Education Leaders | Evidence Informed School Leadership

In this episode I explore how to handle difficult as a school leader. This discussion is particularly pertinent for school leaders, teachers, and anyone in a managerial role who grapples with the challenge of providing feedback that is both impactful and compassionate. I start by sharing my experiences as a department lead, reflecting on the anxiety and uncertainty I faced when addressing a collea...

Rachel Lofthouse and I explore the challenges and nuances of coaching and mentoring in education, particularly in the context of international schools. We discuss the potential drawbacks of implementing coaching at scale without proper consideration and support, emphasising the need for a nuanced, teacher-centered approach. The discussion also touches upon the CollectivEd award, which provides a f...

In this episode of Global Ed Leaders, I engage in a dialogue with Rachel Lofthouse, Professor of Teacher Education at Leeds Beckett University and founder of CollectivEd. We delve into the nuances of coaching in educational settings, exploring its definition, application, and impact. Rachel's extensive experience offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of coaching in education, making thi...

In this special bonus episode of Global Ed Leaders, streamed live on X Spaces, the conversation centers on international school trends. The episode features a diverse panel of educators and experts who share their insights into the growth of international school groups, the impact of these institutions on global education, and the evolving role of technology in learning environments. The panel als...

In this episode, host Shane Leaning explores the theme of New Year's resolutions with a unique twist, focusing on leadership and professional development in the education sector. Shane shares five innovative ideas for educators and school leaders to enhance their practices and better support their teams. From mental health initiatives to embracing cutting-edge technology like generative AI, this e...

I speak with Cindy Adair, the Assistant Principal for Continued Professional Learning at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand. Cindy shares her pioneering approach to professional development in education. She delves into the transformation of performance management systems, emphasising teacher ownership, evidence-based education, and continuous improvement. Cindy outlines innovative strategies like...

In this episode, I discuss the tragic case of Ruth Perry’s death , OFSTED and its implications for the international school sector. I explore the need for a compassionate and reflective reevaluation of school inspection systems worldwide, taking lessons from Ruth's story to advocate for a more humane approach to educational oversight. Overview of the Episode: In memory: Understanding the circumsta...

In this episode, my guest is Richard Reid, a former principal who has transitioned into being a much-sought-after coach for school leaders. We unpack the transformative power of having an outside voice in leadership challenges, celebrate the importance of self-belief, and explore the impactful practice of peer coaching in educational settings. Overview: - Richard journey from principal to leadersh...

Today, I explore the vital role of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in international schools. I'll share three strategies that are key to supporting our multilingual students and promoting linguistic inclusion. Drawing from my experience in EAL, I offer practical tips from embracing an additive mindset to implementing scaffolding techniques and integrating language structures throughout the...

Education in Thailand. I am joined by Festival Directors, Iain Henderson and Shane Mann . We delve into the festival's mission to encourage dialogue, inclusivity, and diversity, shedding light on controversial sessions, powerful experiences, and the much-celebrated blend of in-depth talks and lively atmosphere. Not to mention, we touch on plans for expansion, offering an exciting peek into the imp...

This week, I delve into a personal experience where I stumbled quite significantly but managed to find a silver lining in it. It's all about transforming setbacks into stepping stones. We'll explore how to incorporate resilience and forward-thinking when faced with unexpected challenges. I'll share my recent visa mishap, which unexpectedly stranded me in Hong Kong and how I turned this situation i...

Discover how Nihad Ćehić, founder and CEO of Vibbl, is transforming the way teachers give feedback in the classroom. In this episode, Nihad introduces us to Vibbl, a digital tool that allows teachers to provide faster and more meaningful feedback to their students. Through Vibbl, teachers can record verbal feedback, snap student work, and send it directly to their students' accounts. Nihad discuss...

How do you harness the wealth of knowledge and inspiration amassed from educational conferences. share pragmatic strategies for translating conference learnings into actionable steps capable of fostering growth within school communities. Here’s a breakdown of the key discussions: Pre-Conference Alignment (03:15) I highlight the significance of aligning conference attendance with both individual an...

I speak with Orlene Badu, a passionate advocate for education equity and the elimination of systemic biases in schools. Orlene shares her personal experiences as a young black girl growing up and how those experiences motivated her to challenge low expectations and create opportunities for other children. She discusses the importance of racial literacy training for staff and the need to understand...

I discuss the concept of "leadership flexibility" and how strategies that were once effective can become counterproductive if not adapted to changing contexts. I also define the concept of a "lethal mutation" where an effective strategy mutates into something counterproductive. To finish, I provide a 5-step framework for developing leadership flexibility: 1. Consistent self-assessment 2. Seeking f...

I chat with Rob Coe, a leading figure in evidence-based education. We delve into the complexities and paradoxes surrounding instructional coaching, a topic that has gained significant attention in educational circles. The conversation explores the tension between research and real-world application, between fidelity and adaptation, the importance of time allocation in professional development, and...

I delve into the crucial topic of crafting a personal mission and vision, particularly for those in leadership roles within international schools. I discuss the significance of having a well-defined mission and vision as guiding stars for your professional journey. Additionally, I share a powerful visualization exercise to help you connect with your future self and set clear intentions for your le...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jack George , an innovative educator and leader in the field of education technology. We dive into the fascinating world of School 3.0, where blockchain technology, AI, and character education intersect. Jack shares Aiglon College ’s journey towards creating a new system of badging, using Merits and Demerits as a form of currency. We explore the...

In this episode, I had the privilege of continuing my conversation with Dan Fitzpatrick, an expert in AI in education. As leaders in education, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve and preparing our students for the future. Dan shares valuable insights on how we can embrace innovation, strategically plan for the future, and navigate the disruptive forces of technology, specif...

In this first of a two-part episode, I explore the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in education with Dan Fitzpatrick, an award-winning author and Edtech strategist. As private enterprises' role in schools continues to grow, there is a prediction that it will disrupt the status quo. We delve into the current state of AI in education and the challenges faced by schools in implementing AI....

Today, I'm tackling a topic that's a familiar to all leaders in the world of international education: teacher turnover. As school leaders, we often find ourselves at the crossroads of staff transitions, balancing both professional requirements and parental expectations. Whether you're leading a school in Shanghai, Doha, or New York, this episode provides actionable insights on how to navigate the...

I interview Dr. Kathy Weston about how to build strong parent partnerships to support student achievement. We discuss evidence-based strategies to increase parental engagement, empower families, and cultivate collaborative relationships between parents and schools. Topics covered include: - The importance of parent involvement for international school student outcomes - Practical tips to boost par...

I’m delving into a critical aspect of education: goal setting. As we begin the school year, the need to set professional and developmental goals is at the forefront of educators' minds. While SMART targets (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) have been the go-to method, I explore why this might not be the best approach. I discuss the challenges of using SMART goals and introduc...

I speak with Thomas Thompson, co-founder of Eduaide.ai , about the responsible integration of AI in education. We explore whether AI could make teachers obsolete, as well as AI's potential to enhance teaching and learning. Key Topics Discussed How Eduaide empowers teachers to become stronger instructional designers Examples of using AI ethically to supplement teaching, not replace teachers The imp...

How can we foster a more humble approach in our leadership? In this episode, I share strategies that you can use right away to enhance your leadership practice through the act of being humble. I highlight the three key elements of humility: openness to learning, respect for others' ideas, and self-awareness. Humility is often misperceived as incompatible with assertiveness or decisiveness, but, in...