Global Ed Leaders | International School Leadership Insights

Today, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, a passionate educator and TESOL professor who has dedicated her career to promoting collaboration and supporting multilingual learners. We explored the importance of teamwork and shared mindsets in creating positive learning environments.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.LinksTeam Up, Speak Up, Fire Upandreahonigsfeld.comThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.About the hostAs an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.

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.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostAs an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.

Join Shane Leaning and special guest Selina Boyd, International Editor for the Good Schools Guide, in this engaging bonus episode of Global Ed Leaders.Recorded live from a recent LinkedIn space, Shane and Selina explore with the community the complex reasons parents choose international schools. The conversation covers perceptions from parents and educators on international schools, the importance of community, leadership visibility, and the intangible factors that make a school feel right.09db670187626db63a3bd08727f98789d4ed069a

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.TakeawaysLinguistic oppression occurs when students are not allowed to fully leverage their entire linguistic repertoire.Metalinguistic awareness is the ability to make connections between languages in one's repertoire.Trans-languaging empowers students to use all of their language skills to access content learning.Educators should create linguistically inclusive spaces and model content language learning targets that incorporate the 4+1 language domains.LinksLanguage Magazine Article on ‘Content, Language, & Culture Learning Targets’José on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok & YouTubeJosé’s website: drjosemedina.comThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostAs an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.

I explore what to do when you are approached with sales pitches as an international school leader. With a budget at your disposal, the challenge is often distinguishing genuine opportunities from sales noise. In this episode, I offer practical advice on how to critically assess these pitches, ensuring that any decision made is in the best interest of your school. 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.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostAs an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.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.TakeawaysRehearsal and implementation planning are critical components of teacher development.Rehearsal involves modelling, deconstructing, and planning a desired teaching technique.Implementation planning includes stating a specific time, place, and cue to remember to make the change.Social accountability and feedback are important in the rehearsal process.Start with group rehearsal in professional development sessions and gradually move towards individual rehearsal.Create a culture of continuous improvement in teaching.Sound Bites"Rehearsal and implementation planning are critical components of teacher development.""Implementation planning involves stating a specific time, place, and cue to remember to make the change.""Social accountability and feedback are important in the rehearsal process."Click here to get a copy of Josh’s book, Responsive Coaching.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.SummaryEducational 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. Key PointsImpact of COVID-19 on Student Wellbeing: The conversation starts with Angie's research findings revealing heightened anxiety levels across all student age groups due to the pandemic. She also discusses the challenges of declining emotional regulation among students, especially in the older age brackets.Positive Outcomes amidst the Challenges: In the midst of the hurdles, a silver lining emerges with students showing an enhanced ability to use technology and work independently. The pandemic, despite its downsides, has driven positive changes in teaching and learning methodologies.Navigating the 'New Normal': There's a critical need to reassess and adapt to the 'new normal' in education. A major concern is the tendency to revert to pre-COVID-19 pedagogical practices. Angie advocates for an evolved approach that resonates with the current realities and needs of students and educators.Fostering Post-traumatic Growth: A highlight of the discussion is the concept of post-traumatic growth. Angie stresses the importance of leveraging the potential benefits of the situation, such as asynchronous learning, which would help redefine educational practices in international schools.The Well-being Agenda: The significance of well-being for both students and educators has become more prominent in the pandemic context. The need for an individualized well-being approach that takes into account the unique needs of students and educators forms the crux of the conversation.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.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.Simon talks about the idea of creating a third space in international schools and the future of international education and importance of reflection, collaboration, and autonomy in evolving international schools is emphasised, along with the need to empower students and define the future of internationalism.TakeawaysBritish international education has experienced significant growth in Asia, particularly in China, with the British curriculum and qualifications being highly sought after.International schools in China interact with the local education system in various ways, including through bilingual schools that explicitly teach the Chinese National Curriculum and international schools that have more freedom over the curriculum.Creating a bicultural curriculum that incorporates local values and identity alongside global citizenship is important in international schools.International schools need to reflect on their context, build collaborative relationships with parents and the local community, and ensure that staff understand the cultural context in which they are working.The future of international education lies in creating unique cultural spaces that bridge different nations and cultures, empowering students to be confident, articulate individuals with a sense of global citizenship.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.Universities around the world are prioritising internationalisation, which presents both opportunities and challenges for international schools. This 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.TakeawaysUniversities are prioritising internationalisation in higher education, valuing international mindedness and global perspectives.International schools may benefit from an increased demand for students with international education and qualifications.There are opportunities for better university partnerships and pathways directly with schools.The trend towards internationalisation may also lead to a more competitive market for international schools.Defining internationalism and addressing challenges such as competing priorities and finances are important for both universities and international schools.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

