The Student-Centered Shift: Empowered International Schools and Classrooms Through Project-Based Learning

Tired of students asking, "What did I get?" after every assignment? What if they asked, "How did I grow?" instead? In this solo episode, I share a powerful reflection conversation with one of my students after his seventh real-world presentation of the day during Exhibition. Rather than assigning a grade, we walk through a rubric he co-created, debating scores, celebrating growth, and co-constructing the path forward. This isn't just assessment—it's transformation. You'll learn: Why co-created rubrics lead to more authentic assessment How self-assessment builds ownership, metacognition, and accountability Five clear steps to make self-assessment part of your class culture How to use assessment to support reflection, not just justify scores If you're ready to replace grading battles with growth conversations, this episode gives you the tools to get started. Get the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Book (chapter 10): https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 

Do you ever feel like your students rely on you for every next move? What if you could shift from being the sole driver to creating a classroom where students lead with confidence? In this episode, I sit down with Nicole, a passionate PE teacher and learning leader who shares her journey of transitioning from teacher-led instruction to student-led experiences. From student-designed fitness plans to peer-facilitated learning reflections, Nicole reveals practical strategies that helped her learners take charge—and the ripple effects this had across her school community. You'll learn: How to structure lessons so students take the lead Simple routines that nurture peer coaching and reflection Why stepping back builds stronger student voice and trust How student-led initiatives can work in any subject, not just PE Ready to stop running every part of the learning experience? This episode gives you the mindset, models, and momentum to empower students to step up and own it. Connect with Nicole: LinkedIn Get the 12 Shifts Book: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Nicole's Bio:  Typically, Physical Education teacher often means focusing on well known sports and lesson plan formats, but Nicole strives to introduce alternative activities and ways of learning that are accessible and help break away from traditional norms, promoting inclusivity and engagement. Her most significant years of teaching have been in the international school settings, where she has had the privilege to meet many learners and colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds. This has taught her how important it is to adapt to global demands, as well as the unique needs of each student. Being part of a research team, participating in NEASC accreditation visits, attending conferences, publishing, and networking with companies and educators worldwide, has given her the confidence to focus on rewarding progress as opposed to perfection. Recognizing that every individual is unique, Nicole feels passionate about designing learning experiences that foster personal development and equip students with skills that will remain relevant in the future

Do your students disengage the moment a presentation starts- or never fully show what they're capable of? What if the missing ingredient was as simple as who was watching? In this episode, I share the powerful impact of expanding the audience beyond the teacher. You'll hear how one identity-based exhibition at our Montessori Middle School completely transformed students' confidence, participation, and ownership—including English language learners and typically shy students. You'll walk away with practical ways to invite real audiences into your classroom—no giant showcase required. You'll learn: How shifting the audience empowers even your quietest students Easy ways to invite peers, parents, and experts into classroom learning Why real-world relevance boosts confidence and work quality How audience exposure builds identity, voice, and intrinsic motivation The data and stories behind why this simple shift works Whether it's a panel discussion, peer walkthrough, or younger student visit, expanding the audience can unlock the most authentic, empowered version of your learners. Listen now and discover how one small shift can breathe life into every corner of your classroom. Get the Book w/ more ideas for how to go from Teacher as audience - - - -> Authentic Audience:  📘 https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 (Chapter 11)

