On September 26th, 27th and 28th, The American School Foundation, A.C. (ASF) proudly hosted this year's Tri-Association Conference, bringing together visionary educators, influential leaders, and dynamic speakers for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration.

The Tri-Association, a non-profit network of private, independent schools across Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and the Caribbean, aims to foster mutually supportive educational communities with the vision of nurturing schools and students as agents of responsible change.

The 2024 Tri-Association Conference 

Inauguration

The conference opened at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26th, with the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, in attendance. In his address, Salazar emphasized the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, highlighting economic progress over the past 18 months and discussing critical issues like migration and security. He spoke passionately about the need for legal migration pathways, advocating for a new understanding of the U.S.-Mexico relationship that focuses on education as a transformative tool. He also acknowledged the achievements of Tere Rivera, an Olympic medalist and teacher at ASF, and extended gratitude to educators, stressing their influence on the minds of young people. He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need to further develop relationships among the Americas.

ASF students contributed beautifully to the opening ceremony, with performances of the national anthems by ASF Students, followed by a vibrant artistic presentation by Gildardo Pérez, the ASF music teacher. The Upper School band and Middle School choir performed a medley that included traditional Mexican pieces like Las Mañanitas and Cielito Lindo.

One of the event's highlights was the presentation of the Paul G. Orr Award to Dr. Joe Naggy, recognizing his dedication and service to education. 

Keynote Speakers: Hoan Do, Jessica Catoggio, Ross Werner, and Dr Efrén Martínez

The keynote sessions were a highlight of the conference, offering powerful insights from a diverse group of speakers. Hoan Do, a motivational speaker, kicked things off with an inspiring speech on teaching with purpose. He shared his personal journey, starting from his family's escape from Vietnam, and emphasized the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges. Hoan encouraged educators to adopt active learning approaches, reminding them that students are more influenced by what they see than by what they hear. His "playlist-changing" technique—replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmation—resonated with many attendees.

The second conference day, keynote speakers, Jessica Catoggio and Ross Werner took the stage with a presentation on living and teaching with purpose. They emphasized the transformative power of educators leading by example, inspiring students not just through words but through actions. Their message encouraged teachers to align their lives with their purpose, showing students the impact of living with intention.

Lastly, Dr Efrén Martínez addressed the audience, rounding out the keynote sessions with insights into living, teaching and learning with purpose. Heexplored the scientific foundations of a purposeful life, focusing on its three basic pillars: connection, direction, and action. He also discussed the components that lead to the transcendence of our pedagogical work.

After these keynote presentations, attendees participated in a series of breakout sessions, where they had the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and workshops led by their peers.

Fiesta Mexicana

The second day concluded with Fiesta Mexicana, held at ASF's Coach Colman Field. This celebratory evening brought the community together for a festive celebration of Mexican culture and music.

The event featured captivating performances from a Mexican ballet troupe, whose colorful costumes and traditional dances dazzled the crowd. The highlight of the evening was a special musical performance by Joy, the renowned singer from the award-winning duo Jesse & Joy. Her heartfelt performance was especially exciting. Joy's connection to the region added a personal touch to the performance, making the evening even more special for attendees who sang along to her popular hits.

As they enjoyed traditional Mexican dishes, the educators and guests celebrated the success of the conference, sharing stories, networking, and soaking in the rich cultural experience. The Fiesta Mexicana was not only a celebration but a perfect conclusion to a day filled with learning and camaraderie.

Closing Remarks

The third and final day of the conference included additional keynote presentations, including the Emma Gutierrez Award presentation, recognizing Ms. Beatriz Gomez for her outstanding contributions. Attendees were left inspired by the words of the various speakers, reaffirming their roles as change-makers in the world of education.

The conference's schedule included numerous breakout sessions, networking opportunities during coffee breaks, and a wine and cheese evening on the patio.

For a visual recap of the event, attendees and interested parties can view the conference gallery through the following link:

For the Tri-Association 2024 Photo Gallery Click Here

The Tri-Association Conference concluded with a sense of accomplishment and unity. ASF is proud to have showcased its leadership and commitment to education by hosting this prestigious event. Bringing together educators and leaders from across the Americas, the conference highlighted the power of collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. ASF continues to play a leading role in fostering meaningful connections and advancing educational excellence throughout the region.