflects candidly on the challenges and rewards of the DP, from Math AA and a surprisingly useful Chemistry IA to her Extended Essay, CAS experiences, and a remarkable change of heart about Theory of Knowledge. She also shares a student’s perspective on using AI without allowing it to do the thinking for you. As she prepares for university studies in Milan and Paris, Jiana looks back on how IB shaped the way she learns, questions, researches, and sees the world—and why, despite the challenges, she “would not have it any other way.” Here is the link to Jean's episode when she was 14 (S3:E9) Here is the episode when she was 16 - entering the DP (S Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Using the MYP Themes to Build Meaning with Adrian Von Wrede-Jervis

Send us Fan Mail We are re-connecting with Adrian Von Wrede-Jervis to get his thoughts on the changes occurring in the MYP. Specifically, Adrian and I begin a conversation about the MYP themes and how we might think of them in the context of the students' learning arc. We are planning on at least three episodes where we will start to unpack the actual themes. This will allow a little more time to help listeners find out about what's going on in those themes. We will take the first three themes in the next podcast, but we'll also talk a bit about how concepts can be used in those themes and how we can link learning to those transdisciplinary concepts that Adrian is suggesting. In general, how do they use concepts? In the final podcast, we think about the future - where does AI position itself in that future of our education? Links: LinkedIn post "Against learning: Reclaiming a language for education in an age of learning" link to the Immordino-Yang study on how she discovered "transcendent thinking" Follow-up to this article in Scientific American The Affective Learning Lab - Influential in Adrian's thinking Finally, Adrian's article in LinkedIn writing about how his thinking on concepts has changed Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Inside the Course: Group 3 (DP Business Mgmt, History, Economics)

Send us Fan Mail In this series, which I’m calling the IB Course Description Project, we’re building an audio catalog of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) courses and Career-related Programme (CP) core experiences for students, parents, counselors, teachers, and colleges around the world. Each episode brings the syllabus to life by exploring the learning, teaching, and student experience behind every course. These conversations can support course registration, help colleges better understand IB courses, introduce new teachers and counselors to the curriculum, or simply provide a deeper understanding of what makes each course unique. Want to be part of the project? Use this form to enter your information or to nominate someone for the podcast. Contact me (Jon Peterson) at IBMatters@mnibschools.org Our teacher guide for Business Management is Brad Opfer - IBEN Certified trainer Our teacher guide for both History and Economics is James Jones - IBEN Certified trainer Subject brief links: DP Business Management SL DP Business Management HL DP History Guide (first exams 2028) DP Economics SL DP Economics HL Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Inside the Course: Diploma Programme History (2028 guide)

Send us Fan Mail In this series, which I’m calling the IB Course Description Project, we’re building an audio catalog of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) courses and Career-related Programme (CP) core experiences for students, parents, counselors, teachers, and colleges around the world. Each episode brings the syllabus to life by exploring the learning, teaching, and student experience behind every course. These conversations can support course registration, help colleges better understand IB courses, introduce new teachers and counselors to the curriculum, or simply provide a deeper understanding of what makes each course unique. Want to be part of the project? Use this form to enter your information or to nominate someone for the podcast. Contact me (Jon Peterson) at IBMatters@mnibschools.org Our teacher guide for History is James Jones - IBEN Certified trainer Links: DP History Guide (first exams 2028) Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Inside the Course: DP Sports Exercise and Health Science (SEHS)

Send us Fan Mail In this series, which I’m calling the IB Course Description Project, we’re building an audio catalog of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) courses and Career-related Programme (CP) core experiences for students, parents, counselors, teachers, and colleges around the world. Each episode brings the syllabus to life by exploring the learning, teaching, and student experience behind every course. These conversations can support course registration, help colleges better understand IB courses, introduce new teachers and counselors to the curriculum, or simply provide a deeper understanding of what makes each course unique. Want to be part of the project? Use this form to enter your information or to nominate someone for the podcast. Contact me (Jon Peterson) at IBMatters@mnibschools.org Our SEHS teacher guide is Anthony De Giorgio Links: Sports Exercise and Health Science subject guide Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Inside the Course: DP Visual Arts

Send us Fan Mail In this series, which I’m calling the IB Course Description Project, we’re building an audio catalog of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) courses and Career-related Programme (CP) core experiences for students, parents, counselors, teachers, and colleges around the world. Each episode brings the syllabus to life by exploring the learning, teaching, and student experience behind every course. These conversations can support course registration, help colleges better understand IB courses, introduce new teachers and counselors to the curriculum, or simply provide a deeper understanding of what makes each course unique. Want to be part of the project? Use this form to enter your information or to nominate someone for the podcast. Contact me (Jon Peterson) at IBMatters@mnibschools.org Our teacher guide for Visual arts is Abeera Atique Links: Visual Arts SL Subject guide Visual Arts HL Subject guide Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Inside the Course: DP Language and Literature

