I am an international educator and psychology graduate specialising in safeguarding, child protection, and student wellbeing.
My formal background includes a Bachelor’s in Education and two Master’s degrees in Education and Psychology. I use this academic foundation to help schools build safer environments where all learners can thrive.
For over twenty years, I have worked across national systems in the Netherlands and international school contexts, and I am currently based in Hong Kong. My work bridges the gap between academic research and practical, contextual application in schools. I focus on building secure, strengths-based environments because I believe that psychological safety is the absolute prerequisite for learning. Whether auditing school policies or supporting neurodiverse learners, I adopt a trauma-informed, research-informed approach to international child protection.
My goal is to provide evidence-based resources that help all learners thrive.
Professional Credentials & Memberships
As a Regional Educational Trainer for the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), I provide international schools with safeguarding training and consultation. To ensure this work remains grounded in current research and ethical standards, I maintain active memberships and certifications with key psychological and safeguarding bodies.
Community & Volunteering
Safeguarding extends beyond the school gates. I actively volunteer for TALK Hong Kong, a registered charity. I support their mission to empower child protection through research, public awareness, and prevention training within the local community.
In my spare time, I enjoy exploring Hong Kong and pushing pixels around in Godot to see if I can put a video game together. The jury is still out on that one, but we all need a hobby.
Published Work & Articles
TES Magazine (2022) Why and how schools should monitor pupil wellbeing.
TES Magazine (2020) How 2020 shows the value of strong school communities.
If you would like to discuss safeguarding practice, consulting, or research, please reach out via email at info@jaapmarsman.com.
Currently Thinking About…
I regularly share research, field notes, and thoughts on international safeguarding over on the Fediverse. If you are an educator or researcher, I would love to connect with you there.