Leading with Heart, Purpose, and Connection
Head of Lower School | Educator | Connector | Changemaker
Fostering belonging and learning grounded in culture and community.
Hello, สวัสดีค่ะ, Kamusta, 你好, Om Swastyastu
Welcome. I’m Pana Asavavatana, a globally-minded school leader and lifelong learner who believes in the power of relationships, cultural identity, and community-rooted learning. As a leader, I am committed to nurturing meaningful learning, rooted in equity, and built on a deep sense of belonging. In this space, I hope to share my journey: past, present, and emerging.
My Leadership Approach
I strive to lead with empathy, clarity, and a deep commitment to growth. I believe leadership is an act of service that begins with deep listening, is guided by values, and shaped by the belief that our actions impact others. With a background in early childhood and a systems-level view of education, I strive to nurture a culture where children and adults grow with care, curiosity, and connection.
Connection and Collaboration
I believe that strong communities are built through meaningful collaboration. As a founding member of AAICIS and network lead for #WomenEd Taiwan, I actively create spaces for educators to connect, reflect, and lead together. Whether working within a school or across networks, I value partnerships that honor voice, deepen trust, and move us forward together.
“Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about building relationships that empower others to find their voice and move forward with purpose.”
Community & Connection
I believe none of us moves through this work alone. Every step of my journey has been shaped by the communities that have supported, challenged, and inspired me. From speaking at conferences to building networks like AAICIS and leading #WomenEd Taiwan, I’ve learned that meaningful growth happens in connection with others. Staying rooted in community continues to be one of the most important parts of my leadership and learning.
Speaking Events & Workshops
Take a look at some of the conferences I have spoken at or workshops that I will be running in the future.
Publications & Collaborations
Click on the button below to learn more about my work with professional communities, such as Eduro, and my podcast appearances.
#WomenEd Taiwan
As a network lead for #WomenEd Taiwan, I helped connect, support, and amplify the voices of women in education across our region. #WomenEd is a global grassroots movement committed to empowering more women to step into and thrive in leadership. I am proud to be part of a movement that believes in equity, flexibility, and the power of collective voice.
Association for the Advancement of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (AAICIS)
I am a founding member and Communications Team Leader for AAICIS, a new non-profit organization focused specifically on Instructional coaching in International Schools. To learn more click below.
Past Projects
While no longer active, the Traveling Teddy Bear Project and the Early Years Exchange Conference were meaningful initiatives that brought global educators together through storytelling, connection, and collaboration. These projects reflect my ongoing commitment to building community and amplifying early childhood voices.
Blog Posts
Below are only few of my recent blog posts, click on the buttom below to see all of them.
About
Hi! I’m Pana, an educator, coach, and school leader committed to building inclusive, connected, and purpose-driven learning communities. My journey began in the early childhood classroom, where I spent seven years nurturing young learners and developing a deep understanding of child-centered, developmentally appropriate practice. That foundation has shaped every step of my path, including my work as a Technology and Design Coach, instructional coach, and now as Head of Lower School.
As a leader, I believe in growing alongside others. My approach centers on relationships, collaboration, and shared vision, whether supporting teacher growth, guiding curriculum development, or cultivating a culture where students and educators feel a sense of belonging.
My work has been recognized through honors such as Apple Distinguished Educator (Class of 2015) and the ISTE Kay L. Bitter Award for excellence in early childhood technology integration.
Resume
To see my full CV click on the button below.
Contact Me
Feel free to contact me using a form below.