The International Schools Podcast

Join us for a conversation with members of The International Taskforce on Child Protection (ITFCP).  As the taskforce celebrates its 10th anniversary, we take this opportunity to hear the story behind its founding and its mission to protect children across the international schools community and beyond.    We'll explore how international schools have and continue to adopt and adapt safeguarding st...

Makerspaces: rooms filled with tools and gadgets or creative havens that are transforming learning in international schools? Join Sarah & Elizabeth: two  Makerspace educators share their experiences and insights. We delve into pressing questions: Why are Makerspaces essential in today's education? What are the common myths and misunderstandings surrounding them in schools? Discover how schools...

Join Kathleen, Eric, and Michael for a conversation, as they share their extensive experience in supporting international schools, leaders, and educators, with a special focus on online learning. Together they share their insights into the diverse lessons learned from online and blended learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why some schools have embraced change in the post-pandemic er...

Join us for a conversation with John Nash, Associate Professor, Director, Laboratory on Design Thinking and speaker on educational innovation and leadership. In this discussion, John shares his research from the University of Kentucky, focusing on the challenges and opportunities schools face in balancing structured curriculums with the need for adaptability in education. We explore how schools ar...

Join us for a conversation with Dale Plotzki exploring the case for why international educators should understand Bitcoin and its place in financial security. Dale and Dan share a breakdown of what this is, how it works, what are its benefits for internationally mobile professionals as well as their own reflections from their personal experience. We also learn from Dale experiences working in Peru...

Join us for a conversation with Julia Walker, host of the Across Oceans podcast, and guest Brogan Lund.  Julia, a child of international school educators, and Brogan, a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and international school graduate, share what it means to be TCKs, as young adults and professionals. Together they share how growing up in various countries and attending different international schools has...

As artificial intelligence is being integrated in international schools more prominently, we take this opportunity to connect with three educators: Cora, Dalton and James to explore how AI tools are being integrated into the classroom. What are the dispositions, approaches and tools that are having the most impact with student learning. How do classroom teachers navigate integrating these tools, w...

In this conversation, Kim and Christina, authors of ' Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership, ' provide invaluable insights for educators and leaders in international schools. Drawing from their experience as international school educators and leaders, they share the experiences that inspired their book. This discussion delves into the challenges and achievements encountered by women na...

A conversation with Wolfgang, Brian, and Garland to gain deeper insights into their project, "Technology Readiness Council: Building". The TRC ( https://technologyreadiness.org/ ) support schools with the  capacity for Educational Innovation through Technology. This discussion focuses on Professional Learning and School Improvement Planning. We explore the origins of their project and how they cho...

Graeme will talk to us about his experience facilitating and participating in school accreditation and inspection visits for the Council of International Schools, New England Associates of Schools and Colleges, and British Schools Overseas. We discuss the structures, rationale and how schools engage with the process, and the dynamics that take place between accreditation and inspection of organisa...

We take an opportunity to connect with a Swiss Roundtable of international school technology leaders sharing their perspectives, learnings and experiences working in Swiss international schools—both boarding and non boarding—and what it is like living in Switzerland as an international educator. About Wolfgang Soeldner Wolfgang is an experienced educational technology professional with over 20 yea...

We interviewed four members of the International Schools Coaching Collaborative to gain insights into their roles, coaching practices, and how they support educators and schools in implementing innovative pedagogical approaches. We also explore the challenges and opportunities they encounter and discuss how schools can effectively utilize their expertise. About Dave Curran Dave is a leader of inno...

An opportunity to learn and hear from 4 Technology leaders in Saudi Arabia International Schools. We take the opportunity to explore workflows, living in Saudi Arabia, the accelerated changes taking place in the country and how this is impacting International Schools.  About Paul Collins Paul Collins has over 20 years experience in Senior IT Management including 10 years with international schools...

Join us for a unique conversation with Bridget and Trae, international school leaders currently navigating the complexities of leading their respective school in a region embroiled in geopolitical conflict. They share insights on leading and maintaining a school in these challenging circumstances. Listen as they recount their experiences, the challenges they face, and the valuable lessons they are...

Dan and John spend time together reflecting on the past year and looking ahead for 2024. A conversation about what we have been up to in 2023, PD, branding, professional transitions, mentoring, and the wisdom and generosity of our guests.  A special thank you goes out to the team behind the scenes Jane and X for all their work and making the podcast possible. Wishing everyone positive thoughts for...

Navigating the intricate maze of Middle Leadership in schools is akin to mastering the art of balancing on a tightrope. These leaders stand as vital bridges between their peers and senior leadership teams, spearheading curriculum development, championing pedagogic transformations, and breathing life into a school's vision and mission. Join Nancy and Helen, two experts  in this realm, as they unrav...

Matt shares the journey of founding and running ChildSafeguarding.com.  The company’s  Child Protection courses and bespoke  eLearning platform support schools, educators, staff, volunteers, parents and organizations that work with children. We explore the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned in developing this platform and the critical importance of child safeguarding in any organisation...

Dive into a compelling one-hour live discussion that navigates the recent pivotal changes in the world of artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on the educational sector. This engaging session will shed light on the implications of major industry shifts, including Altman's notable departure and Bard's significant advancements targeting younger demographics. Key aspects of the discussion w...

Three educators from around the world, share their expertise, approach, perspectives, and guidance on how this area of learning continues to be an essential ingredient to supporting students and schools, and in some ways even more in an age of 24/7 connectivity  About Leticia Carino PYP (Primary Years Program) PE teacher at the International School of Phnom Penh, Cambodia 20 years teaching Physica...

A conversation with Kirstin of Gaia Learning sharing her experience in supporting and mentoring neurodivergent learners. Kirstin shares how in her organisation they have been leveraging technology to create a nurturing and caring community of learners in an online school.  With a personalised approach Gaia Learning supports students and parents around the world. A chance to discuss the challenges...

#internationalschoolpodcast Dan and John periodically get together and have a bonus episode on a topic or theme, and share some reflections. In this episode, we share and explore virtual over face to face events, teacher recruitment, different dynamics international schools engage with in this process and related thoughts. John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/...

Ken shares his perspective, experience and work focused on supporting companies, educators and schools in building an inclusive culture that also supports meaningful cross-cultural connections and building a responsive service learning program that goes beyond performative gestures. Looking at how International Schools can include these perspectives and approaches in a meaningful manner. Ken also...

In this episode, Nalini Cook talks about the data, intelligence and trends on the international schools market gathered by ISC Research, the leading provider of English-medium K-12 international school data. ISC Research has been collecting market intelligence and data on international schools throughout the world since 1994. Nalini will explore some of the key trends, possible future trajectories...

Admissions and transition is a critical piece for international schools. How you approach these workflows, with the mindset of the school community and making it engaging is a complex and important process to juggle.   We explore with our three guests some best practices and thoughts from their respective research and work in this area. We will also explore the creative tensions impacting admissio...

A conversation with four international school librarians from around the globe, looking at how libraries are navigating accelerated change, amplifying the importance of information literacy,  promoting  reading, DEIJ collections and the creative tensions brought about by AI and 24/7 connectivity. Together they share their learnings and different approaches in managing a library in an international...