Send us Fan Mail In this series, which I’m calling the IB Course Description Project, we’re building an audio catalog of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) courses and Career-related Programme (CP) core experiences for students, parents, counselors, teachers, and colleges around the world. Each episode brings the syllabus to life by exploring the learning, teaching, and student experience behind every course. These conversations can support course registration, help colleges better understand IB courses, introduce new teachers and counselors to the curriculum, or simply provide a deeper understanding of what makes each course unique. Want to be part of the project? Use this form to enter your information or to nominate someone for the podcast. Contact me (Jon Peterson) at IBMatters@mnibschools.org Our teacher guide for Language and Literature is Georgia Larson. Links: Language A: Language and Literature Subject guide Note: Literature and Literature & Performance are still to be recorded. If you teach one of these courses and are interested in sharing your expertise please reach out at IBMatters@mnibschools.org. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Inside the Course: Introduction

Send us Fan Mail In this series, which I’m calling the IB Course Description Project, we’re building an audio catalog of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) courses and Career-related Programme (CP) core experiences for students, parents, counselors, teachers, and colleges around the world. Each episode brings the syllabus to life by exploring the learning, teaching, and student experience behind every course. These conversations can support course registration, help colleges better understand IB courses, introduce new teachers and counselors to the curriculum, or simply provide a deeper understanding of what makes each course unique. Want to be part of the project? Use this form to enter your information or to nominate someone for the podcast. Contact me (Jon Peterson) at IBMatters@mnibschools.org Use the email above or the fan mail link to contact me with feedback, suggestions or to add your name to the teachers joining the project. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

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Creating the Culture of your IB Program with Rohit Vaswani

Send us Fan Mail When an experienced IB DP teacher like Rohit Vaswani becomes the new IB coordinator, they bring a certain set of tools to the job. They might know the nuts and bolts of the position: deadlines, exam prep, and compliance issues. But, it takes a special leader to examine the system in place to see where the philosophy of the IB structure and the culture it is meant to create can be improved. Do your IB teachers share in the mission? Do the students just comply with deadlines or do they go further and see ways to engage in their communities as partners? As a new IB coordinator, Rohit already has a deep understanding of the role. His previous IB and school leaders have equipped him with the tools to instill the principles of an IB education with all the schools' stakeholders. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Creating Autonomous Learners with Taryn Moir

Send us Fan Mail Taryn Moir is an educational psychologist focused on bringing research-backed best practices into the classroom. In this episode she describes some of the research she has done and has studied that led to her book, 'How to Create Autonomous Learners: Teaching Metacognitive, Self-regulatory and Study Skills - A Practioner's Guide.' She shares several examples of reading strategies that help students develop their own toolbox of skills that can be used in any classroom and at any age. Links: Where to find Taryn's Book Taryn's LinkedIn Contact Taryn: taryn2u@yahoo.co.uk Selected research: Moir, T., (2023). Sowing Seeds in Different Soil. The Psychologist. The British Psychological Society, Leicester. Moir, T., (2023). Motivating young readers: Using Rosenblatt’s Transactional Theory to Enhance Literacy Learning. Scan Magazine. NSW Department of Education. Parramatta. Moir, T. (2018). Why is implementation science important to intervention design and evaluation, within educational settings?. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 3, p. 61). Frontiers. Moir, T., (2019). The psychology within models of reading comprehension and the educational psychologist’s role in taking theory into practice. Educational and Child Psychology, 36 (3). Moir, T., Boyle, J., Woolfson, L. M. (2016). Developing higher-order reading skills in mainstream primary schools: a metacognitive approach- a study protocol. Educational Psychology in Scotland. Vol 17 No. 2 Moir, T., Boyle, J., Woolfson, L. M. (2020) Developing higher-order reading skills in mainstream primary schools: a metacognitive approach. British Educational Journal. Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Supporting DP students moving on to higher education with Leah Thayer

Send us Fan Mail Leah Thayer has spent a lifetime supporting people in transition. From her work in conflict zones, developing public health supports, and now in counseling students, Leah has been there to meet the needs of the people she serves. Young people exiting the Diploma Programme are understandably anxious about what comes next for them. What if they don't pass the exams? How do they find a good school? How does the school find them? How can teachers help their students find a match for their skills and their aspirations? Leah has some great ideas for all these questions. If you work with students as a counselor, a teacher, or are a parent of a high school student check out what Leah shares in this episode. At the end we talked about the new IB Matters project where we are recording teachers as they describe the IB course(s) they teach. This should help students choose courses they find interesting and are a good fit for their future plans. These short (under 15 minute) recordings can also help colleges better understand what the IB student brings with them as they matriculate to the university. If you are an IBEN member and a teacher of a DP course, please contact me at the email link. I'm also looking to record all aspects of the DP and the CP core to be included in the project. Leah's Substack: Pathways, Partnerships, and Perspectives Leah's LinkedIn Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Leading in an IB School and beyond with Gavin Kinch

Send us Fan Mail Gavin Kinch has been on an IB journey which began as a classroom teacher and has led him to be appointed the IB School Leadership Council chairperson. Along the way, he has developed a philosophy of mentoring younger teachers through their own professional journeys. He talks about the 'classroom teacher' to 'school teacher' transition. Gavin is the Principal of ACS, an IB school in Singapore which has close to 200 IB graduates every year. As he says, there is a great team of experienced educators who have taken on roles as 'school teachers' to guide such a large group of motivated students. He also has a podcast (linked below) called the Global Ed Podcast to share stories of his school leadership heroes; those who have faced impossible obstacles and helped their students continue learning. Global Ed Podcast S1E1 From Kiev Gavin on linkedIn Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