Do you ever feel stuck trying to make learning relevant, but tied to the four walls of your classroom? What if the place students learn became the curriculum itself—full of stories, problems, and people to learn from? In this episode, I sit down with Jen Buchanan, principal at Think Global School—one of the world's only fully traveling high schools—to explore how place-based learning transforms education. Jen shares how students immerse themselves in local contexts like Japan, Botswana, and Greece, tackling real-world issues through interdisciplinary projects with community partners. You'll hear how this approach fosters global citizenship, critical thinking, and lasting impact—and how any school can get started. You'll learn: Why local and global contexts ignite deeper inquiry and empathy How students co-design learning through place-based, changemaker modules Simple ways to embed community, geography, and culture into your curriculum How to overcome common constraints like time, standards, and logistics Ready to turn your surroundings into stories and your students into global problem-solvers? This episode is your first step toward place-based transformation. Connect with Jen: (LinkedIn), (Website) Learn more about ThinkGlobal: https://thinkglobalschool.org/think-global-school-welcomes-jen-buchanan-as-its-next-principal/  Get the 12 Shifts Book, 'Where is the Teacher?': https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Jen's Bio: Jen Buchanan is the principal of Think Global, the world's first traveling high school. SJen has cemented her career as a future-focused educator and leader in Australia, holding roles such as Head of Secondary at Preshil School and Head of Tay Creggan at Strathcona Girls Grammar. She also served as a consultant with Future Schools Alliance and Director of Engagement at Future Anything, supporting innovative teaching and learning nationwide. Known for her commitment to creating positive, equitable, and engaging learning environments, Jen is a passionate advocate for student agency and creative potential. Her work is grounded in a belief that education should ignite curiosity, support wellbeing, and empower all students to thrive, and she brings a deep understanding of implementing meaningful change from her "on-the-ground" experience in progressive schools. Jen is also a dedicated lifelong learner, holding a Master of Education from The University of Melbourne and a second Master's degree from Deakin University, where her research focused on topics like student engagement ("flow") and the experiences of graduate teachers. Outside of her professional life, she is a self-confessed adventure-seeker and creative spirit. She loves to be off the grid, hiking and camping, or discovering new corners of the world. At home in Melbourne, she is a part-time artist, creating everything from wheel-thrown ceramics to quirky short films, bringing the same sense of wonder and creativity that defines her work in education to her personal projects.

Do you feel like every classroom activity depends on you to keep things running? What if one small shift could hand that responsibility to your students, and spark more energy and accountability than you imagined? In this episode, I share a classroom story of empowering a student to take on the role of project manager. What began as a way to distribute responsibilities in a café project quickly expanded into labs, group work, and even whole class discussions. The result? Students who not only stepped up but often outperformed expectations, building ownership, collaboration, and confidence in the process. You'll learn: How student managers transform ordinary activities into opportunities for leadership Why peer accountability increases honesty, authenticity, and deeper engagement Simple ways to introduce the role during group work, labs, and discussions How this small shift improves work quality and frees you to mentor instead of manage Ready to stop managing every activity and start mentoring leaders? This episode shows you how student managers can change the classroom dynamic. Get the 12 Shifts Book: www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher  Schedule a Training Strategy Call: kylewagner@transformschool.com 

What does it really take to lead a student-centered shift, especially in exam-driven environments? In this conversation, I sit down with Rikke (pronounced like reggae), an international school leader who is transforming her 600-student campus in Portugal to align with her bold vision: "Together, we educate for change." Rikke shares the small but intentional moves that created momentum for whole-school innovation, from restructuring timetables to redefining the role of middle leaders. Her story proves that student-centered change doesn't require perfection. It takes persistence, clear purpose, and the courage to start. You'll hear how she: Built teacher buy-in by anchoring everything in a powerful "why" Designed low-stakes spaces for teachers to experiment with projects Structured time for interdisciplinary, SDG-driven experiences without compromising academic outcomes This episode is a must-listen for curriculum leaders, coordinators, and change agents looking for realistic and replicable strategies to move from good intentions to genuine transformation. Bio: An actionist creating social change through education, Nordic leadership, and a focus on asking why, connecting ideas, and driving impact. Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Take The 12 Shifts Scorecard to Identity Areas for Growth: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard/ 

Why do most student teams fail, and what can you do to change it? In this re-published episode, I sit down with Kristin Damburger, Associate Division Head at Avenues, to explore the common pitfalls that prevent student teams from thriving. Kristin shares three simple shifts you can make in your classroom to turn disengaged or unproductive teams into high-functioning, collaborative groups. From redefining roles to giving students the tools to take ownership of their learning, these shifts will help foster deeper collaboration and student agency. You'll learn: Why most student teams fail and how to avoid those traps How giving students a voice in their team roles leads to greater ownership and success Simple collaborative structures for project work Why feedback loops, rather than grading, are key to accountability in group work Kristin's Bio: Kristin Damberger is a Learning Coach at the International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile. She has spent the last 12 years of her 15 year career in education working overseas in international schools in China, Brazil, and now Chile. She started her career teaching 6th grade English and Social Studies at a Title I school in California, where she began her experimentation with inquiry and PBL. Soon after starting a masters degree in global studies in education, she wanted to pursue a life overseas and moved to Beijing. Over the course of her international career Kristin has served in many roles, including teacher, facilitator, curriculum coordinator, Associate Division Head, and now Learning Coach. In all of these roles Kristin has had the opportunity to continue in her pursuit to redefine the traditional structures of "school" and continue to deepen and expand her work in inquiry, PBL, and design thinking.

