The International Classroom

In this episode, Alex welcomes back global educator and author Morgan Whitfield for a deep, honest, and practical conversation about where teaching needs to go next. From her travels across Southeast Asia to her leadership work in the Middle East, Morgan brings a clarity and candour that cuts through the noise. Together, Alex and Morgan take on some of the biggest questions in modern education: Is...

In this episode, Alex sits down with Sarah Cottingham , author of Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning in Action , for a deep conversation about what it really means to learn — and teach — with purpose. From the science of meaningful learning and the difference between experience and expertise , to the power of instructional coaching and adaptive expertise , this episode uncovers how great teachers keep...

In this episode, Alex sits down with Drew and Bodruz for a candid conversation about the real teacher experience in Dubai. From 5 a.m. gym sessions and school leadership to rent hikes and the rising cost of international education, this episode goes beyond the classroom to explore what it truly means to live, work, and raise a family as an international educator in one of the world’s fastest-growi...

In this episode, Alex sits down with Al Kingsley MBE , author, CEO, and governance expert, to explore one of the most pressing questions in education today: what happens when schools let AI lead without oversight? From building universities to shaping national education policy, Al brings decades of experience to unpack how schools can navigate the balance between innovation and integrity . Togethe...

In this episode, Alex sits down with Victoria Hedlund —better known as “Bias Girl” —to explore one of the most urgent challenges in education today: how do we confront bias in AI before it reshapes teaching and learning in ways we can’t undo? From lightbulb analogies that turn into “sparkle fairies” and “racetracks” to the dangers of students using chatbots as uncritical tutors, Victoria reveals h...

In this episode, Alex sits down with Darren Coxon , an educator-turned-AI builder, to explore one of the most provocative questions facing schools today: should we stop teaching teachers how to use AI —and start exploring how to build with it ? From vibe coding experiments to creating his own education platform, ClassForge, Darren shares his journey from headteacher to developer and why he believe...

In this episode, Alex is joined by two fellow Dubai educators — Drew Owen and Bodrris Jir — to kick off Season 4 of The International Classroom Podcast . From induction week highs and lows to the new Dubai school calendar, the conversation dives into what teaching life in the UAE really looks like. Together, they reflect on what makes a good induction, the realities behind those viral Facebook tea...

In this episode, Alex sits down with the international co-authors of "Artificial Intelligence, Real Literacy," Paul Matthews and Jason Gulya, to tackle one of the most pressing topics in education today. From opposite sides of the world—a high school in Australia and a college in New York—they share a unified vision for turning AI from a perceived threat into a powerful classroom partner...

In this episode, Alex sits down with international education expert Emma Golden to challenge the core assumptions of our global school systems. Emma, an educator whose career has taken her from the US to the UK and China, questions whether we are truly preparing students for an interconnected world or just creating a "global elite" bubble. They discuss why wellbeing initiatives often fai...

In this episode, Alex dives into the complex world of the teenage brain with guest Rachel Carey. Rachel, an expert in adolescent neurological development and founder of Eliza Education, challenges our common assumptions about teenage behaviour, questioning whether terms like "overreacting" or "irrational" prevent us from truly understanding our students and children. They discu...

Is our traditional education system, with its focus on narrow subject specialisms, adequately preparing students for an increasingly complex and interconnected world? In this episode, Alex sits down with Carl Gombrich, a pioneering figure in interdisciplinary education and the Dean of the groundbreaking London Interdisciplinary School (LIS). Carl, whose own journey spans physics, philosophy, and p...

In this episode, Alex speaks with Rachael Wilding, the visionary founder of Edsidera, about transforming the concept of student awards from mere "extrinsic fluff" into meaningful journeys of skill development. They explore how Edsidera's bespoke extracurricular programs are empowering children with vital life skills, fostering entrepreneurship, promoting wellbeing, and instilling a l...

