New International Advisory Board Member, Michael Sidebotham

The ATAYAL organization is proud to announce the addition of our newest member of our International Advisory Board, Michael Sidebotham. He is an accomplished educator and entrepreneur who has supported the ATAYAL organization for many years.

Mr. Sidebotham grew up in the American Southwest, which has a very interesting history,  in terms of people and cultures. At first, it didn’t interest him and he studied engineering and programming. Michael was lucky with employment, but left corporate telecom jobs after several years. He decided that entrepreneurism seemed the best way to have success and help people. He built a wholesale and retail computer business and a fun pop culture retail store. Through these companies, Michael was able to help promote reading, technology in classrooms, and English language instruction in poor areas of town.

In the late 1990’s, Michael went back to the University of Arizona to study Cross Cultural Communications. In 2000, he moved to Taiwan and started an English Language school, that helps both children and young adults to learn English in very engaging ways. This year, he helped to found an International school for local Taiwanese children. This school uses an American curriculum and English immersion to give students an opportunity and experience that would be unavailable to them in this hemisphere.

Michael is truly passionate about education, technology, and sustainability. He hopes to help the indigenous communities in Taiwan connect internationally and build networks of support and communication.

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