The International Schools Podcast

Well-being and Leadership in times of change and complexity. About Kristen MacConnell Kristen MacConnell, Ph.D is a seasoned international school leader and lifelong educator dedicated to cultivating future-ready learners through joy, curiosity, and inclusion. Currently serving as the Elementary Principal at the American School of Barcelona, she brings decades of experience supporting educators and schools around the world. Kristen’s work has spanned leadership development, curriculum design, and instructional coaching, always grounded in the belief that every learner belongs and has something meaningful to contribute. With a deep commitment to generosity, authenticity, and continuous growth, Kristen helps teams build cultures where both adults and children thrive. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-macconnell-ph-d-08751231/  About Dan Kerr Dan Kerr is a passionate international school leader with over two decades of experience in education across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Currently the Middle School Principal at Saigon South International School and an Adjunct Professor at Endicott College, Dan brings a deep commitment to building joyful, inclusive school communities. Known for his relational leadership and belief in the power of positive school culture, Dan’s work is grounded in connection, care, and a deep belief in every learner’s potential. His leadership journey has been shaped by a dedication to student voice, teacher growth, and the magic that happens when schools are built on trust and shared purpose. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/  Resources The Shifting Landscape of Professional Learning Getting Better Together The Art of Community- Seven Principles for Belonging The Blueprint: 6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights Enacting resilience: Adventure racing as a microcosm of resilience organizing Transformative Wellbeing Leadership Certificate Blue Skies Leadership Podcast Thoughts On Education From An International School Perspective  http://www.tieonline.com/ TEDx Talk - Living a Life Well Lived  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation about navigating change, sharing purpose, and supporting schools through the complexities of Al in education. About Rachel Bodily Rachel Bodily is an experienced international educator and Co-Founder of Eblana Learning. With over a decade in IB schools, she has taught MYP Mathematics, coordinated service learning, and supported inclusive education. Her journey with AI in education began early, driven by a desire to make complex ideas accessible to teachers. After connecting with co-founder Rita at IBGC, they created Eblana Learning to provide clear, practical guidance on AI for schools. Rachel now focuses on supporting educators and leaders as they navigate rapid technological change with confidence and purpose. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bodily/  About Rita Bateson Rita Bateson is the Co-Founder and Director of Education at Eblana Learning. With over two decades of experience in international education, she has served as a teacher, curriculum leader, and school head across Europe and beyond. Rita’s work has always centered on empowering educators through curriculum design and principled leadership. She was a Senior Curriculum Manager at the IB and the founding Head of Secondary at Nord Anglia Dublin, where she helped guide the school through rapid growth and programme authorisation. At Eblana Learning, Rita draws on her experience to help schools engage with AI in ways that are ethical, meaningful, and aligned with IB values. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868/  Resources https://eblanalearning.com/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Leading with heart and strategy in a changing world. About Yasmine Aslam - Hashmi Yasmine Hashmi is a passionate educator, DEIJ advocate, and global leader dedicated to inspiring positive change through education. With a career spanning over two decades, Yasmine has taught in classrooms across Canada, Korea, and Switzerland, and has taken on leadership roles ranging from curriculum development to professional learning facilitation. As a co-facilitator of the ECIS DEIJ Leadership Development Cohort, she champions equity, inclusion, and critical thinking in schools worldwide. Yasmine believes in empowering students to become responsible, empathetic citizens by fostering a holistic and globally-minded perspective. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-aslam-hashmi/  About Nunana Nyomi Nunana Nyomi is a dedicated international school leader, committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning communities. Currently serving as the Secondary School Principal at the International School of Geneva's Campus des Nations, Nunana brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, university advising, and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) advocacy. His career spans roles at Leysin American School and the Council of International Schools, where he led global initiatives to support student success and equity. Nunana is passionate about empowering students to thrive academically while becoming responsible, compassionate global citizens. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nunana-nyomi-7a91447a/  Resources http://www.yasminehashmi.com/   https://ecis.org/deij-programmes-courses/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Global Voices, Shared Challenges, Real Support About Aimee Skidmore Aimée is an international educator, teaching and learning coach, and obsessive tinkerer of better ways to teach and lead. She’s built and runs a coaching program at an international school, and works with teachers and leaders who want students to step up and share responsibility for learning.  A big believer in co-designing learning with students, she helps teachers move from doing most of the work to creating spaces where students think, engage, and take ownership.  Right now, she’s in a deep dive on AI in the classroom, figuring out how to make tech work for teachers instead of overwhelming them.  