I take a critical look at the growing popularity of infographics and one-pagers in education. While I acknowledge their aesthetic appeal and potential as conversation starters, as exemplified by the brilliant work of Jamie Clark and the WalkThrus guides, I argue that an overreliance on these simplified visual guides may be holding educators back from deeper understanding and effective implementation.

If you're an international school leader grappling with teacher retention or looking to empower your staff, this episode is a must-listen. I dive deep into the complexities of transitioning experienced educators into new roles and schools, alongside Sarah Kupke—a leader in professional learning and development at ECIS. We dive into strategies for mentoring, professional growth, and nurturing a positive school culture that values every teacher’s strengths at any career stage.

Are you struggling to decide whether school leaders should also spend time teaching? This episode is for you! I dive deep into the age-old argument of whether school leaders should step into the classroom.

Andrea Honigsfeld shares her insights on the power of collaboration in education, emphasising the value of teamwork and diverse perspectives in supporting multilingual learners and promoting cultural inclusivity. We discuss the importance of challenging biases, engaging in difficult conversations, and prioritising students' assets. Andrea highlights the significance of collaboration not just among teachers, but also with paraprofessionals, coaches, administrators, and families, stressing the two-way dynamic interaction for meaningful engagement.

Have you ever been caught in the crossfire of a staff room venting session? As leaders, it's a delicate tightrope to walk—balancing empathy with professionalism. This week, I break down the "C.A.L.M.I.T." model, a straightforward, six-step approach designed to help you navigate these challenging moments without losing your cool.

Dr. José Medina discusses linguistic oppression in education and the need for linguistic liberation. He explains that linguistic oppression occurs when students are not allowed to fully leverage their entire linguistic repertoire, and are instead forced to focus solely on the language of power, which is often English. José emphasises the importance of metalinguistic awareness, which is the ability to make connections between languages in one's repertoire. He also introduces the concept of trans-languaging, which empowers students to use all of their language skills to access content learning. José calls for educators to create linguistically inclusive spaces and to model content language learning targets that incorporate the four plus one language domains.

I discuss five critical questions that every school leader should ask when approached by vendors. These questions are designed to evaluate whether the propositions align with existing school needs, are supported by robust evidence, and offer sustainable benefits. My aim is to equip you with the tools needed to approach these situations with confidence and make informed choices that have a real impact on your school.

Josh Goodrich and Shane Leaning explore the importance of rehearsal and implementation planning in teacher development. Rehearsal involves modelling a desired teaching technique, deconstructing the model, and planning how to implement the technique in a future lesson. Implementation planning involves stating a specific time, place, and cue to remember to make the change. We chat about the need for social accountability and feedback in the rehearsal process. Josh suggests starting with group rehearsal in professional development sessions and gradually moving towards individual rehearsal. The goal is to create a culture of continuous improvement in teaching.

Educational psychologist, Dr. Angie Wigford, shares the findings of her survey conducted among students and educators across the Asia on the effects of COVID on international school students and staff. This is a repeat of Episode 6.

Simon Probert and I explore the evolution of British international schools in Asia, with a focus on the growth of British international education in Asia. The appeal of British international schools and the interaction between these schools and local education systems are discussed, as well as the importance of local identity are explored. The conversation also delves into the challenges of localising international schools and the post-colonial lens in British international schools.

Universities around the world are prioritising internationalisation, which presents both opportunities and challenges for international schools. A report from The International Association of Universities highlights benefits such as enhanced international cooperation and enriched global knowledge for students. However, universities also struggle with competing priorities and finances. This trend may lead to an increased demand for students with international education, benefiting schools that offer international qualifications. It also opens up opportunities for better university partnerships and pathways directly with international schools.

Chris Baker and Shane discuss the importance of confidence and self-efficacy in effective leadership. They explore the impact of confidence on decision-making and the role of self-efficacy in personal and professional development. Chris shares his personal experience with confidence and how it has shaped his career. They also discuss strategies to develop self-efficacy, including setting achievable goals, seeking out models of excellence, and receiving feedback. The conversation concludes with a focus on the big three: learning efficacy, coping efficacy, and influence efficacy.

As an international school leader, do you sometimes find yourself caught between the demands of educational excellence and balancing the books? Today's episode will empower you with strategies to bridge the gap between personal values and organisational expectations.

I dive into the theory of comprehensible input, drawing from Stephen Krashen's research. This key concept focuses on providing language learners with input just beyond their current level, emphasising the importance of meaning over form and the natural order of language acquisition. I discuss practical strategies for making teacher talk more comprehensible, including an innovative method using AI transcription software to evaluate and adjust language grading for EAL students. Plus, I offer a special discount for listeners to join the full EAL course, where you can access over 30 comprehensive lessons and an exclusive online community.

As an international school leader, do you sometimes find yourself caught between the demands of educational excellence and balancing the books? Today's episode will empower you with strategies to bridge the gap between personal values and organisational expectations.

I chat with Matt Hall, Director of Making Stuff Better, who brings his insights on transforming leadership tensions into progressive energy and aligning the soul of education with the rigors of finance. Tune in for an invigorating discussion that will resonate with every educational leader striving to lead with authenticity and courage.

Observations on the dual role of educational consultants: providing valuable expertise and perspectives to help schools navigate complex decisions while potentially fostering a dependency that could impede the development of internal knowledge and decision-making capabilities. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, I note a trend of short-lived implementations and a cycle of change with each new leadership transition, raising concerns about the sustainability of such practices.

In this episode, we unpack the nuanced role of middle leaders with Liz Benson. Liz, a visionary in the field with over two decades of experience, discusses the evolution of middle leadership, its complexities, and the need to celebrate its unique significance. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for bolstering middle leaders, learn about the five dimensions of Trust from Griffith University's research, and recognise the potency of advocacy and influence within your team.

In revisiting my 2017 TEDx talk on the importance of home languages in global education, I delve into why nurturing native languages remains crucial. Sharing personal stories and insights, I highlight the cognitive and emotional benefits of bilingualism, particularly in a global context. Through examples like a Korean student's experience in China and policy shifts in Hong Kong, I advocate for a balanced language learning approach that integrates cultural and linguistic heritage.

I sit down with the esteemed John Gwyn Jones MBE to delve into the dynamic world of international education and leadership. John provides invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing diversity and cultural differences in schools across Asia. Drawing on his extensive experience, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of British international schools, touching upon vital topics such as inclusivity and the global influence of the UK's education system. John's perspective illuminates the significance of community and collaboration, factors that remain crucial in the constantly shifting terrain of international education.

I share a powerful tool to unlock the power of professional development in schools. I introduce the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and their report on effective professional development. I explain the three ways to identify professional development: forms, programs, and mechanisms. I then dive into the 14 mechanisms identified by the EEF that make professional development effective. Additionally, I suggest four additional mechanisms that are relevant to international schools and conclude by introducing a PD scorecard for gamifying professional development.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Arran Hamilton, Author, Researcher and Group Director of Education at Cognition Education. We dove deep into the concept of doing less to achieve more in education. Dr. Hamilton, who has worked closely with John Hattie and Dylan Wiliam, shared insights into the process of de-implementation in schools. Our discussion revealed that not all educational practices are equally effective, and by de-implementing, we can actually enhance student learning.