Join us as we talk with Max Stauffer, Co-CEO of the Simon Institute (SI), about how international educators and schools can help students become future-ready and approach global challenges with a long-term view. SI’s mission to strengthen global cooperation and reduce major risks aligns closely with the goals of many international schools. Max explains how SI works with partners worldwide to address complex issues and shares important trends affecting educators today. We’ll explore practical str...
Feb 28, 2025•48 min•Ep. 152
Former undercover police officer Jonathan Taylor shares his journey to becoming an online safety consultant About Jonathan Taylor Jonathan is an expert Online Safety & Social media Awareness Consultant who works with Schools nationally and internationally. He delivers leading Online Safety Workshops for Staff, Students and Parents. Specialising in Child Safeguarding and spending 10 years as an undercover Police Officer, identifying Online Predators, his unique experience, accompanied with hi...
Feb 15, 2025•59 min•Ep. 151
Join the conversation with Alka Townend as she delves into how educators can address grief and loss in the classroom. Learn about the ways in which grief might manifest in children and understand why it is crucial for every teacher to have some knowledge around loss in childhood. Discover practical strategies, including bibliotherapy, and book recommendations, to support students through difficult times like bereavement, divorce, or migration. Alka will share her insights linked to research and ...
Feb 03, 2025•54 min•Ep. 150
Join us for a conversation with Heather and Tim as we explore the intersection of digital skills and technology use at home and school, and how this dynamic impacts parents, educators, and students. With varying levels of comfort with technology, both parents and teachers face the challenge of adapting to constant updates and the growing influence of AI. How can schools support teachers at all stages of digital readiness to create purposeful learning experiences? And how can families and schools...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 149
Welcome back to The International Schools Podcast! In this special episode, hosts Dan Taylor and John Mikton share their reflections on 2025 and offer insights for the year ahead.
Jan 12, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 148
Join us for this conversation on the vital issue of Online Child Protection, spotlighting the leadership and efforts of key figures from the Council of International Schools (CIS). Jane Larson, Executive Director of CIS, alongside Dan Furness, Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing at CIS, are at the forefront of this work, shaping policies and providing guidance to international schools. We also hear from Leila Holmyard, Global Safeguarding Consultant, researcher and current Safeguarding Lead at Fr...
Dec 18, 2024•54 min•Ep. 147
A conversation with Merve from Common Sense Education sharing the important work they do in education, helping parents, schools, and educators with digital citizenship. Globally reaching over 90,000 schools and 1.2 million students. We get to learn about the organization’s history, its current focus and insights into the evolving digital landscape. Together we explore the context of international schools and the growing reliance on digital devices for both students and teachers. What are some of...
Dec 06, 2024•55 min•Ep. 146
We have a unique chance to speak with Kathleen and her digital twin, Katbot. Together, we’ll explore how Katbot was created and what it’s like to have a digital twin, including the lessons learned, challenges faced, and opportunities discovered. As chatbots become more common in our everyday lives, Kathleen and Katbot are the perfect guides to help us understand how humans and AI can work and learn together. What are the implications for educators and school in an international school context. A...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 145
Carlos shares his experience of walking the Camino de Santiago/Camino Francés footpath. He shares how disconnecting from the world of work, digital devices, social media and working remotely had a significant impact on his own understanding of connectivity and its impact on being in the moment. Together we explore what this means about our own pace and focus in an age of digital tools 24/7. About Carlos Davidovich Carlos has extensive experience supporting the development of leaders and manageme...
Nov 11, 2024•51 min•Ep. 144
Join us for a conversation with Clara Hawking, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Globeducate and winner of the #Techwomen100 Global Achievement Award 2024 by WeAreTechWomeas. Clara shares her expert insights on how global AI policies, including the EU AI Act, are shaping the future of education. Clara discusses the impact of AI on international schools, the role of women in this space, addressing ethical challenges and the vital role educators play in teaching AI literacy. She provides an updat...
Oct 28, 2024•58 min•Ep. 143
Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist, educator and advocate for nutrition and health, best known for founding FoodNiche-ED , a platform that collaborates with schools and educators worldwide. Her work focuses on helping teachers promote science, health and nutrition education in K-12 classrooms. In our conversation, we discuss the significance of food science in schools, strategies to engage students on this topic, and the challenges and opportunities in equipping educators and students with a soli...