Feel like curiosity is getting lost in content coverage, deadlines, or disengaged classrooms? What if our own vulnerability was the key to unlocking it? In this episode, I speak with Austin Levinson, Director of Learning at Megaminds and long-time champion of student agency, curiosity, and connection. From macro photography projects to travel blogs and AI-powered adventures, Austin shares how he models curiosity based learning alongside his students, and why doing so flips the traditional dynamic in transformative ways. You'll learn: Why "getting messy" and showing your own struggle inspires student risk-taking How co-designing projects creates ownership, purpose, and curiosity How to bring parents and administrators along when you don't have all the answers How AI can be used to scaffold—not shortcut—critical thinking and real-world inquiry Trade control for connection, and rediscover curiosity as your classroom's driving force Learn more about Megaminds: www.gomegaminds.com  Connect with Austin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/austin-levinson-innovator  Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Austin's Bio: From a young age, Austin was a soccer referee, running alongside the students on the field, not standing in the center calling the shots. His early teaching roles in Oakland and Richmond, California taught him the power of connection, voice, and risk-taking in learning.Later, while designing STEM and gifted programs in international schools, he focused on deeper learning through questioning, critical thinking, and real-world purpose. Whether leading workshops for parents on constructivism and board games or offering enrichment classes in ikebana, macro photography, and juggling, he kept learning joyful and human. Back on the school soccer field, he noticed that values like empathy and leadership were best taught through shared experience, not lectures. He brought this mindset into his PBL work, discovering that students take bigger risks when they see their teacher right there with them, learning too. In one project, students used AI tools to co-design film imagery and lead their own discussions. They selected the materials, chose the protocols, and reflected on their facilitation moves—building voice, confidence, and metacognition in the process. Now as Director of Learning at MegaMinds, Austin is scaling that same spirit of agency and curiosity. Through immersive 3D environments and AI-powered challenges, he's helping tens of thousands of students think critically, take ownership, and find meaning in their learning.  

Is Your Classroom Built for Student Thinking? 4 Design Shifts to Spark Shared Ownership Ever walk into a classroom and instantly feel the energy? Not from the teacher—but from students leading the work. That's not an accident. It's the result of intentional design choices that turn passive learning into shared ownership. In this episode, I walk you through four practical spatial shifts to transform your classroom into a hub for student-led collaboration. These aren't high-budget maker spaces—they're reimagined learning environments where thinking becomes visible and shared. Whether you're planning for your next project-based unit or reworking the layout of your room, these provocations will help you support deeper dialogue, better teamwork, and more student agency. You'll explore: Why table clusters can make or break group work How to equip students with shared tools—and why visibility matters The role of vertical thinking spaces in making ideas public and iterative How to create distinct studio zones that support diverse learning tasks This is part two in a four-part series on designing student-centered learning environments. If you're ready to move from controlling learning to cultivating it, this episode offers a practical next step. Get more ideas in my 12 Shifts Book for Student-Centered Environments: 'Where is the Teacher?'

Still stuck in the same classroom setup year after year? You're not alone. Too many classrooms signal teacher control before a single word is spoken—and that design choice shapes everything about how students engage. In this episode, I take you inside the transformation of an old office into a vibrant Montessori adolescent hub—and unpack what it means to move from "classroom" to "co-working space." You'll learn how even small space shifts can foster agency, collaboration, and creative thinking. You'll discover: Why subtracting furniture may be the boldest design move you make How to create learning "zones" for different kinds of student work Why your teacher desk might be sending the wrong message How co-working models can inspire fluid, student-led learning Practical design tweaks—from flexible seating to portable whiteboards—that invite movement and autonomy Whether you're working with a blank slate or reimagining a familiar room, this episode gives you the mindset and strategies to build a learning environment that empowers—not controls—your students.