When she’s not coaching or experimenting with new ways to make learning more meaningful for her students, she’s podcasting about the messy, exciting world of international education. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeeskidmoreeducator/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC6ZRi  About Jacob Rosch Jacob Rosch is the Director of Education Technology at Collège du Léman International School, Experienced Head of Educational Technology with a demonstrated history of leading pedagogical initiatives in primary/secondary education. Skilled in Blended Learning, Instructional Design, Learning Management Systems and Professional Development delivery. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-rosch-14929886/  Resources https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-teacher-staffroom/id1782209965  Universal Design for Learning (UDL) from CAST - https://udlguidelines.cast.org/ https://www.oneusefulthing.org/ https://www.litpartners.ai/ https://ditchthattextbook.com/competencies/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-teacher-staffroom/id1782209965  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Empowering women in education to lead with confidence, challenge barriers, and drive change. Liz Free  CEO International School Rheitnal Co-Strategic Lead Europe WomenEd Vivienne Porritt OBE Co-founder Global Strategic Leader #WomenEd Nancy Squicciarini Head of the Middle Leader Certificate for ECIS  Co-Strategic Lead Europe WomenEd About Liz Free Liz Free is a co-founder of #WomenEd Nederlands and Strategic Leader for #WomenEd Europe. Liz has been a teacher and head teacher in some of the world’s leading schools and is now a globally recognised leader of education talent, continuing professional development and learning. Liz was the founding Director of the International Leadership Academy, the British School in the Netherlands and is now CEO and Director of the International School Rheintal in Switzerland.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-free/  About Vivienne Porritt  Vivienne Porritt OBE is Co-founder, Trustee and Global Strategic Leader of #WomenEd, a global charity which empowers aspiring and existing women leaders in education. Vivienne supports school and trust leaders with vision, strategy, professional learning and development, impact evaluation and DEIJ.  She is a former Vice President of the Chartered College of Teaching and holds several governance roles. Vivienne is a former secondary headteacher and Director for School Partnerships at University College London Institute of Education. She is a coach and writes for practitioner and academic journals and is co-editor.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-porritt-obe-frsa-fcct/  About Nancy Squicciarini Nancy is Head of the Middle Leader Certificate for the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS). With over 35 years of experience as an international school educator, she has held several leadership roles. Nancy is a member of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), which is a worldwide community promoting excellence in facilitation practices. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-lhoest-squicciarini-64563838/  Resources https://womened.com/ https://www.isr.ch/ 10%Braver: Inspiring Women to Lead Education (Sage, 2019) Being 10%Braver (Corwin, 2021)  Disruptive Women: A WomenEd Guide to Equitable Action in Education. (Corwin, 2024)/  https://ecis.org/middle-leader/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Making the invisible visible. About Ryan Tannenbaum Ryan Tannenbaum is an educational consultant who specializes in data, data-driven culture, and pedagogically grounded technical implementations for schools. He began his career teaching in international schools throughout Asia. Over more than a decade working as a teacher, principal, and IT director, he founded For.Education—a company that provides schools with data and AI solutions. Currently, Ryan is critically evaluating generative AI technology—exploring how it can safely enhance learning and pedagogical practices in schools while also interrogating the challenges it introduces. Driven by the core philosophy that we can either lead technology forward in our organizations or be led by it, he works to foster a deeper understanding of these technologies, how they work, and where they are most appropriately applied. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-tannenbaum-a64840207/  Resources https://for.education/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

About Leon Furze Leon Furze is an international consultant, author, and speaker with over fifteen years of experience in secondary and tertiary education and leadership. Leon is studying his PhD in the implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence on writing instruction and education. Leon has held roles at multiple levels of school and board leadership, including Director of Teaching and Learning, Head of English, and eLearning. Leon is a Non-Executive Director on the board of Young Change Agents and Reframing Autism, and a member of Council for the Victorian Association for the Teaching of English.  Leon completed his Master of Education at the University of Melbourne in 2016 with a focus on student wellbeing, leading schools through change, and linking education systems and communities. He has published dozens of books, articles and courses, with his most recent publications, Practical Reading Strategies and Practical Writing Strategies reaching an international audience. Leon presents at state and national conferences and runs online and face to face professional learning for schools, individuals and businesses. Through consultancy and advisory work, Leon helps educators from K-12 to tertiary to understand the implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence in education. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonfurze/ Resources https://leonfurze.com/  https://aiassessmentscale.com https://leonfurze.com/blog  https://practicalaistrategies.com/ 40% discount code to the main Practical AI Strategies course for your listeners: ISP2025 at checkout for this course: https://practicalaistrategies.com/p/practical-ai-strateg John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation with Patrycja Gryciuk on the challenges and opportunities of being an international school educator and romance novel author. About Patrycja Gryciuk Patrycja Gryciuk is an author and educator originally from Legnica, Poland. Since childhood, she has dreamed of becoming a writer. She currently resides in France and teaches French as a foreign language at Ecolint, an international school in Geneva. With a strong background in education and a deep passion for literature, she balances her professional career with her creative pursuits. An advocate for sustainability and the slow-life philosophy, she integrates these values into her writing. She made her literary debut with Plan, a novel that combines elements of romance and suspense. Her second novel, 450 Pages, further showcases her storytelling craft. Her latest book is Three Hours of Silence, a book that not only gained recognition from literary critics, but also received awards in several literary competitions in Poland and Europe.  In 2024 she published a new novel in two parts : Plan. Wybierz mnie and Plan. Zostań ze mną. The first part became a bestseller in one of the biggest audiobooks platforms in Poland.  Patrycja Gryciuk on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrycjagryciuk/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrycjagryciukautor  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Transforming Teams, Learning, and Leadership with Playful Principles. About Liam Isaac Liam Isaac Director Of Learning And Innovation @ Seriouswork Liam Isaac is a champion of purposeful play and its transformative power at every level. As the Director of Learning and Innovation at SERIOUSWORK, Liam designs meaningful, engaging, and joyful experiences using innovative tools like LEGO® Serious Play®. With expertise in learning experience design and systems thinking, he collaborates with clients to create bespoke workshops and training programs tailored to unique needs. A professional facilitator with over 15 years of teaching experience at prestigious institutions, Liam helps teams gain clarity, spark creativity, and supercharge collaboration. Outside of work, he embraces the playful chaos of life with his two kids, crafting cardboard robots, flipping pancakes (badly), and living the role of pirate extraordinaire. Liam Issac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-isaac/ Resources https://serious.global/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org  Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt   Web: www.appsevents.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube  Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Exploring the mindsets and strategies schools and parents use to navigate screentime challenges. About Patrick Green Patrick Green is first and foremost a dad to a teenager. He is also a digital wellness educator, keynote speaker, and consultant who helps families and schools navigate the complexities of technology in daily life. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and education technology leader in international schools, Patrick now works with parents, educators, and students to build healthy digital habits and foster meaningful connections online and offline. A former Middle School teacher and Education Technology Coordinator, Patrick led initiatives on technology integration, digital citizenship, and online learning while partnering with students, parents, and teachers to leverage technology for deep, purposeful learning. Now, Patrick’s work centers on empowering families with practical, research-backed strategies for managing screen time and digital habits. Through his workshops, webinars, and upcoming book, he provides actionable guidance for caregivers seeking to mentor children toward responsible technology use. Patrick is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, and YouTube Star Teacher. He is the author of Classroom Management in the Digital Age and 50 Ways to Use YouTube in the Classroom, with a new book on winning screen-time strategies for caregivers launching soon. Learn more at WinningScreentime.com. Patrick Green on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgreensoup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pgreensoup  Resources https://www.winningscreentime.com/ http://cmdigitalage.com/ http://youtubeclassroom.com/ John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

In this episode of The International Schools Podcast, we delve into the world of international school recruiting. Join us as we speak with Pauline O'Brien, Director of Global Recruitment Strategy & Leadership, to explore the evolution and enduring aspects of recruiting for international schools. We discuss what has changed and what remains the same for both school leaders and educators navigating this unique landscape. About Pauline O'Brien Pauline O'Brien is the Director of Global Recruitment Strategy & Leadership at International Schools Services. An education industry expert, Pauline is passionate about global recruitment, leadership development, and fostering inclusive environments. Known for innovative hiring strategies and skills-based recruitment, she has helped schools worldwide find top talent and build diverse teams. As a coach and workshop leader, Pauline supports school leaders and teachers in advancing their careers while championing women in leadership. Dedicated to improving child protection and safe recruitment practices, she sets high standards across the industry. With expertise in change management and delivering inspiring presentations, Pauline helps schools navigate transitions and create thriving, culturally rich communities. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulineobrien/   Resources https://eduplatform.iss.edu/s/iss-services  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Using Innovation and Leadership to Make a Difference in Education. About Francis Q. Hoan Francis Q. Hoang is a veteran, entrepreneur, and technology innovator who has been a founding team member of companies generating over $600 million in combined sales and employing more than 1,200 professionals across AI, law, aerospace, defense, and government services. With over a decade of expertise in building and integrating innovative technologies, Francis has enabled teams across industries to harness the transformative potential of AI and frontier tech. With 20+ years of national security experience, Francis has served in every branch of the U.S. Government. He was appointed by President George W. Bush as Associate White House Counsel and Special Assistant to the President and later deployed as the Executive Officer of a U.S. Army Special Forces Company during combat operations in Southeast Afghanistan. His distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Chief of Police and SWAT Commander at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and clerking for Judge Thomas Griffith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. A graduate of West Point (top 1% of his class), Washburn University (Master’s in Criminal Justice), and Georgetown University Law Center (magna cum laude), Francis has also completed Ranger School and passed the CPA exam. His leadership extends to chairing the board of Allied Airlift 21 and co-organizing the Afghanistan Departure Group, which facilitated the first U.S. private charter evacuation flight from Afghanistan after the military withdrawal. Francis has served on numerous boards, including MAG Aerospace, Marymount University, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and his insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Proudly hailing from Tumwater, Washington, Francis speaks regularly on innovation, leadership, and service. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceqhoang/  Resources https://boodlebox.ai/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation with three global leaders shaping a collaborative global diploma option designed around agency, meaning, and wellbeing. About Dr. Tami Canale Dr. Tami Canale is the Director of Teaching and Learning for the upper school at the American International School of Budapest and is the past President of the European League for Middle Level Education (ELMLE). Bringing people together to work, play, and learn has been her passion for the last 30 years. Dr. Canale's work emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the future of education, fostering environments where teachers and school leaders excel and students are empowered to shape their own futures. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/canaleteach/ About Patricia Podorsek Patricia is the Deputy Head for Teaching and Learning at International School Nido de Aguilas. She has been a career international educator, having lived and taught in five countries since she began in the 90s. She is passionate about bringing high quality learning to all students and believes there can never be too much garlic in a recipe. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-podorsek-16354219/  About Melanie Kempe Melanie is the Secondary Principal at the American International School of Bucharest in Romania.  She has previously worked as an IB English teacher, an MYP coordinator, and a Director of Curriculum and Innovation, all of which led to her passion for working collaboratively to create the pathways needed for all students to find joy and success in learning that matters to them. Resources GID Guide GID Overview Slides For more info, contact globalimpactdiploma@gmail.com  Pathways Summit website 5 Ideas for Developing Real-World Thinking Skills, Silver, Boutz, McTIghe Self-Determination Theory, Science Direct Adolescents who have a sense of purpose are happier and healthier. How can we help?, UCLA The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

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 strategies that educators and students can use to engage with themes like cooperation, responsible technology, and making a positive impact on society. About Max Stauffer Max Stauffer is the Co-CEO of SI. Together with Konrad, he develops our strategy, designs our programs, and leads our policy work. Previously, Max served as Senior Science-Policy Officer at the Geneva Science-Policy Interface, Senior Visiting Fellow at UN University, and co-President and head of policy research at Effective Altruism Switzerland. He’s also a World Economic Forum Expert on Complex Risks and co-founder of the Geneva Social Complexity Lab. Max studied international relations at the University of Geneva and computational math at Johns Hopkins University, and holds a particular interest in evidence-informed policymaking, risk governance, and decision-making under uncertainty. About SI (Strategic Initiatives) SI (Strategic Initiatives) is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland that supports global cooperation to address large-scale challenges. It provides policy advice and facilitates decision-making on technology governance, global risks, and long-term planning. Since 2021, SI has contributed to international processes, organized workshops, and delivered a UN report on existential risks. Its work focuses on multilateral action, improving technology governance, and encouraging policies that consider future generations. Website: https://www.simoninstitute.ch/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

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 his advanced knowledge and qualifications, allows Jonathan to offer and deliver the most exclusive, progressive, and current Online Safety Workshops. Jonathan advises and assists schools in the importance and creation of robust Online Safety and acceptable use policies. Jonathan also lectures to Child Safeguarding Professionals on how to recognise and understand Online Child Sexual Exploitation and what tools are available to help keep children safe. Jonathan frequently appears on GB News, Talk TV, Sky News, The One Show, BBC Breakfast TV, LBC, and Radio 5 Live as an Online Safety & Social Media Consultant and has recently filmed Documentaries for Channel 4 & CBS. Email : onlinesafety4schools@gmail.com John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

