The International Schools Podcast

This conversation explores what happens when AI becomes part of a school’s everyday systems, not just a classroom tool. It looks at how schools can use AI and data to support learning and reduce administration, while still protecting privacy, student agency, and human judgement. Andy Birch is Director of Technology at Hong Kong Academy, with 28 years of experience in international education and more than a decade leading technology in schools. He will be joined by Marishaan Kuehn, Flex Coordinator, who brings a practical perspective on how these systems affect learning, organisation, and the day-to-day experience of students and educators. About Andy Birch Andy has been at Hong Kong Academy for 16 years, serving as Technology Director for the past 12. Throughout HKA’s expansion into a K-12 institution and relocation to the purpose-built Sai Kung campus, he designed and implemented many of the school’s core operational systems. This background provides him with a thorough understanding of the workflows that support the school community. As a systems thinker, Andy collaborates across all departments to streamline processes and integrate new technologies. His role also encompasses educational technology leadership. Recent initiatives focus on optimizing teacher workflows, delivering actionable data to students and faculty, and designing dashboards and communication flows that support the integrity of HKA’s educational program. Originally from Jersey in the UK, Andy has 30 years of experience in education. His background includes roles as a primary school teacher, primary ICT coordinator, and middle school design technology teacher, alongside leading 1:1 device deployments. A former IB PYP workshop leader, he contributed to the IB’s foundational ICT in the PYP documentation. Outside of IT administration, Andy directs technical theatre operations, partnering with the student tech team to manage production logistics. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andy-birch-hka  About Marishaan Kuehn Marishaan has been an international educator for 25 years, serving in diverse learning environments across South Africa, the UK, China, Botswana, and Hong Kong. She began her teaching journey in South African township schools - a foundational experience that deeply rooted her commitment to educational equity and sparked a lifelong dedication to service learning and the principle of giving back. Over her global career, she has held key leadership roles, including Head of Department in the UK, Head of Inclusion at a boarding school in rural China, and is currently in her fourth year at Hong Kong Academy as the Learning Innovation Coordinator. As a passionate advocate for inclusive education and an experienced IGCSE, A-level and IB MYP and DP English Language and Literature teacher, Marishaan designs learning environments that prioritise student voice, agency, and choice. In her current role, she oversees HKA’s FleX programme, which empowers students to engage in flexible learning and pursue their passions while driving meaningful, real-world impact.  Grounded in the firm belief that students are far more than just their academic marks or test scores, she collaborates across departments to integrate forward-thinking pedagogical practices that promote holistic education. By embedding authentic service learning into the school culture, she ensures every learner recognises their intrinsic value and discovers their unique strengths and passions.  Email: [email protected]  Resources https://hkacademy.edu.hk John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

This conversation explores why meaningful change in schools is so difficult in a world shaped by AI, climate change, and growing uncertainty. It asks what schools need to change, what they should protect, and what must remain deeply human. Lee Fertig is Head of School at The Nueva School in the San Francisco Bay Area and has nearly 40 years of experience in education across several countries. Jeff Lippman is Director of Halcyon London International School and an experienced international school leader focused on student-centered learning, wellbeing, leadership, and meaningful change. About Jeff Lippman Jeff Lippman is the Director of Halcyon London International School and an experienced international school leader who has worked across the United States, France, Spain, and Brazil. Over his career, he has served in a range of senior leadership roles, including as the founding Head of School at Avenues Silicon Valley. Jeff is passionate about rethinking what school can look like for students and teachers. His work focuses on student-centered learning, wellbeing, leadership development, and helping schools turn innovative ideas into meaningful and sustainable change. He also works with school leaders through coaching, consulting, and professional learning. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-lippman-35b68676/  About Lee Fertig Lee Fertig is the Head of The Nueva School in the San Francisco Bay Area and an experienced educator with nearly 40 years in teaching and school leadership. His career has taken him across the United States and international schools in Ethiopia, Brazil, Spain, and Belgium, including leadership roles at the International School of Brussels, Graded School in São Paulo, and the American School of Barcelona. Lee also works with the Principals’ Training Center and supports schools around the world in areas such as governance, innovation, student support, fundraising, and continuous school improvement. He is passionate about helping schools grow, adapt, and create better learning experiences for students. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leefertig/  Resources https://www.halcyonschool.com/about-us/directors-welcome  Halcyon Strategic Framework - https://www.canva.com/design/DAHMEEgZcNs/l3tUVOAA2F-VoZGoUflvcw/view?utm_content=DAHMEEgZcNs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcdb9fe1767  https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/01/trends-shaping-education-2025_3069cbd2.html  https://jeffreylippman.substack.com/ https://medium.com/@jefflippman https://www.nuevaschool.org/about/leadership  https://www.nuevaschool.org/about/strategic-framework  https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-digital-education-outlook-2026_062a7394-en.html  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