Even after shifting to student-centered learning, it's easy to fall into familiar routines: sparking a project, guiding students along, and quietly doing the heavy lifting ourselves. But what does it take to fully hand over the reins—and trust students to direct their own learning? In this episode, inquiry-driven educator Robynne Esther shares how she made that shift herself, and the practical tools she now uses to support real student independence, without sacrificing structure. From co-creating checklists to guiding expert research and using visible thinking strategies, Robynne walks us through how to scaffold agency without oversteering it. You'll hear: How inquiry provocations can open up—not narrow—student-led direction What expert groups and feedback loops look like in project-based units Why the right checklist isn't about control, but about clarity How thinking routines help students reflect, take risks, and follow their curiosity The subtle mindset shifts that allow teachers to lead by stepping back Whether you're refining your role as facilitator or looking for ways to help students take the next leap in self-direction, this conversation offers inspiration—and strategy—you can put to use right away. Connect with Robynne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynne-esther-24990771/  Dive Deeper into Student-Centered Environments: Get the 12 Shifts Book  Robynne's Bio: Ever wonder how to spark genuine curiosity in your students? Robynne Esther has spent 15 years, including seven within the PYP, unlocking that secret through inquiry-based and project-based learning. She has empowered teachers across Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shanghai to adopt 21st-century learning through engaging IBL/PBL & AI workshops. Currently inspiring young minds at DSHK, Robynne leads Grade 6 Project-Based Learning and teaches Grade 4 Inquiry, fostering classrooms buzzing with collaboration and community. But her journey's even richer than that! She's an AFHEA-accredited mentor who has guided aspiring teachers at Sunderland University and has even spent time as a pastry chef in Hong Kong's Soho district. Robynne brings this uniquely diverse background to her exploration of the fascinating intersection of PBL and IBL. Join her as she shares her insights on their similarities and differences.

What if a single book could transform your life as an educator this Summer?  Shifting burnout, boredom, and breakdown to BREAKTHROUGH.  That's what these 5 📖 books did for me.  One helped transform my uninspiring worksheets into student designed works of art- where no two products looked the same  One helped unlock the magic formula for designing prompts that transformed disengaged learners into citizen scientists, authors, and budding engineers  One helped transform preclusion into new possibility One uncovered three traits to motivate all learners without using grades  And one helped shift my role in the classroom forever  So what are the five life changing books? I reveal them in this short episode. 

Is inquiry still too teacher-directed in your classroom, even when it's framed as student-centered? You're not alone. Many international educators find that despite good intentions, "inquiry" still looks like teacher-planned lessons with limited student agency. In this episode, I speak with Dawn York, Head of Hanoi International School, about how she and her team shifted from teacher-led inquiry to real student ownership. From launching a student-led middle school council to embedding project-based learning across grades 6–10, Dawn shares how to design structures that make student-led learning stick — even in a busy international curriculum. You'll discover: How to carve time out of the timetable for student-led PBL Why teacher-led inquiry still dominates (and how to shift it) Strategies to build buy-in through teacher leadership, not compliance What motivates students when grades and gold stars are removed How PBL transforms student ownership, even for neurodiverse learners If you're ready to move beyond surface-level inquiry and build classrooms where students truly lead their learning, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools. Connect with Daun: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/daun-yorke-469b9540/  Get the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Book: 'Where Is The Teacher'- https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Daun's Bio: Steering Hanoi International School with a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, Daun's role as Head of School for 2.5 years has been marked by fostering an environment where staff development and instructional design thrive. Her expertise in creating sustainable educational ecosystems positions our team at the forefront of progressive education management. As a Professional Development Lead Educator at The International Baccalaureate for nearly a decade, Daun has honed her skills in educational leadership, ensuring that each initiative contributes significantly to our global mission. Her organization's recognition as a #Edruptor of 2022 reflects our collective efforts to innovate and inspire within the international education landscape.

Starting a student-centered school or program but not sure how to find educators who can thrive in it? You're not alone, and the answer isn't just another job fair or standard posting. In this episode, I share the exact 3 shifts that helped me staff our brand-new Montessori Middle School with mission-aligned "unicorn" educators in less than three weeks. If you're launching a new initiative or simply want to rethink how you hire, this will help you attract the right teachers: You'll discover: Why the traditional job description fails for student-centered roles How to build a visual, values-driven educator profile that attracts the perfect candidates Smarter ways to share your opportunity (that attract the right candidates) How to go beyond interviews and actually see how applicants think and teach This is the blueprint for recruiting educators who do more than fill a role, they bring your vision to life. Listen in, and have a whiteboard ready. Link to the Sample Educator Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kwagssd3_educationalleadership-schoolleadership-activity-7307687237410795521-P7ll/ 