Oct 14, 2024•56 min•Ep. 142
Join us for a conversation with Emily, Dennis, and Bryce from Earth Day as we explore the impact of climate change and how international schools can prepare students for the challenges ahead. Our guests will share the key skills, values, and knowledge needed to guide students through these complex issues. How can schools create pathways that help educators and students understand and tackle these challenges? From climate literacy to environmental activism, how can schools balance educating child...
Sep 30, 2024•49 min•Ep. 141
Join us for a conversation with Stacy Stephens, Director of The International Educator (TIE). We'll take this opportunity to explore TIE's rich history, its mission, and how it connects to international schools and educators. We'll discuss how TIE's current focuses and services have evolved over time. With the accelerated changes being experienced by both online and offline newspapers and organizations supporting international schools and educators, what does the future look like for The Interna...
Sep 16, 2024•50 min•Ep. 140
A conversation with Keri-Lee creator of the Media Mentor Month and Sandra and Alex co-collaborators share about #mediamentormonth which is a global education initiative designed to help parents/teachers develop a supportive relationship with their children/students around digital technologies and media. Together they share their approach, collaboration, designs, why this initiative and the challenges and opportunities educators and families are juggling with students /children's media consumptio...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 139
A conversation in the heart of Europe, where we explore with 4 Directors of IT and international educators, the unique opportunities and challenges of living and working in international schools in Warsaw, Poland; Vienna, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic, Budapest, and Hungary. Our guests share their experiences of adapting to different cities and regions, being IT Directors in these regions, and how they have navigated the culture of both school and country as international educators. About Geof...
Aug 16, 2024•53 min•Ep. 138
Join us for a conversation with Fred Mednick, founder of the Teachers without Border (TWB) organisation. We'll explore TWB's contributions to education and professional development. Fred will share stories and reflections from his new book, In The Small Places about teachers as central protagonists in global change. We'll also explore themes of education for girls, education in emergencies, peace education, and human rights education. About Fred Mednick A former principal in Los Angeles and Seat...
Aug 04, 2024•58 min•Ep. 137
Join us for a conversation with Jeff from the CERN Teacher Training Program. We explore the evolving landscape of science education. We'll discuss the interplay between innovative teaching methodologies and the integration of Artificial Intelligence, examining both the challenges and opportunities AI presents in enhancing student engagement and addressing the critical issue of the gender gap in STEM fields. Learn how CERN's teacher and student programs are supporting schools worldwide, shaping a...
Jul 20, 2024•49 min•Ep. 136
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 standards, overcoming cultural and operational challenges to ensure a safe learning environment for all st...
Jul 06, 2024•58 min•Ep. 135
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 can foster a culture of making, integrating it seamlessly with design thinking principles to engage ...
Jun 22, 2024•59 min•Ep. 134
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 era, while others have maintained their pre-pandemic practices. A look into the innovative approaches ...
Jun 09, 2024•55 min•Ep. 133
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 are addressing skill gaps among educators amidst rapid advancements in AI and how these changes inters...
May 25, 2024•50 min•Ep. 132
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 and South Korea as an international school educator focused on supporting his community with techno...
May 12, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 131
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 shaped their identities and perspectives. They share their stories and insights about growing up ove...
Apr 28, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 130
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, what are some tips and strategies to consider in a classroom setting. About Cora Yang Cora Yang is a ...
Apr 13, 2024•55 min•Ep. 129
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 navigating the landscape of international school leadership, offering unique perspectives and guidance...
Mar 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 128
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 chose to collaborate on it. Additionally, each member shares their personal thoughts on the future of di...
Mar 16, 2024•52 min•Ep. 127
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 organisations and schools. About Graeme Chisholm Graeme Chisholm is a Co-Director at Riverside International...
Mar 02, 2024•56 min•Ep. 126
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 years of experience in managing, developing, and integrating technology systems in schools. He has serv...
Feb 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 125
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 innovative learning and instructional coach who is currently serving as the MS/HS Learning Innovation Co...
Feb 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 124
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 and higher education. He has been Director of IT at: International School Yangon in Myanmar Australi...
Feb 02, 2024•57 min•Ep. 123
