Education Leaders | Evidence Informed School Leadership

In part 3 of his series on organisational change, Shane discusses the importance of the discovery phase in organisational change in schools. He emphasises the need to break the cycle of repeatedly addressing the same problems by exploring multiple perspectives and challenging assumptions. The conversation highlights the significance of building trust and connection within teams to facilitate open...

GUEST EPISODE This is an interview from the EduPulse podcast. Here's the original podcast description: In this episode we are joined by Shane Leaning who is a podcast host, educator and soon-to-be author. Shane (@leaningshane) lives and works in Shanghai, China and we recorded this episode at 4am GMT! Join in the conversation on Twitter (we don't officially recognise the rebranding!) where you'll...

Ian Timbrell and Shane Leaning talk about range of topics related to LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, including the challenges faced by school leaders, the importance of representation in literature, and strategies for handling difficult conversations. The discussion highlights the need for inclusive practices and the impact of local representation on students' identities and experiences. Takeaways Th...

In part 2 of the Series on Organisational change, Shane discusses the complexities of organisational change in educational settings, focusing on the sponsor's perceived challenge. I talk about the importance of understanding the motivations behind change, the risks involved, and the necessity of community involvement to ensure sustainable change. The conversation highlights the need for sponsors t...

Haili Hughes and Shane Leaning discuss the ongoing crisis in the teaching profession, focusing on the challenges of teacher retention, the impact of toxic leadership, and the need for a supportive culture within schools. They explore the internal and external factors contributing to the crisis, including public perception, accountability, and the importance of psychological safety for teachers. Th...

Shane introduces a mini-series focused on leading effective community-led change in schools. He presents an open-source change model inspired by Work Collaborative , emphasising the importance of community involvement, trust, and iterative processes. The model is structured around the double diamond framework , which facilitates exploration and problem-solving in organisational change. Shane outli...

Sharath Jeevan OBE explores the concept of inflection moments for leaders in education, addressing the challenges and opportunities they present.   Sharath emphasizes the importance of navigating inflection moments with a long-term perspective and authenticity, encouraging leaders to embrace wicked problems and engage their teams in the journey. The conversation also delves into the significa...

Teacher capability procedures—words that send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned school leaders. In this episode, I share practical guidance to make this daunting task more manageable. We  explore the recently released non-statutory guidance from the UK’s Department for Education for managing underperformance, with insights that can be applied universally. Whether you're dealing...

Shane and Aimee explore well-being in schools. Aimee shares her passion for well-being and how it started during her early years in school leadership. They discuss the importance of both feeling good and functioning well in order to achieve well-being.   They also explore the distinction between wellness and well-being, with wellness focusing on physical health and well-being encompassing men...

GUEST EPISODE Shane Leaning is interviewed by Chris Jordan on The Leading, Language and Literature Podcast. We discuss: 1. What made Shane transition from the classroom to consultant in the first place 2. Shane's process for making contact with potential school partners 3. Shane’s go-to texts to inspire and inform him on the job 4. The current state of the private education sector in China 5. And...

Is your school's literacy strategy doing more harm than good? In today's episode, educational consultant Chris Scorer joins me at a local British pub to delve deeply into how our traditional approach to literacy might be causing stress and anxiety for students. Chris draws from both professional expertise and personal experience to challenge the orthodoxy of literacy education. This episode is a m...

In this episode, I explore principles that can guide every international school leader. As educators, we are public servants, and it's crucial to reflect on the values that drive our work. Are we truly acting in the best interest of our students? I break down the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles, and challenge you to consider how they apply within your school set...

Ann McPhee discusses leadership in an international context and the importance of cultural understanding and effective induction processes. She highlights the pitfalls of autocratic leadership and the myth of strong leadership, emphasising the importance of empathy, listening, and reflection. McPhee also emphasizes the power of soft leadership and the impact of small interactions and relationships...

Here’s a refreshing 5-minute meditation, custom-made for international education leaders by Adele Burdon-Bailey, a psychotherapist from Priory , one of the UK's leading independent providers of mental health care and adult social care. It's short, it's calming, and it can be practiced whenever you need a moment of peace and reflection. Due to previous popularity, this episode is a repeat from last...

I talk with Alex Seigel on how educational trips are a valuable part of a school's curriculum, providing students with transformative experiences and fostering intercultural understanding.   And a great trip includes a balance of key sites and unique experiences, tailored to the interests and educational goals of the students. Adventure leaders and local experts play a crucial role in organis...

In this episode, I muse on the recent UK general election and its implications for education. With the Labour Party's victory and Keir Starmer becoming Prime Minister, there’s a palpable sense of hope and excitement among many educators. I discuss my observations from the Festival of Education and reflect on how schools might navigate these changes. Drawing from my career in system-level leadershi...

The conversation focuses on suicide education and the proposed changes in the UK curriculum to include suicide prevention training for students. The guests, Debi Roberts and Professor Zaffer Iqbal, discuss the need for early intervention and prevention strategies rather than focusing solely on identifying signs of suicidal thoughts. They emphasize the importance of equipping teachers with the nece...

In this special episode, host Shane Leaning shares a recording from a session he co-presented with Efraim Lerner at the Festival of Education in the UK. They discuss their new model for driving organisational change in schools from within rather than relying on outside consultants and experts. Shane and Efraim believe that many schools have become overly dependent on external guidance, leading to...

Tom Sherrington discusses his journey in education, from realising his audience through blogging to the challenges of personal branding and public discourse. He shares insights on crafting a personal brand, engaging with an audience, and navigating the online space.   Our conversation explores the dynamics of public speaking, blogging, and the impact of social media on personal and profession...

This conversation explores the concept of being a ruckus maker in education and the role of a Mastermind community in supporting school leaders. Chief Ruckus-Maker, Danny Bauer and I explore challenges faced by leaders, the structure and benefits of a mastermind, and the impact it has on participants. The conversation also emphasises the importance of continuous growth, collaboration, and creating...

I take a critical look at the growing popularity of infographics and one-pagers in education. While I acknowledge their aesthetic appeal and potential as conversation starters, as exemplified by the brilliant work of  Jamie Clark  and the  WalkThrus guides , I argue that an overreliance on these simplified visual guides may be holding educators back from deeper understanding and eff...

If you're an international school leader grappling with teacher retention or looking to empower your staff, this episode is a must-listen. I dive deep into the complexities of transitioning experienced educators into new roles and schools, alongside Sarah Kupke—a leader in professional learning and development at ECIS. We dive into strategies for mentoring, professional growth, and nurturing a pos...

Are you struggling to decide whether school leaders should also spend time teaching? This episode is for you! I dive deep into the age-old argument of whether school leaders should step into the classroom. I explore both sides of the argument, sharing reasons why leaders might benefit from teaching and equally compelling reasons why they might not. With anecdotes,insights, and a bit of advice advi...

Today, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, a passionate educator and TESOL professor who has dedicated her career to promoting collaboration and supporting multilingual learners. We explored the importance of teamwork and shared mindsets in creating positive learning environments. Andrea Honigsfeld shares her insights on the power of collaboration in education, emphasising the val...

Have you ever been caught in the crossfire of a staff room venting session? As leaders, it's a delicate tightrope to walk—balancing empathy with professionalism. This week, I break down the "C.A.L.M.I.T." model, a straightforward, six-step approach designed to help you navigate these challenging moments without losing your cool. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode use...