By Elena Vizurraga, IBEN Educator, Peru.
My journey with the International Baccalaureate (IB) began years ago, when I taught in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). From the beginning, I was inspired by the IB mission of creating a better, more peaceful world through education. I saw how the IB learner profile came to life in the classroom, helping young students become caring, open-minded, and thoughtful individuals.
As a teacher and coordinator, I felt drawn to do more. I wanted to help other educators see the IB's power, so I joined the IB Educator Network (IBEN). Becoming a workshop facilitator was my way of expanding the IB's reach beyond my school walls and helping create meaningful change through other teachers.
Becoming an IBEN educator
When I joined IBEN nearly two decades ago, I quickly learned that strong organization and time management were key. But beyond logistics, being part of IBEN taught me how to think deeply and reflect on my practice. I learned to ask better questions, analyze educational challenges, and collaborate with others to find the best solutions.
More importantly, I learned the value of emotional intelligence—skills like empathy, active listening, and respect. These aren’t just “nice to have” qualities. They’re essential for building genuine connections with others and communicating with passion. Without that, even the best ideas won’t make a lasting impact.
Growing through every role
Over the years, I’ve taken on many roles within IBEN: workshop facilitator, school consultant, verification visit leader, trainer of new IBEN members, and more. Each role has helped me grow, pushed me to reflect, and deepened my understanding of leading with purpose.
These experiences helped me not only professionally but also personally. As a school principal, I use what I’ve learned to create a positive school culture that values respect, open communication, and staff well-being. I’ve seen how that environment supports stronger learning and better collaboration.
Learning never stops
One of the most valuable parts of being in IBEN is the access to continuous learning. IBEN webinars, for example, give us space to share ideas, reflect together, and grow as a community. One powerful insight I took from a webinar was that “organization” is not just a skill, it’s an act of leadership. A good organization creates clarity and trust in a team.
I’ve also been challenged to think about leadership differently. I learned about the “three hungers” in leadership—the hunger for affirmation, power, and belonging. Recognizing these helped me stay grounded and focus on leading with authenticity.
Community and connection
IBEN has also helped me connect with other educators worldwide, primarily through our LinkedIn group. I feel inspired and eager to keep learning whenever I read someone's reflections after a webinar. It’s like walking out of a great movie and wanting to talk about it with friends.
The newsletters and emails we receive are another key part of staying connected. They’ve helped me discover new opportunities, like the IB Global Youth initiatives I brought into my school, and inspired ideas I’ve shared with my staff. One quote that stuck with me was:
“The strength of the team is each member. The strength of each member is the team.”
It sparked some deep conversations at school about shared leadership and collaboration.
Impact on my local community
Being part of IBEN has shaped how I lead in my school and my wider educational community in Peru. I’ve used my learning to support programme development, promote inquiry-based learning, and create inclusive, student-centered environments.
I’ve also helped build connections between schools and universities by offering training, workshops, and reflective spaces for new and experienced educators. Looking ahead, I hope to help establish a network of IBEN educators in Peru to continue building bridges and creating spaces for collaboration and support.
A message to educators considering IBEN
If you’re an educator considering joining IBEN, my advice is simple: go for it. This is more than a professional opportunity; it’s a personal transformation. You’ll connect with passionate educators worldwide, sharpen your skills, and expand your impact beyond your classroom.
Most importantly, you’ll be part of a community working together to build a better world through education.
5 Takeaways from My IBEN Journey
- IBEN is a catalyst for growth – personally, professionally, and as a leader in your community.
- Emotional intelligence is essential – empathy, listening, and connection matter as much as expertise.
- Leadership is about enabling others – great leaders create the conditions for others to thrive.
- Lifelong learning is the norm – every webinar, workshop, and reflection adds value to your practice.
- Community drives impact – collaboration with other educators multiplies your influence and supports real change.
