Which is the best social media platform for educators? I focus on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, sharing my personal experiences and insights on how these platforms have evolved into essential tools for professional growth and networking in education. The discussion emphasises the unique features and community dynamics of each platform, highlighting how they can facilitate meaningful conversations and connections amongst educators and thought leaders.

I spoke 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.

I explore how to handle difficult as a school leader. This discussion is particularly pertinent for school leaders, teachers, and anyone in a managerial role who grapples with the challenge of providing feedback that is both impactful and compassionate.

Rachel Lofthouse and I explore the challenges and nuances of coaching and mentoring in education, particularly in the context of international schools. We discuss the potential drawbacks of implementing coaching at scale without proper consideration and support, emphasising the need for a nuanced, teacher-centered approach. The discussion also touches upon the CollectivEd award, which provides a framework for schools to evaluate and enhance their professional learning and development practices. This is part two of our conversation so if you haven’t listened to part 1, go there first.

I engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with Rachel Lofthouse, Professor of Teacher Education at Leeds Beckett University and founder of CollectivEd. We delve into the nuances of coaching in educational settings, exploring its definition, application, and impact. Rachel's extensive experience offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of coaching in education, making this episode a must-listen for international schoo educators and leaders seeking to integrate coaching into their practice.

Shane shares five innovative ideas for educators and school leaders to enhance their practices and better support their teams. From mental health initiatives to embracing cutting-edge technology like generative AI, this episode has insights for those looking to make impactful changes in their educational environments.

Shane Leaning speaks with Cindy Adair, the Assistant Principal for Continued Professional Learning at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand. Cindy shares her pioneering approach to professional development in education. She delves into the transformation of performance management systems, emphasising teacher ownership, evidence-based education, and continuous improvement. Cindy outlines innovative strategies like instructional coaching, professional growth conversations, and integrating various educational tools for effective CPD.

In this episode, I discuss the tragic case of Ruth Perry’s death, OFSTED and its implications for the international school sector. I explore the need for a compassionate and reflective reevaluation of school inspection systems worldwide, taking lessons from Ruth's story to advocate for a more humane approach to educational oversight.

Learn with Richard Reid, a former principal who has transitioned into being a much-sought-after coach for school leaders. We unpack the transformative power of having an outside voice in leadership challenges, celebrate the importance of self-belief, and explore the impactful practice of peer coaching in educational settings.

I explore the vital role of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in international schools. I'll share three strategies that are key to supporting our multilingual students and promoting linguistic inclusion. Drawing from my extensive experience in EAL, I offer practical tips from embracing an additive mindset to implementing scaffolding techniques and integrating language structures throughout the curriculum.

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.

In this episode of "Global Ed Leaders," I delve into the importance of resilience and adaptability in educational leadership, sharing a personal anecdote of a recent visa issue I encountered on a trip from Vietnam to Shanghai. This unexpected setback forced me to stay in Hong Kong temporarily, turning what initially felt like a frustrating mistake into an enriching learning opportunity. I discuss how such challenges, though often daunting, can be reframed as chances for growth and development. Drawing insights from thought leaders like Daniel Goleman, Carol Dweck, and Brené Brown, I explore themes of emotional resilience, the growth mindset, and the power of vulnerability. The episode emphasizes the value of immediate response strategies, seeking support, and adapting with innovative solutions when facing setbacks, encouraging listeners to view challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Discover how Nihad Ćehić, founder and CEO of Vibbl, is transforming the way teachers give feedback in the classroom. In this episode, Nihad introduces us to Vibbl, a digital tool that allows teachers to provide faster and more meaningful feedback to their students. Through Vibbl, teachers can record verbal feedback, snap student work, and send it directly to their students' accounts.

I unravel the journey of transforming the treasure trove of insights garnered from educational conferences into actionable strategies that resonate across the school community. Delving into the narrative of pre-conference alignment, engaging post-conference speakers, structured sharing sessions, post-conference coaching, and reflective surveys, I shed light on how school leaders can morph passive conference attendance into vibrant, school-wide learning experiences. With a blend of pragmatic approaches, I aim to empower educational leaders to create a ripple effect of continuous learning and improvement within their domains. Tune in to unlock the potential of conference learnings and ignite a culture of growth in your school!

Shane Leaning interviews Orlene Badu, a passionate educator and advocate for equity in education. Orlene shares her personal journey as a young black girl navigating through a system that often underestimated her abilities. Her experiences fueled her determination to ensure that no child is limited by low expectations. Orlene discusses the importance of prioritizing what can be done now and what can be done later, and emphasizes that curriculum alone is not the answer. She calls for schools to have a focused development plan, with racial literacy training for staff, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Orlene highlights the need for open conversations about diversity, the challenging but necessary task of addressing biases within the education system, and creating safe spaces for marginalized voices to be heard. This thought-provoking conversation delves into the importance of disrupting systemic inequalities and the power of education to transform lives.

This episode explores the concept of leadership flexibility and how the most effective strategies can become counterproductive if not adapted to changing contexts. Shane discusses the idea of a "lethal mutation" where a once successful approach mutates into something that hinders progress. He provides a 5 step framework centered around consistent self-assessment, seeking feedback, being open to change, avoiding ego traps, and ongoing professional development focused on adaptive leadership skills. Through real world examples and references to books like Thinking Fast and Slow, Emotional Intelligence, and Brené Brown's work, Shane emphasizes that continuous learning, evaluation, and a willingness to pivot strategies based on outcomes are key to sustainable leadership success over the long term.

Professor Rob Coe, a leading figure in evidence-based education delves into the complexities and paradoxes surrounding instructional coaching, a topic that has gained significant attention in educational circles. The conversation explores the tension between research and real-world application, between fidelity and adaptation, the importance of time allocation in professional development, and the need for adaptive expertise among teachers and leaders.

I delve into the crucial topic of crafting a personal mission and vision, particularly for those in leadership roles within international schools. I discuss the significance of having a well-defined mission and vision as guiding stars for your professional journey. Additionally, I share a powerful visualization exercise to help you connect with your future self and set clear intentions for your leadership path.

Jack George, an innovative educator and leader in the field of education technology shares the fascinating world of School 3.0, where blockchain technology, AI, and character education intersect. Jack shares Aiglon College’s journey towards creating a new system of badging, using Merits and Demerits as a form of currency. We explore the potential of NFTs and blockchain for student data ownership, as well as the importance of resilience in education. From the future of schools to the role of AI in education, this conversation is a thought-provoking exploration of the changing landscape of learning.

Dan FitzPatrick, award-winning author and EdTech strategist Dan offers invaluable insights into navigating the AI revolution. In the second of two-part episode, we explore the landscape of AI and its impact on schools, as well as practical strategies for leaders. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your AI efforts to the next level, Dan has the expertise to guide you. Tune in to Global Ed Leaders and join us on the frontlines of educational innovation.