What happens when AI can search, summarise, and think with us? About Heather Caveney Heather is an experienced educator and librarian with more than 20 years of experience across public, private, boarding, and international schools. She has worked with students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the United States, Mongolia, and Türkiye. She is currently Head Librarian at the American Collegiate Institute in İzmir, Türkiye, and also works as a School Library Consultant. Her work focuses on research and information literacy, digital literacy, academic integrity, and helping students and teachers think critically about online information and AI-generated content. Heather holds a Master’s degree in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University and is passionate about helping students become thoughtful, independent, and confident researchers. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-j-caveney-aa2b6257/  About Wouter Laleman Wouter Laleman has been working as an international school librarian for about 30 years in libraries and schools in Belgium, Oman, Japan, Malaysia and Madagascar. He is currently Head Librarian and Data Protection Officer at the International School of Brussels, where he also leads work around digital media and libraries.  He is a founding member of collaborative reading and literature initiatives including the European Iris Award and Bookbowl and Sakura Medal in Japan. His work brings together reading, research, digital literacy, privacy, and the ever changing role of libraries in schools. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wouter-laleman-11277851/  Resources https://www.linkedin.com/company/caveney-consulting/ https://www.aci.k12.tr/en/ https://www.isb.be/   https://sites.google.com/isb.be/irisaward/bookbowl The CARE Approach by Leo S. Lo NotebookLM for Schools, webinar by Eric Curts, EdTech Specialist of Control Alt Achieve Research: Your Brain on ChatGPT, research by Nataliya Kosmyna et al. “Experimental evidence of the effects of large language models versus web search on depth of learning” by Melumad and Yo Hun. “A new direction for students in an AI world: Prosper, prepare, protect” Report by Burns et al, of the Brookings Institute. John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Two educators, their aunt Audrey, and the story of her life and art they are helping others discover. About Steve Weatherel Steve has worked in several international schools in the last forty years and in many different roles. These days he's living in the Netherlands trying to make it as a writer, with projects such as Intense Colours, the blog about his aunt, the artist Audrey Amiss. Instagram: @audrey_amiss  About Kate Weatherell Kate is a Mathematics teacher in London. After a long career in food as a chef, caterer, author and food stylist, she made the move into teaching. Resources intensecolours.substack.com audreyamiss.com https://wellcomecollection.org/stories/audrey-and-her-family  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7IIyKh4lpY Typist Artist Pirate King Film  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