In this episode, Alex sits down with renowned education expert Tom Sherrington to explore the often-complex world of educational research and its real-world application in schools. Tom, a veteran teacher, leader, and author of the impactful "Teaching Walkthroughs" series, challenges common assumptions about research implementation, questioning whether our efforts are truly impactful or m...

In this episode, Alex dives into the controversial world of gifted education with guest Morgan Whitfield, a teacher, educational leader, and author of "Gifted: The Shift to Enrichment, Challenge and Equity." They confront the fundamental question: Is the very idea of giftedness flawed? Challenging traditional views, they explore how current gifted programs and identification methods, oft...

In this episode, Alex dives into the world of Artificial Intelligence in K-12 education with guest Tai Paschall. Tai, a seasoned educational leader, author of "When AI Goes to School," and a visionary in digital learning strategies, challenges the status quo, questioning if education systems are adapting fast enough. They discuss Tai's vision for integrating AI across administration,...

In this episode, Alex dives into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence in education with guest Bianca Farthing. Bianca, a practicing UK teacher and founder of AI Edify, challenges common assumptions about AI, questioning whether we're focusing on the right things. They discuss the practical realities of using AI in the classroom  today , the critical importance of ethics, why AI won't repla...

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our lives and classrooms, educators face a crucial question: How can we integrate AI in ways that empower student agency, rather than creating dependency or turning it into an intellectual crutch? In this episode, Alex sits down with Danny McCamlie, an expert in educational technology and AI integration with a unique perspective shaped by...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kate Longworth, CEO of Gaia Learning, the first online learning provider to achieve the ADHD Friendly School Award. In this episode, Kate shares her personal journey as a parent of a neurodivergent child and explains how Gaia Learning is revolutionising education for students with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. Discover how personalised, in...

In this insightful episode of The International Classroom Podcast, host Alex Gray speaks with renowned reading specialist Kristy Jones about evidence-based approaches to improving reading skills, rekindling a love of reading, and understanding the science behind literacy development. Key Topics Discussed: The Science of Reading: Kristy explains the "Big Five" components—Phonemic Awarenes...

Join Alex on this captivating episode of The International Classroom Podcast, as he reconnects with Simon Blower, the inspiring co-founder of Pobble. Simon, a former classroom teacher and deputy head, shares his journey from educator to EdTech innovator, driven by his passion for making writing accessible and exciting for every child. Episode Highlights:Simon's Journey: Hear Simon discuss his...

What if the way we do school is no longer working? In this special crossover episode of The International Classroom and Run Your Life Podcast , Alex Gray is joined by global educator and coach Andy Vasily to explore a powerful question: 👉 Are schools still fit for purpose in 2025? Together, we unpack some of education’s most urgent challenges — and opportunities for change. 🧠 Topics include: Lea...

Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) truly supporting students, or is it missing the mark? In this episode, Tanya Rajani challenges the traditional approach to SEL and explores how a human-centered, culturally responsive model can make a real difference. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The biggest flaws in traditional SEL frameworks ✔️ Why context and culture matter in emotional learning ✔️...

In this AIDucation25 Special episode, join Dan Fitzpatrick, acclaimed author, educator, and global thought leader, as he explores the transformative impact of AI on education. Dive into practical strategies for integrating AI into classrooms, rethinking teacher roles, and fostering skills students need for an unpredictable future. From grassroots innovation to systemic change, Dan discusses powerf...

Discover why empathy is the #1 skill your classroom needs right now! In this powerful episode of The International Classroom Podcast , Alex sits down with Ed Kirwan, founder of Empathy Studios and Empathy Week—initiatives that have positively impacted over 1.3 million students worldwide. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why empathy is more than a "soft skill"—it's the foundation...

What happens when an education leader steps back to reflect on the system they’ve dedicated their life to? In this episode, we sit down with David Ardley , a trailblazer in international education , to explore the future of learning, leadership, and innovation in schools . Key Topics Covered: ✅ The power of career breaks and what they reveal about the education system ✅ Innovation vs. tradition...