Feel like project-based learning sounds powerful—but totally unrealistic in your packed curriculum and schedule? What if one small shift could open the door? In this episode, I talk with international educator, VIS Dean of Academic Affairs and social scientist Tristan Reynolds, who shares how he replaced a single unit test with a project—and saw student ownership, engagement, and reflection skyrocket. From rural Texas classrooms to interdisciplinary teaching in Taipei, Tristan walks us through the simple mindset and planning shifts that helped PBL work within, not outside of, school structures. It's a refreshing look at how real change happens—not through an overhaul, but through intentional, evidence-based experimentation. You'll learn: How one teacher redesigned a single assessment and sparked student agency What student data revealed about deeper learning and engagement How interdisciplinary collaboration builds momentum for school-wide change Why project-based learning can fit within your constraints—not fight against them Ready to see how one small step can unlock student-centered learning in your setting? This episode shows you the shift in action. Connect with Tristan: Instagram, LinkedIn Data Studies Around Benefits of PBL on Learning: Wide Scale Studies  Tristan's Bio: Tristan Reynolds is an educator and writer who focuses on international best practices in education and the impacts of globalization on education. As an experienced international educator, he understand the importance of creating schools which support celebrating different cultures, and which cultivate a cosmopolitan attitude in students. Tristan's work helps build a clearer picture of how to help students and teachers move beyond local limits to education. He holds an M.S.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, American and British teaching & administration licensures, and is a 2021 Teach For America alum.

You want your students to take action but how do you actually empower them to lead real change? In this episode, I speak with Arlian Ecker, a 19-year-old environmental changemaker and co-founder of Plastic Free Boy, who has reached over 1.5 million students across 350 schools through film, storytelling, and action-based learning. From citizen science on the Great Barrier Reef to student-led plastic audits and five-year sustainability campaigns, Arlian shares what truly ignites youth agency and how educators can help nurture it. If you've ever wondered how to move from structured lessons to real student-led action, this conversation offers a powerful starting point. You'll learn: Why storytelling, not frameworks, is the spark that sustains youth-driven work How students build resilience, empathy, and global citizenship through project ownership How to support changemaking without needing to be the expert What makes peer-to-peer learning more powerful than adult-led initiatives Learn to shift from guiding student action to growing student changemakers.  Connect with Arlian: Linkedin (@arlian-ecker), Instagram (@plasticfreeboy),   Learn more about Arlian's Work: www.plasticfreeboy.com  Arlian's Bio: Arlian Ecker, a 19-year-old Australian-Austrian changemaker and co-founder of Plastic Free Boy, has spent eight years leading youth-driven sustainability efforts—from protecting the Great Barrier Reef to advocating for global waterway conservation. Alongside his mother, award-winning underwater filmmaker Karin Ecker, Arlian has reached over 1.5 million students in 350+ schools through films, workshops, and interactive programs that empower youth to take environmental action. Their "Generation NOW" initiative and upcoming Global Solutions School Academy promote student-led, real-world learning and cross-border collaboration. This May and June, Arlian joins the International Commission for the Danube River to lead the world's largest youth-driven citizen science water quality survey.

You've handed over choice, but you're still doing the heavy lifting. Many well-intentioned student-led experiences fall flat—not because students can't lead, but because they lack the structure, tools, and guidance to own the process. So how do we support self-directed learning without taking control back? In this episode, Laurence Myers, K–12 Service Learning and Self-Directed Projects Coordinator at the American School of Dubai, shares how his school builds true student ownership through purposeful systems, mentorship, and process design. From process journals to stakeholder mapping, Laurence breaks down the simple but powerful tools that  make student-led learning sustainable—for both teachers and students. You'll learn: What self-directed learning really looks like when students are supported the right way Tools that help students stay organized, reflective, and purpose-driven How to move from managing learning to mentoring it—without losing clarity Why your role as facilitator is more powerful than ever 🎧 Listen now and explore how facilitator mode can unlock more ownership, confidence, and real-world learning. Connect with Laurence: LinkedIn, Website Get the Free Self-Directed Project Process Guide:  Project Process Guide Laurence's Bio: Laurence works at the intersection of service learning, global citizenship, and sustainability, using his 30+ years in international education—including over a decade in leadership roles—to support student-centered, authentic learning for positive change. His hybrid role spans thought leadership, instructional coaching, and systems thinking facilitation, all aimed at shifting educational culture and driving sustainable institutional and curricular transformation. A frequent presenter and facilitator, Laurence leads workshops on sustainability, service learning, and co-created learning design. Outside of education, he coaches student athletes, champions environmental initiatives, and enjoys time outdoors with his family.    

