Institute Team

Debra Giles, B.S., M.Ed.

AAIE Institute Instructor

Debra Giles has enjoyed a 27-year career in international education. After raising her family and beginning her teaching journey in rural Kansas, she accepted a life-changing opportunity to teach in Karachi, Pakistan. Despite two emergency evacuations during her four years there, she fell in love with international education and knew this would be her path for years to come.

Following her time in Pakistan, Debra transitioned into school administration, serving in leadership roles at international schools in Nigeria, Honduras, Paraguay, Mexico, and the United States. Her work has focused on building strong school communities, embracing cultural diversity, and mentoring educators navigating the rewards and challenges of teaching abroad.

Debra holds a B.S. in Business and an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. She is also a certified Board of Education trainer through the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). In that capacity, she has trained school boards in Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, Honduras, and Paraguay.

Debra is a passionate advocate for international schools and finds joy in sharing stories that highlight the transformative power of cross-cultural experiences. She values the privilege of seeing the world from the inside out—and enjoys encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the unknown.

On a personal note, Debra has three children and four grandchildren who live in Arizona, Washington State, and Taiwan. She currently resides in Arizona, where she enjoys drawing, reading, playing the piano, crocheting, art journaling, fitness, and the ongoing challenge of keeping her desert plants alive—both indoors and out.