I have worked in education my entire career as a researcher, policy maker and school
leader. I have a BA from Duke and my masters and doctoral degree are from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I have been involved in issues related to global education and citizenship in many ways. I am committed to making it easier and more affordable for families to navigate international experiences for their children.
I lived in Malaysia for a year as a Luce Scholar working with youth entrepreneurs. I worked at the World Bank for over a decade managing education projects in China, Indonesia, Mongolia and Thailand. I also managed the Bank’s leadership programs and programs on culture and language. I left the World Bank to lead schools as a head of school and director. I worked with many students and families in preparing for college. I also hosted many delegations of visiting Chinese educators and organized study tours for students and teachers to China and other countries. I have advised a group of preschools in Nanjing for over a decade training school leaders and doing workshops for teachers and parents.
I know the power of educational experiences to further one’s education and perspective of the world. I benefited from time during my high school at Milton Academy being an exchange student to Westminster School in London. During college, I spent a year in Oxford and I spent a year living in Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. As a child, my family hosted American Field Service (AFS) students from different countries which was great for the student and our family. As a head of school, I have seen how much Chinese students grow living with a host family and or attending a US boarding school. I firmly believe that US schools with international students can promote meaningful relationships across cultures and deepen global perspective.
I have seen how families can spend thousands of dollars for services when they should be able to find pathways more easily or make better choices in what third party to work with to help find a camp, summer school or college/university. My goal is to help families navigate options and be a resource charging hourly in the hope of giving expert advice that increases options and awareness while saving money to achieve the outcomes they want.
If you are seeking to open the world to your child through education, I am here to streamline your journey. My mission is to demystify the process, offering advice tailored to your family’s needs and aspirations. I also work with college age students looking at graduate programs. Let’s explore together the pathways that will expand horizons, cultivate meaningful global relationships, and deepen understanding while gaining success.
I am the father of two sons who attended a top New England boarding school, Phillips Exeter, and top universities and understand the camp/school/college/university process from the perspective of an educator and parent.
Reach out to embark on a journey that will enhance educational experience and perspective. Let’s make navigating the world of international education simpler, more accessible, and profoundly impactful for your family.
I created my advisory firm after leaving being a School Director as I wanted to continue to help families as I did when I was a Head of School. I was the Director of the Laboratory Schools at University of Chicago and was also a lecturer at the University. I also was head of the Ross School in East Hampton New York and the Barrie School
in Silver Spring Maryland.
Today I am a certified executive coach by the international Coaching Federation and also a certified career coach. I work with senior executives across different industries, many involved in education and international development. I also am a documentary filmmaker and have made films on a range of education related topics. My film English Hustle looks at the online teaching of English industry in China and the power of language to form deep cultural connections. I provide the services outlined here as I want to continue to work with international families and help build cultural connections. This work is fulfilling to me and I can now continue to do what I often did as a Head of School.
In 2020, there were over 100,000 Americans teaching English to millions of Chinese students online. With billions of dollars in venture capital funding, the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) industry was poised to become the largest sector in the ed tech space. Then, in 2021, with US-China tensions rising, the industry collapsed overnight with the announcement of a new policy restricting for-profit education in China. English Hustle follows teachers in the USA and the Philippines living through this rollercoaster, with insights from experts on Chinese history, politics and foreign affairs.
Abelmann And Associates provides consulting and coaching services primarily related to leaders, schools, ed tech firms and school systems. I support individuals and organizations to meet their strategic goals. As an ICF and BCC certified executive coach, I ask my clients questions to support discovery, insights and results. I enjoy supporting leaders in education startups and those starting new roles or contemplating career changes. I also am available to support youth and families navigate school and college choices. My work as a documentary film director and producer focuses on sharing compelling stories promoting awareness, insight and learning. I enjoy partnering with talented coaches and consultants as demanded by the needs of the engagement.
Charles Abelmann is a filmmaker and educational leader with a background in research, policy and practice. After completing his doctoral degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), he was a lecturer and then joined the World Bank as a senior education specialist. He has worked with education systems around the world. He has also led public and private schools in the role of Director or Head of School. He was previously the head of the Laboratory Schools at the University of Chicago. He has extensive experience working in China and working on cross cultural issues related to global citizenship. He previously directed and produced Learning by Dewey in China, a film about John Dewey’s travels to China by retracing his steps with twelve student filmmakers. Subsequently, he directed English Hustle, a short documentary exploring the rise and fall of China’s English online tutoring industry through the perspective of online teachers. Abelmann’s film, The Smallest Living Things, tells the story of a self-made farmer’s quest to care for microbiomes. The film is published in Palladium Magazine.
Artful Global Engagement Foundation Inc. (AGE) is a DC/VA based non profit organization started by Charles Abelmann to support the creativity and appreciation of artists and creators of all ages promoting the power of the arts to improve communities and deepen cross cultural understanding. AGE supports art education programs by supplying materials to both in and out of school programs as well as to artists. AGE also collaborates with cinematographers and editors to create compelling stories about individuals and or their communities to amplify social issues.
Our most recent projects include feature documentaries about Cuban outsider artist, Wayacón, and a biographical project about Charles Abelmann’s family and their exit from Germany in 1933. AGE is also supporting It Happened in August directed by Artima Sakulkoo which is a personal story about a Thai immigrant, trying to overcome grief, loss in her artistic dream, and heartbreak. Some AGE films are promoted through Filmmakers Collaborative which acts as a fiscal sponsor allowing tax deductible donations as well.
Tax deductible donations can be made through Filmmakers Collaborative for Wayacon and for Shifting Paths or made out to AGE and mailed directly to PO Box 443, Luray, Virgina, 22835.