In this deeply engaging LIVE Space of "Global Ed Leaders," we peel back the layers to explore vulnerability in school leadership. As an international school leader, I've seen first-hand the transformative power vulnerability can wield. It's not always comfortable, but it's crucial for building trust and fostering authentic connections among our staff, students, and community. This conversation is a reminder that showing our humanity can be our greatest strength.Episode Overview- Introduction to vulnerability in school leadership- Vulnerability during COVID: A shared experience in uncertainty- The impact of selective vulnerability in small community settings- Responses to Tom Sherrington's article on vulnerability in education- Implementing practical vulnerability in leadership practices- Addressing the role of shame in hindering vulnerability- Acceptance of vulnerability in ourselves and others

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.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.TakeawaysConfidence and self-efficacy are crucial for effective leadership.Self-efficacy impacts decision-making, motivation, and resilience.Strategies to develop self-efficacy include setting achievable goals, seeking out models of excellence, and receiving feedback.The big three areas to focus on for self-efficacy development are learning efficacy, coping efficacy, and influence efficacy.ChaptersThe Importance of Confidence in LeadershipThe Impact of Confidence on Decision MakingSelf-Efficacy and Self-ConfidenceThe Impact of Self-Efficacy on Thinking, Motivation, and Decision MakingStrategies to Develop Self-EfficacyThe Big Three: Learning, Coping, and Influence EfficacyLinks to Chris Baker’s Work:Personal Website - LINKInfographic Gallery - LINKYouTube Channel - LINKA Visual Intro to Self-efficacy - LINKTwitter - @drchriswbLinkedin - drchrisbakerThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.

