A Quick Summary: Nicholas Alchin is a passionate educator who has worked in holistic, values-driven schools since 1995. He currently oversees strategy, education, and operations for approximately 6,000 students at UWCSEA. In this episode, Nick shares his extensive background in education—including teaching the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and his previous varied careers. Nick offers his philosophical views on the state of international schooling. He discusses the importance of human qualities and broad skills in student development, the ongoing struggle with achievement pressure and mental health among teens, and the growing role of schools in supporting families, while also offering recommendations for books, like "Leadership on the Line," and his thoughts on the future influence of AI and wisdom in education. Bio: Nicholas Alchin, has been a passionate educator in holistic, values-driven schools since 1995. He's currently the Head of College at UWCSEA, where he oversees strategy, education, and operations for approximately 6000 students. Before taking on this role in August 2022, Nick was instrumental in establishing the UWCSEA East High School, leading it as Principal from 2012. Nick is a published textbook author, IB examiner, workshop leader, and consultant who writes and speaks widely on various educational matters,  Beyond his professional achievements, Nick is an avid reader and enjoys walking with his wife, Ellie, who is the Director of Teaching and Learning on the Dover Campus. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Conversation Points and Insights: Current State of International Education (What's Going Right?): Fostering Human Qualities: Schools are effective at foregrounding human qualities that help people flourish, achieve happiness, and lead meaningful lives. These are viewed as "timeless goods" that persist through technological change or economic downturns. Prioritizing Broad Skills: While subject knowledge is indispensable, international schools are good at prioritizing broad skills such as communication, collaboration, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Subject content is seen as the means to achieve these greater goods. Encouraging a Philosophical Stance: International education is generally good at helping people think about the big picture, right and wrong, and how they should spend their years and treat each other. Current Challenges and Struggles: Balancing Achievement Pressure and Mental Health: There is a struggle to navigate the achievement pressure versus student mental health, noting that anxiety, depression, and unhappiness have shot through the roof among pre-teens and teens, particularly those from affluent, well-educated families. Family/School Partnerships: Schools are increasingly taking on roles related to values and aspirations, which can lead to families subcontracting these responsibilities to the school due to the pressures of international life. Deepening family-school partnerships is essential. The Future of Education (Near Term): The "Human Thing" and AI: Nick suggests a necessary shift toward further prioritizing the "human thing," driven by the advancements of AI. Focus on Wisdom: Schools should address wisdom as a construct. Wisdom is defined as the ability to make judgments about what is truly important, and research suggests it is a virtue that can be taught. The School as the Village: Schools should recognize their role as the "village" that helps raise a child and should strive to become genuine community schools, perhaps extending support to families as well. Magic Wand Wish: Time for Intentional Conversation If Nick could wave a magic wand, he would create time every day for one truly meaningful conversation or reflective engagement (10-15 minutes). This time would focus on the "inner landscape" of individuals, allowing them to step back and focus on important things, which would have a profound effect on school culture. Strategies for Meaningful Dialogue (Coaching Tools): Creating space. Pausing to allow everyone to slow down. Paraphrasing to ensure understanding of the other person's frame of mind. Asking mediative questions that prompt reflection rather than just a yes/no answer. Practical Suggestions for Implementation: Philosophical Check-ins: Implement a 10-minute philosophical check-in in every lesson, scaffolded by the teacher, using questions like: "What is the worst thing that happened to you today?" or "What's something you risked today that didn't work?". Provocative Communications: Ensure that every third or fourth communication sent home to families is a dedicated piece focused purely on provocations (e.g., "the power of a bad grade," or "why hard things are good things") to facilitate better family dialogue. Career Reflections: Nick feels privileged that his career turned out as it did. If he could do things differently, he wishes he had spent more time from his early 20s and 30s planning the provocative questions and unscripted values-based dialogue he uses now. Book Recommendations: Wisdom by Iigman (Focuses on whether wisdom can be taught). On Conversation by Allison Woodbrooks. Leadership on the Line by Heifetz and Linsky (Recommended for adaptive leadership and conflict management; Nick rereads this book every year). Connecting with the Guest: Nick Alchin can be found on LinkedIn or through his blog. Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education.   Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary: Welcome to a special milestone episode of "Where's Your Head at – The International Education Podcast." In this 25th episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald turn the spotlight on themselves, reflecting on the journey so far and the most impactful moments from their conversations with educational leaders and trailblazers around the world. In this episode: The hosts revisit standout guests and episodes, including insights from Bambi Betts on the barriers to change in international schools, Jane Larson's powerful communication, and Fidelis Ntenge's advocacy for student-centered leadership. They discuss the importance of building networks for school leaders, as highlighted by Alan Morrison's research on leadership transitions. The conversation explores the evolving role of AI in education, with references to thought leaders like Yong Zhao, and the need to rethink the "grammar" of education. The team reflects on the significance of relational trust in schools, drawing from Sue Chandler's work, and the importance of wellbeing and mentorship for school leaders, inspired by Deirdre Fisher. The hosts share personal takeaways from producing the podcast, emphasizing the value of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning in international education. Key Themes: Change and risk in international education The double bottom line: learning and business The power of networks and mentorship for leaders The impact of AI and technology on schools The enduring importance of relationships, trust, and wellbeing The joy and privilege of learning from diverse voices in education Connect with the hosts: Visit education2morrow.com to learn more, share your thoughts, or suggest future guests. Thank you for joining us on this journey—here's to many more episodes of learning and growth together!   Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education.   Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary: This episode dives into the evolving role of international school heads, following up on previous research from Dr. Alan Morrison about the tenure and competencies of school leaders. The hosts reflect on board-head relationships, business and operational skills, and the unique challenges of leadership in international schools. Through comparing job descriptions and sharing stories, they highlight what it takes to thrive as a head of school—including bridging the gap between educational and business leadership, fostering trust, and navigating complex community dynamics. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Discussion Points: Why international school heads leave roles: Governance challenges, career moves, and culture fit Core competencies for leaders, especially business acumen and managing board relationships The difference between principal and head of school roles—more business operations and metrics at the top Navigating school culture and tone: how leaders can set expectations but must align with existing values The importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and handling crisis situations Building trust with staff, parents, and boards by communicating a clear vision and operationalizing change No one-size-fits-all approach—leadership fit depends on the unique culture and stage of each school Advice for aspiring heads: Get broad exposure across operations, know your values, embrace difficult decisions, and understand the 'big picture' of school management Takeaways: Succession planning should help future leaders see every part of the school, not just academics Leadership growth starts with deep self-reflection and value alignment Being a head of school is challenging but highly rewarding—candidates should embrace its complexities Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education.   Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary: This episode of "Where's Your Head At?" features Dr. Allan Morrison, an experienced educator and researcher, discussing his extensive research on the tenure and challenges of international school heads. We explore Dr. Morrison's career path, including his teaching and leadership experiences in various countries.  Dr. Morrison shares highlights from his doctoral research, revealing that the average tenure of international school heads is gradually increasing, with factors such as school type (not-for-profit vs. for-profit), location, board governance, and personal circumstances all playing significant roles. He emphasizes the importance of trust, clear communication, and board relationships in leader longevity, and discusses the main reasons why heads transition between schools.  The conversation also covers key competencies for aspiring school heads, especially financial management, and the value of ongoing professional development and networking. The episode concludes with encouragement for international school leaders to connect, learn, and support each other in navigating the complex world of educational leadership. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: Introduction and Shout Out  Richard Henry introduces the podcast "Where's Your Head At" and its focus on international education. Richard Henry gives a shout out to Cheryl Proctor for her work with an association supporting young girls in shelter homes. Richard Henry reflects on the variables in the world of education and the great work being done. Dr. Allan Morrison's Career Journey Richard Henry welcomes Dr. Allan Morrison and congratulates him on his doctorate. Dr. Morrison shares his career journey, starting with his Bachelor of Ed at the University of Toronto and his teaching experience in Japan. Dr. Morrison discusses his move to Tokyo, his leadership roles in Japan, and his transition to Hong Kong. Dr. Morrison's Research on International School Leaders James Dalziel and James McDonald express interest in Dr. Morrison's research on international school leaders. Dr. Morrison explains his MBA dissertation on international school leaders and the characteristics that help them go beyond the status quo. Dr. Morrison shares the findings of his doctoral research, including the average tenure of international school heads and the factors influencing turnover. Factors Influencing Tenure of International School Heads Dr. Morrison discusses the structural and individual factors influencing the tenure of international school heads. He highlights the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit schools, the impact of location, nationality, and the number of headships on tenure. Dr. Morrison explains the recruitment process and the impact of internal versus external recruitment on tenure. Governance and Leadership Challenges Dr. Morrison delves into the relationship between school heads and their boards, using principal agency theory. He discusses the challenges of governance, including board size, nationality, and the impact of board stability on tenure. Dr. Morrison emphasizes the importance of clear communication and trust between the head and the board. Professional Development and Competencies for School Heads James Dalziel asks about the professional development and competencies needed for school heads. Dr. Morrison outlines the three categories of leadership qualities: setting directions, developing people, and developing the organization. He highlights the importance of financial competence and the challenges of managing finances in the role of a school head. Networks and Support Systems for School Heads James Dalziel inquires about the networks and support systems for school heads. Dr. Morrison mentions the importance of conferences and networking with other school heads for professional support. He notes that while networks were not a major focus of his research, they are crucial for the peace of mind and professional growth of school heads. Conclusion and Contact Information Richard Henry thanks Dr. Morrison for his insights and contributions to the podcast. Dr. Morrison provides his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about his research. The hosts express their appreciation for the conversation and invite listeners to connect with them through their website.   Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at the International Education Podcast,' hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald explore the complexities of succession planning in international education. They discuss the significance of strategic succession to ensure the continuity of a school's mission and vision amid rapid changes. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing internal candidates through professional development and the role of AI in modernizing education while emphasizing the ever-important human connection.  They also touch on the psychological aspects of leadership transitions and the financial and reputational costs associated with poor succession planning. Practical insights and examples from their experiences make this episode a valuable resource for educational leaders aiming for a seamless transition and sustained institutional success. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:49 Meet the Hosts 01:14 Current Locations and Roles 02:31 Focus on Succession Planning 06:56 Importance of Capacity Building 12:01 Challenges in Succession Planning 24:02 Professional Development and AI in Education 30:50 Concluding Thoughts and Book Recommendations   Show notes created by https://podium.page

"Leadership styles, strategic insights and operational challenges." A Quick Summary In this episode of the 'Where's Your Head At' podcast, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald discuss key leadership insights in the field of international education. They discuss the importance of people and relationships, the unpredictability of change, and the balance between operational effectiveness and strategic innovation. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, such as dealing with significant natural disasters, and the challenges of transitioning roles within educational leadership.  The episode emphasizes the value of staying focused on student learning and the need for school leaders to understand both educational and business aspects to lead effectively. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:49 Hosts' Personal Updates 02:04 Leadership Lessons and Realizations 02:39 The Human Factor in Leadership 04:51 Challenges of Implementing Change 06:10 Decision Making and Strategy 09:07 Balancing Business and Education 12:51 Operational and Strategic Leadership 20:57 Personal Leadership Philosophies 34:28 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement   Show notes created by https://podium.page

"Compliance-based approaches in education have not worked so we need a more relational focus." A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at?', hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engage in a thought-provoking conversation with educational consultant, Sue Chandler.  With over 30 years of experience, Sue discusses her pivotal career moments and the importance of integrating wellbeing into school systems. The discussion explores the challenges and benefits of moving from compliance-based approaches to a more relational focus in education, addressing both student and staff wellbeing. Highlights include practical strategies for leaders to improve school culture and wellbeing, differences in generational expectations, and the significance of empathetic communication.  The episode is a valuable resource for educators and leaders committed to fostering a thriving educational environment. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:47 Meet the Hosts and Updates 02:38 Introducing Sue Chandler 04:15 Sue Chandler's Career Journey 06:35 Current Trends in Education 10:41 Staff Wellbeing Strategies 17:02 Generational Differences in Education 19:03 Behavior Management in Schools 23:28 Practical Tips for School Leaders 29:09 Sue Chandler's Recommendations 32:06 Conclusion and Contact Information   Bio Sue has over 30 years' experience in teaching, educational leadership, counselling, coaching, conflict resolution, professional supervision, training and workplace health and wellbeing design. She has presented workshops on her wellbeing design concepts at state, national and international conferences.  Sue has been a guest on several podcasts, including the 'Pioneers of Positive Education', 'Flourishing at Schools' podcast series and the 'Wonders of Wellbeing'. Having led the strategic design, project planning and implementation of a whole school wellbeing framework at a large independent school,  Sue brings a wealth of experience to her consultancy business, Transformative Schools.  Her mission is to help schools drive positive and transformational change through the integration of the science of wellbeing into whole school systems. Show notes created by https://podium.page  

"AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change." A Quick Summary This episode of the podcast 'Where's Your Head At?' featured a conversation with Dr. Yong Zhao, a distinguished professor in education. The hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engaged in an insightful discussion about the future of international education and AI's role in transforming education. Dr. Zhao shared his unique educational journey, describing how he entered education because he was 'bad at farming' during China's Cultural Revolution. He emphasized that his success came from giving up on areas where he struggled rather than maintaining a 'growth mindset.' Regarding international education, Dr. Zhao praised its progressive nature while acknowledging the pressures faced by international schools. He highlighted how international education defies traditional measurements like PISA scores and represents a valuable cultural experience beyond territorial boundaries. On the topic of AI in education, Dr. Zhao argued that education hasn't significantly improved despite numerous reforms. He emphasized that using AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change their approach. He advocated for personalization in education and redefining learning as 'doing' rather than traditional teaching methods. Dr. Zhao criticized the current educational system's focus on meritocracy and standardized measurements. He suggested that schools should move away from forcing children to compete and instead embrace personalization and problem-solving. He emphasized the importance of finding problems rather than just solving them in the AI age. Regarding school leadership, Dr. Zhao advised leaders to focus on their core responsibilities and create opportunities for others to contribute. He emphasized the importance of having a moral mission and thinking philosophically about education's role in shaping civilization's future. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: 00:02:38 Introduction to Dr. Yong Zhao and His Background Richard Henry introduced Dr. Zhao as a foundation distinguished professor at the University of Kansas, highlighting his extensive career including positions at the University of Oregon and Michigan State University. His background includes founding various educational centers and publishing over 100 articles and nearly 40 books. 00:05:58 Personal Educational Journey Dr. Zhao shared his unique path into education, starting in rural Sichuan during the Cultural Revolution. He emphasized how being 'bad at farming' led him to education, challenging conventional wisdom about growth mindset. 00:09:50 State of International Education Dr. Zhao discussed the current state of international education, praising its progressive nature while acknowledging the pressures faced by international schools. He highlighted how international education represents a style that defies traditional measurements. 00:13:11 AI's Role in Education Transformation Dr. Zhao emphasized that education hasn't significantly improved despite reforms, arguing that AI won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change their approach to teaching and learning. 00:39:38 Rethinking Educational Leadership Dr. Zhao advised school leaders to focus on their core responsibilities and create opportunities for others to contribute. He emphasized the importance of having a moral mission and thinking philosophically about education's role.   Bio Dr. Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. He has held several prominent positions, including Presidential Chair, Associate Dean, and Director of the Institute for Global and Online Education at the University of Oregon, and University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where he founded the Center for Teaching and Technology and served as executive director of both the Confucius Institute and the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Education and a fellow of the International Academy of Education. Dr. Zhao has received numerous awards, such as the Early Career Award from AERA, the Outstanding Public Educator award from the Horace Mann League, the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Education Publishers, the ACEL Nganakarrawa Award, and the AECT 2022 Outstanding Digital Learning Artifact Award and AECT Distinguished Development Award. His work often explores the implications of globalization and technology on education. An accomplished author, Dr. Zhao has published over 100 articles and nearly 40 books. Throughout his nearly four-decade-long career, he has led several large-scale research projects, directed research and practice centers, designed schools, curricula, and textbooks, and developed software systems for learning and professional purposes. His collaborations span teachers, schools, professional organizations, businesses, and governments across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and Europe. Originally from Sichuan Province, China, Dr. Zhao earned his B.A. in English Language Education from the Sichuan Institute of Foreign Languages in 1986. After six years of teaching English in China, he moved to the United States as a visiting scholar at Linfield College in 1992. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a master's degree in Education in 1994 and a Ph.D. in 1996. Dr. Zhao joined the faculty at Michigan State University in 1996 after serving as the Language Center Coordinator at Willamette University and a language specialist at Hamilton College. Show notes created by https://podium.page  

A Quick Summary In this podcast episode of "Where's Your Head At", Dr. Ellen Heyting, an experienced educator and researcher from Melbourne Metrics, discusses the critical challenges in international education, focusing on the need to transform assessment systems and prioritize student agency. She argues that current high-stakes examination models are restrictive, causing mental health issues and limiting students' potential, and advocates for a more holistic approach that recognizes broader competencies and empowers students as producers of their own learning. Currently, Ellen is spearheading the New Metrics International Schools program, a collaborative initiative launched by CIS and Melbourne Metrics to support international schools who are interested in harnessing the power of assessment, recognition and credentialing to change the grammar of schooling and celebrate a broader picture of our young people's competencies and successes. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: Current Education System Crisis: Schools are experiencing high rates of student anxiety, mental health issues, and teacher shortages, indicating a fundamental problem with traditional educational approaches. Assessment Transformation: High-stakes exams are ineffective at measuring students' true capabilities, focusing solely on content knowledge instead of critical skills like ethical behavior, communication, and collaboration. Agency as Key Competency: Melbourne Metrics emphasizes developing student agency, shifting from viewing students as consumers of teaching to producers of their own learning. Authentic Learning: Schools should break down barriers between classrooms and the real world, providing students with authentic audiences and meaningful learning experiences. Collaborative Approach: Melbourne Metrics works in partnership with schools, education departments, and organizations to co-create better assessment and recognition tools. Holistic Development: The goal is to help young people thrive by developing competencies that extend beyond traditional academic metrics. Future of Education: There's a growing shift towards concept-based, project-based learning that connects education more meaningfully to real-world experiences. Bio Dr Ellen Heyting is a passionate and experienced educator, researcher, and facilitator who works at Melbourne Metrics within the Faculty of Education at The University of Melbourne. She has over a decade of teaching and leadership experience in K-12 IB World Schools in Melbourne, Beijing, Singapore and Helsinki. Her PhD explored the power of fostering a sense of belonging amongst students from marginalised backgrounds in international schools as a way to boost academic success. Ellen's ongoing research interests include international school teacher identity, the assessment of complex competencies, and measuring 'hard to measure' constructs (like belonging and agency). She is an expert in instructional leadership and coaching, having designed and delivered professional learning across the globe. Currently, Ellen is spearheading the New Metrics International Schools program, a collaborative initiative launched by CIS and Melbourne Metrics to support international schools who are interested in harnessing the power of assessment, recognition and credentialing to change the grammar of schooling and celebrate a broader picture of our young people's competencies and successes. Ellen believes that education can be a force to unite people for peace, justice, and a sustainable future, and strives to empower teachers and learners to place agency at the heart of learning. Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary In this episode of "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Deidre Fischer, an experienced educational leader and consultant, shares her profound insights into international education. The conversation explores her remarkable career journey, from a typing teacher to an international school leader and executive coach, while discussing critical challenges and opportunities in modern education. Deidre emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond school, focusing on holistic learning, skills development, and challenging traditional metrics of success.  We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: International Education Journey: Deidre's career evolved from teaching typing in small Australian country schools to leading international schools in Mongolia, Philippines, and Bali Educational Philosophy: Strong belief in preparing students for life, not just university, by developing transferable skills and helping students discover their passions Community and Wellbeing: Highlighted the increased focus on holistic community wellness, especially post-COVID, involving students, staff, and parents Challenging Success Metrics: Critiqued the overemphasis on numerical scores and university entrance requirements as limited measures of student potential Leadership Advice: Encouraged young leaders to be proactive, volunteer, gain diverse experiences, and be open to new challenges Coaching Perspective: Advocated for executive coaching as a critical support mechanism for school leaders to unlock their potential Future Vision: Imagined schools as places where students genuinely enjoy learning and are equipped with skills to navigate an evolving world   Bio Deidre Fischer is a seasoned educational leader and executive leadership coach with extensive experience in International Baccalaureate (IB) education. As a former Head of IB Schools, she is trained to facilitate the IB Leadership series of workshops, demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence. In addition to her extensive head of school experience, she has set up her own education consulting company, works half-time for the Council of International Schools (www.cois.org) as a School Support and Evaluation Officer and volunteered time for the EARCOS Board of Trustees (www.earcos.org), Basketball South Australia Commission (www.basketballsa.com.au) and Rotary International. Deidre's consultancy business offers a range of services, including executive leadership coaching, leadership and management training workshops, and professional learning sessions, both face-to-face and online. In her practice, Deidre emphasizes the importance of modeling the attributes of the IB Learner Profile, striving to be principled, open-minded, and reflective in her approach. Recognized as an exemplary transformational leader, Deidre is mission-driven and strategically focused on fostering innovative practices among school leaders. Show notes created by https://podium.page