What if creating a student-centered classroom wasn't about adding more—but about holding space for what's already there? In this episode, I speak with movement and mindfulness educator Lawrence about what it means to create environments that center curiosity, personal exploration, and connection. From yoga studios and sound healing sessions to forest clearings and public parks, Lawrence shows us how to design space that invites—not directs—growth. As educators, we're challenged to do the same in our classrooms. This episode offers a chance to step back, reimagine your role, and embrace a different kind of presence that empowers learners to shape their own path. How the space you create becomes a "third teacher" What it means to hold space for student-led exploration and feedback How to cultivate purpose and trust without micromanaging Why real personalization begins with pausing, not planning Learn more about how to shift from controlling the learning environment to co-creating it with your students. Connect with Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/body.nature.mind_lawrence/  Learn more about his work: https://bodynaturemind.com/  Lawrence's bio: Lawrence is a full-time wellness coach who left a government office job to pursue his passion for movement, mindfulness, and personal growth. His approach to wellness centers on the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit—drawing on practices like animal flow, yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and forest bathing to help others reconnect with themselves and their environment. He believes that nature, rest, and embodied awareness are essential to recharging and realigning in today's fast-paced world. He has led wellness experiences for global brands like Cathay Pacific, The Fullerton Hotel, Lululemon, and Loro Piana, as well as local NGOs such as St. James' Settlement and Heep Hong Society. His work has been featured on BBC's People Fixing the World, RTHK, and the South China Morning Post. Lawrence holds certifications across multiple disciplines, including Animal Flow (Level 3 & Regional Leader), Yoga Therapy, Breathwork, Sound Healing, and Forest Bathing Facilitation.

They say you can tell a lot about what a school values by looking at its timetable. What does yours say? If you're trying to create more time for student-driven projects, real-world connections, and deeper learning, but your current schedule feels rigid and confining, this episode will show you a better way. It's part two of our special monthly series on Building Student-Centered Schools. In this episode, I walk you through a hands-on exercise to design your dream student-centered schedule. No spreadsheets, no software, just a whiteboard, post-its, and the values that matter most to your learners. You'll learn how to: Align your daily schedule to your program's core values Create longer, deeper learning blocks for true personalization Involve students, staff, and parents as co-designers of time Think beyond traditional periods to open up authentic learning pathways If you're launching or reimagining a student-centered program, this episode will help you move from rigid to responsive, and design a schedule that actually supports the learning you want to see. Watch the Video On Youtube: Take the 12 Shifts Scorecard: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard

Trying to build more student agency—but feel boxed in by curriculum coverage? What if you didn't have to choose between voice and academic rigor? In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Harvey, secondary principal at Beijing City International School (BCIS), to explore how her team is shifting culture around student agency while still honoring the demands of a rigorous curriculum. From co-creating a three-year vision to redefining personalization in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, Natalie shares the intentional moves that are making voice and choice a lived experience—not just a buzzword. You'll hear how BCIS is navigating real challenges while building a culture where students know themselves deeply, make meaningful decisions, and drive their own learning. How BCIS reframed student agency through the lens of "jaggedness" What voice and choice look like in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) classroom How leadership created a shared language and clear expectations around agency Why building trust—and giving teachers choice—is key to sustainable change Ready to hear how these shifts are playing out in practice and what they might look like in your setting? Connect with Natalie: Natalie.Harvey@bcis.cn Get the 12 Shifts Book: On Amazon, On the Website: www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher  Natalie's Bio: Natalie is the current Secondary Principal of BCIS and was born in Hanover, Jamaica. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Language Education: English, from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Arts in Education from Wake Forrest University, a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal's Training Center, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in International School Leadership with Wilkes University.   Before BCIS, Natalie worked in various capacities in Jamaica, the United States of America, Venezuela, and Mexico. She was a Middle School Deputy Principal and Principal at the American School of Tampico for seven years. She has been an educator for 25 years and has a wealth of experience in teaching and leading. Natalie believes that forming solid interpersonal relationships leads to a positive school culture,  functional collaborative structures, and exceptional outcomes for students and teachers. In addition, Natalie is passionate about partnering with parents, promoting student voice, and fostering a sense of belonging and a focus on successful learning outcomes within the BCIS community.