A Fresh Take on Stale Teacher Conferences
In this episode, we're diving deep into the unique learning experience that is the Festival of 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 impressive global journey of EdFest.
Overview:
- An overview of the Festival, shedding light on its aim to foster a balance of ideas among its participants. [00:06:00]
- Criticism and Controversy: We discuss the events that sparked controversy on social media, focusing on Eddie Izard's call for kindness and the backlash that ensued. [00:14:20]
- Lessons to Remember: We explore some powerful and memorable sessions - including those by Chris Packham, Patrick Foster, Dan Willingham, and Jassa Ahluwalia - that spanned topics from autism to mixed heritage. [00:28:50]
- The Bigger Picture: We talk about the decision to bring speakers from outside the education space and the broader impacts these sessions can have. [00:44:30]
- Looking Ahead: We reveal the international journey the Festival of Education is embarking on, with future festivals planned in Shanghai, UK, USA, and potentially India. [00:58:20]
Resources
- Festival of Education Thailand: https://educationfestthailand.com/
- Festival of Education UK: https://educationfest.co.uk/
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this international school leadership podcast episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X, Linkedin and Instagram: @leaningshane. My website is shaneleaning.com.
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