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 her training as a bereavement counsellor. She will highlight the significant role that school communities hold in nurturing a compassionate and inclusive classroom environment and how international educators and school leaders can facilitate this. About Alka Townend Alka is an Assistant Professor in Education and EDI Director based at the University of Sussex. Prior to this she gained many years of experience working within different London universities as a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for BA undergraduate and post-graduate education courses. Alka’s subject expertise resides in English and Drama and she enjoys opportunities to be a guest speaker at various national and international conferences including the UKLA, NATE, ICET and ELSA. Alka was also recently invited to a conference in India to share her insights and knowledge related to the use of oracy as an effective pedagogical strategy for learning and assessment in the classroom. Alka has a particular passion for children’s literature and how stories can be utilised as a learning tool and support strategy across a range of ages. Alka’s research area is focused on childhood bereavement and how grieving pupils might be supported in their school communities. To inform this work, Alka trained as a bereavement counsellor for a national UK charity and specialises in supporting children and young people. Alka also provides educational consultancy services and recently provided support for a government funded project aimed at supporting young people in managing challenging life experiences related to different forms of loss. This year. Alka has been invited to present her research and bereavement CPD at various educational conferences including Paris, Cologne and Toulouse. Alka is passionate about teachers being provided with the appropriate skills to support loss in the classroom and has recently embedded this training across all aspects of teacher education at her university. Alka is currently the Director for Equality Diversity and Inclusion within her faculty. She recently organised a research event focused on ethnic representation in children’s literature. She is also the national co-chair for ARTEN (the anti-racist teacher educator network). Alka’s background experience was gained in primary teaching, and she spent many years working in both state and independent schools in England as a teacher and senior leader.  One of Alka’s proudest achievements was when she became the Winner of Sussex Extra Mile Award (given to staff who have shown extraordinary commitment and compassion towards their students). Alka Townend on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alka-townend-mres-ed-ba-hons-qts-0bb005106/  Resources Articles for review which have open access:  Childhood bereavement: The role of school leadership in developing inclusive learning environments : My College Let’s talk about death: All children in England should receive grief education at school | PolicyBristol | University of Bristol   Available as downloadable reports Research into childhood bereavement and the British school system Vol. 2 (2023): Bereavement: Journal of grief and responses to death | Bereavement Recommended literature resources for the classroom: Books and resources for bereaved children up to 11 years old | Child Bereavement UK Best children's books - Bereavement, Grief & Loss Grief and Loss (teen) | BookTrust   UK Charity Support: (useful open access resources) Winston's Wish: Winston's Wish - giving hope to grieving children CB UK: Child Bereavement UK Cruse: Home - Cruse Bereavement Support Grief Encounter: Home SUPPORTING BEREAVED CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE - Grief Encounter Different Countries have all types of bereavement support - some sparse and some vast!  A quick google will guide your listeners.  But for starters, I have included the following outside of the UK.    USA NACG History | Rainbows for All Children   Sweden About grief - Efterlevandeguiden   Denmark About us - Det Nationale Sorgcenter   John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org   Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com   Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

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 collaborate to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth? Heather and Tim share insights from their work in an international school setting. About Heather Barnard I'm a mom of two teens and a newly turned 20 year old, and an educator with over 21 years of experience, including 14 years internationally and 10 years in 1:1 device schools. As a certified digital wellness educator, I help schools, parents and teens navigate the challenges of screen time, social media, and gaming by fostering positive habits and media literacy. Through my work with schools and companies like Sersha.ai, I aim to create healthier digital environments for families and schools. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family, baking, or enjoying a good rom-com. Heather Barnard on Social Media Instagram: @techhealthyfamilies  Website: www.techhealthyfamilies.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbarnard/   About Tim Evans Tim is the Learning Technologies & Data Coordinator at the American International School of Guangzhou, China. Holding a Masters in Educational Technology, Tim brings a wealth of expertise to his role, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. He is passionate about using technology in the classroom to enhance the whole teaching and learning experience. Originally from Wales, UK, Tim has led digital change in his home country and internationally in Spain, in Hong Kong, and most recently the UAE.  Tim Evans on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-evans-26247792/ Twitter: https://x.com/edTechEvans  Resources PEW Research https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/internet-technology/user-demographics/age-generations-tech/ Sonia Livingstone https://www.lse.ac.uk/business/consulting/experts/sonia-livingstone   Anne Collier and Net Family News https://www.netfamilynews.org/about/anne-colliers-bio   Common Sense Education https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship  Common Sense + Seesaw https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10yf5W9SzvoRnJeldqunbCayOxErPY9DrohGo4f4NNB8/edit?usp=sharing  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

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.