As an international school leader, you know that navigating investigations within your schools is complex, meshed with emotional, legal, and ethical threads. In this Global Ed Leaders LIVE Space, I am joined by former detective sergeant Tim Sterne and guests.Together, we explore the vital importance of documentation, acknowledging biases, providing support, and the therapeutic potential of a well-conducted investigation. This Space is a must-listen for those seeking to advance their investigative acumen and foster a safer, more trusting school environment.Learn more at basaltsolutions.comContact Tim at Tim@basaltsolutions.comListen to the original live space here.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.I am thrilled to present to you a sneak peek into my brand new course designed to support international school teachers with English as an additional language (EAL) learners in their classrooms. In this episode, I'm sharing a lesson from the course for free.Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with schools across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, supporting their EAL programs and training development. Now, with this course, I'm excited to share my knowledge and insights in a self-study format, making it accessible for teachers and schools looking to elevate their EAL practices.In this episode, 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.LinksFind the EAL course at shaneleaning.com/EAL and use discount code PODCAST199 to get £100 off.Free transcription: https://riverside.fm/transcriptionThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.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. Episode Overview - Introduction to the challenges faced by leaders in international schools- Matt Hall's perspective on the habitual mindset within school systems and the need for coaching- Techniques for shifting perspectives, including Matt’s advice on physical movement- The spiritual and regenerative aspects of coaching and links to ancient practices- Exploring the tension between personal values and systemic expectations in education- Strategies for moving from unproductive tension to productive tension- The implications of othering the system and how leaders can engage constructively- The positive potential of creating tension within systems for momentum and growth Quotes from Matt"Often the work of coaching is navigating the way people think life should be with the way that it is and the gap between those two things. So often the work that we do is allowing people to explore the reality of the present and what is true." "School life is really good at embedding habits. It's designed to do that. We do the same thing every morning, every day.""I've worked with school leaders who we've coached and they said, actually, oh, this is interesting because I hadn't realized this, but my deputy is really good at asking me these questions as well."Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.I explore and question our growing reliance on consultants. With the sector experiencing significant changes, from the integration of AI to shifts in educational models, I reflect on whether this reliance is coming at a cost to our professional integrity. I share 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. The conversation shifts towards advocating for a coaching model for whole school development, akin to organisational development coaching in the business sector. This model aims to empower schools to tap into their internal knowledge and insights, promoting a more sustainable and autonomous approach to school development. Key Quotes"International education is evolving at a breakneck pace... But as a result, have we become a little too reliant on consultants?""Every consultant I know has great intentions... but I'm curious as to whether the amount of consultants we have in education is a good thing.""If we manage to solve our challenges internally, we're creating a more sustainable and empowered strategy deployment in the long run.""Our organisations and schools are full of people, full of knowledge, full of insights. Most challenges should be able to be solved internally.""While consultants have their place and will always have their place, the future of our school development lies in empowering the educators and leaders to harness their own collective wisdom." ReferencesDiscussion with Aaron Hamilton on de-implementation Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.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. Episode Overview- Liz Benson's insights on middle leadership and the launch of her new book.- Understanding Middle Leadership Contexts — Liz emphasizes the crucial role of middle leaders and the senior leadership's responsibility to nurture them.- Practical Development Steps for Middle Leaders — On-the-job learning and the benefit of mutual accountability.- Cultural Transformation Through Conversations — The value of coaching and fostering a solid research foundation.- Networking and Professional Growth — Liz advocates for middle leaders extending their influence beyond their own schools.- Middle Leadership Agency — Shane and Liz talk about empowering middle leaders to enhance recruitment and retention of quality educators.- Trust and Influence — Exploring the specific skills needed by middle leaders and the research backing their importance.- Amplifying Middle Leaders — Liz discusses her efforts in elevating middle leader voices through multiple platforms.- A reflection on the importance of middle leadership and the shift in how their roles are perceived and valued. Resources- Liz Benson's Book, "Middle Leadership in Schools"- Griffith University Research on the Five Dimensions of Trust Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.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.Key Quotes "Use a word 10 times and it shall be yours for life." - Highlighting the misconception of language acquisition through mere repetition."Our mother tongues are an essential part of our thinking minds and identities." - Emphasising the intrinsic value of home languages."Most children around the world attend schools which teach in a language different to their mother tongue." - On the prevalence of cross-linguistic education."The tips of the icebergs represent the surface features of our languages...they're connected under the water." - Describing the dual iceberg model of bilingualism."Review, read, relax." - Proposing a three-step approach to nurturing bilingual children.Click here to watch the original TEDx Talk online.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.In this episode 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. Overview- Introduction and background of John Gwyn Jones’s career within international education.- The evolution of British international schools and the UK curriculum's global impact.- Addressing diversity and cultural differences in schooling systems, particularly in Asia.- Examination of FOBISIA’s role in supporting British international schools in the region.- The benefits and challenges faced by teachers working in international schools, especially when considering returning to the UK.- The shift towards virtual and hybrid learning methods as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.- The strategies for fostering a sense of community and belonging within the FOBISIA network.- The growth of FOBISIA beyond Asia, indicating the increasing demand for British education around the globe.- The future of education technology and the hybrid model of schooling post-COVID.- John’s vision for international schools and the role of FOBISIA in leading innovation and supporting educators. Learn more about FOBISIA here.Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com. For international school leadership tips, subscribe to my newsletter here. About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

This is a recording of the latest Global Ed Leaders LIVE X Space where we took a deep dive into the multifaceted realm of accountability in international schools, exploring the tug-of-war between educational integrity and corporate influence. Joined by Dan Rosen and a host of experienced voices in the field, we peeled back the layers of what accountability means in an environment where diverse cultural contexts and business models coexist. We tackled the gritty details of how international schools navigate the complex web of governing boards, IB guidelines, and the often elusive quest for balance between profit and pedagogy.Venturing beyond the confines of formal accountability frameworks, we proposed a compelling perspective: Are the guardians of these educational institutions primarily accountable to themselves? We grappled with the enigma of 'whizbang' schooling and its resilience amidst privileged environments.The conversation culminated in a call to action; recognising the instrumental role that leaders hold in cultivating potent teaching forces, and ultimately, in defining and delivering on a school's core purpose.This frank exchange left us with more questions than answers—a hallmark of a truly reflective discussion on school accountability that resonates with the complexity of international schooling.

This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.In this episode, 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.Click here to download your free PD Scorecard!TakeawaysThe Education Endowment Foundation provides a valuable resource for understanding and improving professional development in schools.Professional development can be categorized into forms, programs, and mechanisms, each playing a role in its effectiveness.The EEF has identified 14 mechanisms that increase the chances of success in professional development.International schools face unique challenges in implementing sustainable and effective professional development, and additional mechanisms should be considered.Chapters01:04 The Education Endowment Foundation02:03 Forms, Programs, and Mechanisms of PD03:00 The 14 Mechanisms of Effective PD08:21 Additional Mechanisms for International Schools14:55 Gamifying Professional DevelopmentThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIN. My website is shaneleaning.com. For international school leadership tips, subscribe to my newsletter here. About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.