The impactful IB student with Arjun Malhotra

Send us Fan Mail The IB educational framework is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and attributes that will serve them throughout their lives. Our guest, Arjun Malhotra, is a high school junior (DP year 1) who has experienced an IB education since elementary school. Our conversation touches on the many ways Arjun has developed his sense of place in the world, honed his academic skills, and initiated his strong desire to make the world better. He gives much of the credit to his continuum of IB education but I'm sure you will recognize that he has a strong support network of family, friends, and teachers to guide him. Links to connect with Arjun and his work: LinkedIn profile Arjun's non-profit 'Earth's 911' Instagram Email: arjunmalhotra2009@gmail.com Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Growing the IB in Nepal with Maksud Alam

Send us Fan Mail Maksud Alam is a dynamic young IB leader working at Swostishree Gurukul IB World School in Kathmandu, Nepal. His school is only the second in Nepal to offer the MYP and one of 7 schools in Nepal to offer the IB, so far. There are several others in the candidate phase right now. We talked about the challenges and the rewards when building a programme from the ground floor in a new school, and in an area without many potential collaborators nearby. Maksud came to his IB coordinator position with experience as a PYP teacher so he understood the many ways an IB educator must rethink how they approach educating the students in their care. Our conversation touches on how he helps teachers and parents learn about the IB framework of education and the philosophy behind teaching and learning in the IB. Its always fun to hear how IB educators around the world share a common language, common struggles, and common mission. Swostishree Gurukul IB World School Maksud Alam on LinkedIn Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Michael Dunn and what makes TOK special in the IB

Send us Fan Mail Michael Dunn, known as the man behind Theoryofknowledge.net is our guest on this first episode of our 5th season. Michael grew the most popular TOK website on the internet, organically, from a wish to share what he was doing in his own classroom in Peru. It eventually became what it is today, a highly respected, and much used, resource for teachers around the world. You'll find teachers in all subjects using these materials to teach critical thinking no matter the age of their students. Michael's dream is to have these materials used outside the IB context because the lessons to be learned span every educational system and bring lifelong value to those who experience this kind of teaching and learning. I hope you are inspired by Michael's interview to explore the resources linked below. Many people subscribe to his free monthly newsletter and then checkout the mini-lesson samples to get ideas and to begin their TOK journey. Others become members to access the 20 mini-lessons posted each month and the classroom-ready TOK courses. Michael has now added options for the non-DP teacher in each mini-lesson. Main page Membership Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

The Journey to PYP Authorization at Smart Innovations School

Send us Fan Mail Returning guest, Rezuan Chowdhury and the head of his school's governing board, Rifat Abedin, speak about becoming one of very few PYP schools in Bangladesh. They detail the rationale from the parent's perspective and the process from the PYP coordinator's perspective. We also learn about the training their teachers have undergone and the plans for expansion and even future MYP and DP goals for their very new school. Rezuan has been a regional leader even before his school's authorization. He has hosted free meet-ups with teachers from all over the region and even the world. Use his social links below to connect with him. He's been on the podcast 5 times now and is a great resource. Links: Rezuan's LinkedIn Rezuan on Facebook Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Towards IB for all with Phil Evans

Send us Fan Mail While this is, technically, a quickcast to promote speakers and vendors at the #IBGC2025 in NOLA, its really an introduction to the IB North Americas' excellent initiative designed to encourage greater IB DP and CP participation. So, please use the overview shared by Phil Evans and the numerous links, to begin exploring how your school community could embrace a philosophy that all students deserve an IB education. Who wouldn't want a student-centered pedagogy with inquiry, intellectual rigor, research and concept driven learning and instruction as the overall system for their students and teachers? We also introduce Phil's excellent podcast 'Education by Design'. Check out the links below or find it wherever you get your podcasts. Links: School-wide adoption resources To contact Phil or Chad at IBO To explore the research on school-wide adoption Research on the value of IB education Education by Design blog Phil on LinkedIn Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.

Digital learning tools for IB schools - Kognity

Send us Fan Mail Continuing our series of quickcasts leading to the 2025 IB Global Conference in New Orleans, we feature Kognity, an IB partner organization. Chris Barres and Sian Steggles tell us about Kognity and their digital teaching and learning platform. Kognity will also host a session entitled, 'Digital Dilemma! What do we really want from digital resources?' at 2:00 on Wednesday, July 16th in the St. Charles and Lafayette rooms. Links: Kognity.com Free interactive trial of Kognity RSVP to the Happy hour on Wednesday, July 16th celebrating their 10 year anniversary Email IB Matters: IBMatters@mnibschools.org Instagram (IB_Matters) Twitter @MattersIB IB Matters website MN Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) website Donate to IB Matters Podcast: Education by Design with host Phil Evans IB Matters T-shirts (and other MNIB clothing) To appear on the podcast or if you would like to sponsor the podcast, please contact us at the email above.