Education Leaders | Evidence Informed School Leadership

In this episode, Headteacher Neil Renton shares insights from his book "New School Leader, What Now?" on the journey of school leadership. Neil emphasizes leading with humility, curiosity and seeking input. He suggests having "allies" on your team who can support and advise you. Building trusting relationships is key - Neil talks about the concept of "bench stories" to foster human connections wit...

I discuss the importance of having an effective staff induction process at international schools. I talk about key elements to focus on, including: Pre-arrival communication and logistics Orientation program content and balance Cultural sensitivity training and community integration Ongoing mentorship and professional development I also emphasise creating a supportive environment and minimizing st...

In this episode, I explore the challenges facing teachers worldwide, focusing on workload management, teacher retention, and autonomy. I reflect on my experience at the UK's Festival of Education and share insights from leaders in the field. I also proposes three key recommendations for international school leaders based on his observations and research. Key Topics Discussed Shane's experience at...

In this special episode, we depart from our traditional interview format, and instead, bring you 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. This episode underscores the importance of self-care and reflection in the...

I discuss my recent experience with stress and the unconventional path I chose for recovery. Instead of completely distancing myself from work, I decided to embrace the part of my job that I love the most - this podcast. I dive into the common stress triggers in international schools and introduce the concept of a passion project as a potent tool for stress management. I delve into the major sourc...

Jim Thompson, an educator and instructional coach who has been referred to as the most positive person in education talks to me today about how to improve professional development using video coaching. We discuss: ·Jim’s early career What we’re doing with PD ain’t working so Jim started with instructional coaching and using video The difference between professional development and professional lea...

Today I delve into the contentious territory of educational debates and polarizations. We discus the power of a balanced approach and the importance of nuanced thinking in the context of education. Key Takeaways Balance isn't about compromise, but rather a blend of effective elements from both ends of the educational spectrum. We tackled the debates around phonics vs. whole language, traditional v...

Do traditional teaching methods still have a place in the modern international school? Are things like textbooks, call and response or direct instruction still valuable. If your school is grappling with these questions, this episode is for you. This episode features my conversation with Dan Guerrard, an experienced music teacher based in Penang. We delve into a crucial discussion on teaching appro...

In this I explore the challenges and opportunities for international schools in the wake of COVID-19. Drawing on last week’s conversation with educational psychologist Dr. Angie Wigford, I provide strategic insights and share practical examples of how schools can successfully navigate this new reality. The episode ends with a concise five-point checklist to guide school leaders on their journey to...

Educational psychologist, Dr. Angie Wigford, shares the findings of her survey conducted among students and educators across the Asia on the effects of COVID on international school students and staff. Key Points Discussed: Impact of COVID-19 on Student Wellbeing: The conversation starts with Angie's research findings revealing heightened anxiety levels across all student age groups due to the pan...

Listen to my take on insights shared by Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills for the OECD. From the rise of artificial intelligence to rethinking teacher pay and status, I unpack key highlights from the OECDs view on the state of global education. Join me as we explore thought-provoking trends and data that challenge the way we think about education.   Episode Summary: Shane kicks...

In this bonus episode, something a little different. I share a quick email productivity hack that can help you maximize your time and get more done. Specifically, I talk about the best day to get things done with other people, based on research that shows when you are likely to get responses. What's your favourite edu-productivity hack? Get in touch with me using the social media links below: Twit...

Laura Wilkes (Lucerne, Switzerland) and I discuss the future of online teacher training and how technology can support professional development. We explore the strengths and weaknesses of both online and face-to-face training, touching on the importance of reflective tools, peer feedback, and the use of multimedia in enhancing learning experiences. The conversation also covers micro-credential cou...

In this episode, host Shane Leaning explores the question of whether the world can learn from China's education system. With over 1.4 billion people, China has one of the largest education systems in the world and has made impressive progress in expanding access and improving outcomes. Shane shares five areas that international educators can learn from China's approach to education, including trad...

In this episode, I speak to Julian Fisher, the co-founder of Venture Education, a market intelligence consultancy focusing on education in China. If you're an international education leader, you won't want to miss this fascinating discussion on the Chinese education system including the challenges of maintaining a strong school culture in a diverse and constantly changing environment. Here are som...