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 Frankfurt International School, who shares practical insights from her PhD research and experience. Together, they address the current challenges in safeguarding children online, tips for prevention and response, and how school leaders can create safer digital environments within their communities. About Jane Larsson Executive Director, CIS Jane Larsson has led the Council of International Schools (CIS) as Executive Director since her appointment in 2010. Over the past 25 years, Jane has led the international education community with a focus on the development of collaborative partnerships to enable and support educational exchange and the development of international and intercultural perspective. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Jane was Direc­tor of International Partnerships with the Visiting International Faculty Program (VIF) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she led outreach to promote international educational exchange, establishing relationships with minis­tries of education, universities, internation­al schools and educational associations.  She began her career in international education as the Director of Educational Staffing and Publications for International Schools Services (ISS) providing recruitment services and resources to international schools. Jane lends her voice to key topics shaping the future of international education, those which enable school and university communities to provide socially responsible leadership as they continually develop their programs. She currently serves as Chair of the International Taskforce on Child Protection and on the Board of Directors of the International Commission Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelarssoncis/  About Leila Holmyard Safeguarding Lead, Frankfurt International School Leila Holmyard has extensive professional experience in safeguarding and child protection in international schools. She is a safeguarding consultant for a number of international schools and organisations, including the United World Colleges, Council of International Schools and Faria Education Group, as well as being Safeguarding Lead at Frankfurt International School. Leila has worked with international schools across the world and conducted her PhD research on safeguarding in international schools in Europe, Asia and Africa. She is also a volunteer for the International Task Force on Child Protection, WomenEd Germany, and the ISS Diversity Collaborative.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-holmyard-04767995/    About Dan Furness Head of Safeguarding and Well-being, CIS Dan Furness joined CIS in September 2023. Dan’s primary responsibility as Head of Safeguarding and Well-being is to support the CIS membership community as it identifies and addresses child protection and student well-being challenges. This includes designing and delivering professional learning opportunities such as the Foundation and Deep Dive workshops in Child Protection and Safeguarding. Dan is available to support schools to strengthen their culture and systems, developing resources to educate and promote effective practices, and providing thought leadership and partnership across the international education sector. Prior to joining CIS, Dan worked in international schools in South Africa, South Korea, Germany and the Netherlands leading boarding, student support and safeguarding. Dan has also worked as an independent consultant in safeguarding and has a history of supporting staff professional development over a range of safeguarding-related areas including the following: child protection and safeguarding; safer handling and restraint; restorative justice and shared concern; response to intervention (a tiered approach to school support); and inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism. He has also provided supervision for other DSLs and school counsellors. Dan is a qualified counsellor and social worker, with an undergraduate degree and masters in social work from the University of Bath, and a second masters in educational leadership and management from the University of Buckingham. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-furness/?originalSubdomain=nl   Resources https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/resources https://www.icmec.org/icmec-resources/ https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/resources https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/sextortion/ https://www.childnet.com/safer-internet-day/ https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-reporting/report-remove/  Generative AI: A whole school approach to safeguarding children John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

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 the observations, learnings, and strategies to consider and share with schools through the lens of Common Sense Education About Merve Lapus Merve is a Results-driven education strategist with a track record of expanding reach and impact in K12 learning environments. As Vice President of Outreach & Engagement at Common Sense Education, he's led initiatives that have reached over 90,000 schools and supported 1.2 million educators. This includes overseeing a regional team driving community engagement, access, and professional development across school community stakeholders including school adoption, district implementation, parent/family engagement, strategic marketing, and community development.  Merve has over 23 years of experience driving education technology initiatives across school programs, and building educator confidence through professional learning, and strategic implementation. Merve also sits on a number of steering committees addressing school climate and state policy initiatives, and currently sits on the Marketing and Communications Board for the University of San Francisco (USF), The Alameda Health Foundation Board, and the Executive Board for the Children’s Creativity Museum of San Francisco.  Merve Lapus on Social Media Twitter: twitter.com/molapus  Resources https://www.commonsense.org   John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial