Episode 21: What We Thought We Knew and What We've Learned

“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

A Quick Summary In this episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Erin Kent, founder of Erin Kent Consulting, shares her extensive experience in international education and literacy consulting. With a background spanning from Teach for America to leading a global consulting group, Erin discusses the evolving landscape of international education, particularly focusing on literacy instruction, the unique opportunities in international schools, and the critical role of leadership in driving educational innovation. In this enlightening episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, hosts sit down with Erin Kent, the visionary founder of Erin Kent Consulting. With a rich background in international education, Erin's insights span from her time with Teach for America to leading a global consulting group dedicated to educational excellence. This discussion dives deep into the transformative shifts occurring in literacy instruction and the broader educational landscape, particularly within international schools. Key Highlights: The International School Advantage: Erin emphasizes the unique freedoms international schools possess, enabling them to craft tailored missions and curricula that closely reflect the needs of their diverse communities. This flexibility presents exciting opportunities for innovation in educational practices. Literacy in a Post-Pandemic World: The conversation explores the pressing need for data-driven decision-making in literacy instruction. Erin discusses how educators are now focusing on foundational skills, scaffolding complex texts, and implementing more effective assessment methods to enhance student learning outcomes. Leadership's Crucial Role: Effective leadership is fundamental during times of educational change. Erin highlights the necessity for school leaders to engage in professional learning actively. Their presence and support are vital for driving successful transformations within their institutions. Valuing Multilingualism: As linguistic diversity becomes increasingly recognized as a valuable asset in international schools, Erin advocates for an asset-based approach to bilingual and multilingual learners. This perspective enriches the educational experience and fosters a more inclusive environment. Personalized Learning Strategies: This episode also touches on the growing emphasis on equitable access to personalized learning paths. Erin underscores the significance of accommodating diverse learner needs to foster a more inclusive educational landscape. Strategic Change Management: Successful innovation in education requires thoughtful implementation. Erin provides insights on how schools can support teachers through transitions by ensuring they have adequate time, resources, training, and support. Embracing Continuous Learning: Throughout her journey, Erin emphasizes the importance of adaptability and a growth mindset, encouraging educators to embrace challenges and pursue continuous learning as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education.   Join us for this inspiring conversation with Erin Kent as she shares her wealth of knowledge on the future of international education, leadership, and literacy. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply interested in educational innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your understanding of the current educational climate.   Bio Erin Kent is the founder of EKC (Erin Kent Consulting), a global literacy consulting group dedicated to serving international schools.  Erin leads a team of over 50 literacy experts who partner with hundreds of international school communities worldwide, providing customized support in reading and writing instruction across 7 languages. Everything EKC offers—onsite and online consulting, an evolving subscription service, regional conferences, and bespoke text sets—is thoughtfully designed with international schools in mind.  Before founding EKC, Erin taught in urban, independent, and international schools, eventually becoming a literacy coach and PK-12 Director of Teaching and Learning in Shanghai.  Show notes created by https://podium.page

"my hope is that we will actually use the learning sciences, neuropsychology, cognitive science and psychology in service of this thing called schooling" A Quick Summary In this episode of Where's Your Head At, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel and James McDonald dive deep into the world of international education with the esteemed Bambi Betts. With over three decades of experience, Bambi has dedicated her career to fostering leadership and professional development within international schools.  As the founder of the Principals' Training Center, she has influenced countless educators and leaders in international settings. She recounts her own journey in education, starting from her unique upbringing in Hollywood, California, to her extensive career across various international schools. The discussion covers her perspectives on the evolving landscape of education, the significance of teacher professional development, and the critical role of leadership in enhancing student outcomes. Listeners will gain insights into Bambi’s personal philosophy on education, her experiences working in over 150 different schools, and her approach to addressing the complexities of curriculum leadership, governance, and instructional strategies. The episode serves as both an inspiration for aspiring educators and a call to action for established leaders to prioritize ongoing learning and collaboration within their institutions.  Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that not only celebrates the accomplishments of education leaders like Bambi Betts but also provides listeners with actionable ideas to enhance their own educational practices in an increasingly interconnected world.   Bio Bambi Betts has been working in the international education world for over three decades. She is the director of the Principals’ Training Center for International School Leadership (PTC) and founder of additional training centers for international teachers, teacher leaders, counselors and governance members. Bambi has been actively involved with the PTC since its inception as a course developer, trainer, and co-trainer for the Essential Skills courses. She has served as director, principal and teacher in international schools for over 30 years and been a consultant in over 150 international schools, conducting professional development sessions on a wide range of topics related to the effective international school, including assessment, curriculum leadership, teacher leader strategies, instructional strategies, faculty evaluation, and governance. Bambi also serves on the governing board of 2 international schools in Haiti and Cambodia, is a founding member of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH) and serves as the president of the Overseas Schools Assistance Corp. (OSAC) non-profit which offers online news and recruitment services to international schools through The International Educator (TIE). Show notes created by https://podium.page

"school leaders, in general, are humble people...and they don't share their great ideas. In fact, many times they don't realize it's a great idea because it's just what they do". A Quick Summary Unlock the secrets of educational transformation as we explore the dynamic world of international learning with Dr. David Stegall. Discover how Dr. Stegall transitioned to the role of Chief of System Innovation at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), bringing his expertise in personalized learning and dual language education to a global scale. Learn how his experiences abroad with GEMS Education, combined with his strategic foresight as North Carolina's deputy state superintendent during the COVID-19 pandemic, shaped his vision for collaborative educational practices. Hear about the creation of the promising practices dashboard, a resource that helps educators share effective strategies in areas such as teacher recruitment and literacy. Explore the shift from assessment-heavy models to problem-based learning approaches that prioritize critical thinking.   Show notes In this episode… (00:04) - Exploring International Education Through Conversations (06:17) - Connecting Schools (12:21) - Innovating Education (20:11) - Leading Strategic School Innovation and Growth   Bio Dr. David Stegall joined the Department of Defense, Education Activity (DoDEA) in April of 2024 as the Chief of System Innovation. David previously served as Deputy State Superintendent of Innovation and Chief Academic Officer for the NC Department of Public Instruction, where he helped support 1.6 million students in 115 school districts across the state. In this role, during the COVID-19 pandemic, NC Governor Roy Cooper named Dr. Stegall co-chair of the statewide COVID-19 Response team. In June of 2020, Dr. Stegall co-led the development of the statewide school re-opening guidebook and support documents for K-12 public schools. This work was recognized as a national exemplar by the American Democracy and Health Security Initiative  Prior to his work at the state level, Stegall served as the Vice President for Global Education Management Systems. Dr. Stegall also served as the Superintendent for Newton-Conover Schools. Stegall helped develop a national award-winning STEM school, a state-recognized personalized learning school and a successful dual-language school, among other accomplishments.  Dr. Stegall was named the NW North Carolina Superintendent of the Year in 2017 and a national Superintendent to Watch in 2016, and named the Outstanding Young Educator for North Carolina in 2012.  After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master's degree in education administration from Gardner-Webb University as well as an education specialist degree and a doctorate degree in education leadership from Appalachian State University.     Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary Unlock the keys to effective educational governance and marketing strategies in our latest episode! Join Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald as we navigate this topic from Brisbane, Bangkok, and Brussels. We’re honored to welcome Russell Russell Speirs, founder of RS Academics, who enlightens us on the indispensable relationship between school leaders and their boards. Learn from Russell's vast experience in school leadership recruitment and governance consultancy, and discover how good governance can transform educational environments. Our discussion then shifts toward the future of education governance, addressing the pressing challenges of the current exam-centric systems which exist in many countries. Explore how international schools are pioneering more innovative and inclusive assessment methods that truly reflect the diverse purposes of education. We also touch on the vital need for improved teaching techniques in the Arabic world to foster a stronger appreciation and command of the Arabic language. This segment is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to understand the evolving landscape of global education. Finally, we tackle the intricacies of marketing for international schools, emphasizing the power of customer retention over acquisition. Drawing parallels with luxury goods marketing, we advocate for a personalized, high-touch approach that builds enduring trust with families. Russell shares actionable strategies from his esteemed career, offering a fresh perspective on how educational institutions can enhance their marketing efforts. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice and visionary ideas for the education sector!   Show notes In this episode… (0:00:00) - Global Education Trends and Governance Introduction to International Education Podcast, discussing effective governance in school leadership and guest Russell Russell Speirs' work in recruitment and consultancy. (0:11:18) - Future Directions for Education Governance Exam dominance, lack of innovation, need for better governance, diverse assessment methods, improved Arabic teaching. (0:16:33) - Effective Marketing in Education Sector Marketing for international schools should prioritize customer retention, exceptional communication and service, and the unique significance of education. (0:20:55) - Marketing Strategies in School Sector Marketing principles for educational institutions, emphasizing personalized, high-touch approach and lessons from various industries.   Show notes created by https://podium.page

“Your network is the place that you learn.”  - James MacDonald   A Quick Summary Have you ever pondered the path to an educational leadership position? Our journey today takes us through the winding roads of educational leadership. We share tales from our own experiences, and we unearth the essential skills you need to thrive. It’s all about upskilling, networking, and active engagement in the learning community. We’ll discuss why these actions are so critical and how you can incorporate them into your own professional growth.   Show notes In this episode… (0:00:01) - Leadership and Career Advancement in Education (11 Minutes) We explore the different pathways and qualifications for those aspiring to leadership positions, and how moving towards a mastery-based assessment system has shifted the focus to what skills individuals can bring to the job. We also examine how the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to a busy year for educators, and how it is important to find a balance between getting the job done and having enough breathing space. (0:11:06) - Skills and Networking in Educational Leadership (11 Minutes) Leaders in independent schools must be mindful of the macro environment and use their skills to keep up with shifting and evolving trends. Upskilling through courses, accreditation visits, and networking with experienced professionals can help propel one’s career. It is also important to actively engage in the learning community, which can help those in senior leadership positions. (0:22:34) - Career Advancement Success Strategies (9 Minutes) We explore the need to be open and flexible about the kind of position you might take, and how to increase your chances of success by asking the right questions. We also consider how to ensure that your enthusiasm and passion for the job comes through in the interview, and how to focus on the positive elements of your past experience as an example of what you can bring to the role.   Show notes created by https://podium.page