How international schools can offer more than one post-16 pathway and help students choose the route that suits them best. It also explores what this means in practice for families, teachers, school leaders, and students planning for university and beyond. About Sarah O'Regan Sarah O'Regan is the Principal CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, she has been part of the school’s journey for almost 15 years, including as a founding member of the community. She also serves as a GEMS Wellington Brand Ambassador, supporting collaboration, leadership development, and the sharing of best practice across the Wellington family of schools. Her leadership focuses on helping every child flourish through academic excellence, strong pastoral care, innovation, and personalised learning. She is passionate about creating flexible pathways and inclusive school communities that prepare young people with the confidence, character, resilience, and skills they need for the future. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-o-regan-a054461b7/  About James Rostron James is Whole School Vice Principal for Curriculum and Assessment at GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai. With more than a decade of senior leadership experience, he has helped shape the school’s curriculum, assessment, academic pathways, and wider academic strategy. He is particularly interested in personalised learning and creating flexible pathways that give students greater choice, including both International Baccalaureate and A Level options. James is passionate about curriculum innovation, effective school leadership, and designing learning experiences that prepare young people to thrive in a complex and connected world. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rostron-79622959/  About Nicola Huggett Nicola Huggett is the Executive Principal and CEO. An experienced educator and school leader, she studied at Oxford University before beginning her career in advertising and later moving into teaching. She went on to serve as Principal of two highly regarded schools in the UK before joining GEMS Education to lead Wellington International School in Dubai.   She is passionate about ambitious, well-rounded education that helps students grow in confidence, character, knowledge, and skills. Her leadership is closely aligned with the school’s values of integrity, empathy, and fortitude, with a strong focus on preparing young people for both academic success and life beyond school. https://www.wellingtoninternationalschool.com/About-Us/Our-Team/Executive-Team/Nicola-Huggett  About Robert Curry Robert is Vice Principal at GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, where he has been part of the school community for more than 13 years. During that time, he has supported the school’s growth and played a key role in developing its IBDP, IBCP, and A Level pathways, as well as leading timetabling, examinations, and data management. Originally a Physics teacher and a graduate of Durham University, Robert has 15 years of experience in education and 11 years in leadership. He is particularly interested in future-ready education, evidence-informed school improvement, and creating high-performing schools where academic excellence, innovation, and student wellbeing go hand in hand. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-curry-31b058119/   Resources https://www.wellingtoninternationalschool.com/ https://www.gemswellingtonacademy-dso.com/en/ https://www.gemseducation.com/en/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

This episode explores Jeff Utecht’s new book, The Next Turn, and his thinking on AI, leadership, and the changing nature of work. We discuss what schools can learn from this shift, especially around judgment, trust, human responsibility, and what still needs to remain deeply human. About Jeff Utecht Jeff Utecht is an educator, consultant, author, and speaker who has spent many years helping schools and leaders think differently about learning and technology. He has worked with more than 75,000 educators around the world and consulted with over 200 school districts. Jeff’s work focuses on how schools and organisations respond to change, especially with the rise of generative AI. His book Human Still Required is written for school leaders and explores how AI is changing education, while reminding us that trust, judgment, culture, and human connection still matter deeply. He is also the author of The Next Turn, which looks at how AI and different generations in the workplace are reshaping leadership and the future of work. Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, Jeff helps leaders think carefully about what should remain human in a fast-changing world. Website: https://www.jeffutecht.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffutecht/   Resources https://nextturnleadership.site/  https://humanstillrequired.com/media/press-kit.html  https://pod.shiftingschools.com/  https://www.shiftingschools.com/   John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation with Samuel Holston and Kirun Goy of BrainTools Lab and Podcast on simple brain tools for focus, learning, and better decisions at school and at work. About Kirun Goy Kirun works at the intersection of leadership, cognitive science, and intentional living. He helps people think more clearly, lead more effectively, and move out of autopilot. Over the past 14 years, Kirun has delivered more than 1,600 workshops and keynotes for leaders around the world. His work focuses on practical leadership skills such as staying clear under pressure, building emotional intelligence, and learning how to learn. He is the host of the BrainTools Podcast, which has reached more than 62,000 people in 100 countries. He is also a Senior Leadership Facilitator for Harvard Business Impact, where he supports leaders in large organisations to navigate change with more clarity and intention. He’s also the author of “The Imperfect Learner”. Whether speaking to a large audience or leading a smaller workshop, Kirun’s style is practical, relatable, and focused on giving people tools they can use straight away. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirungoy/ Website: https://www.kirungoy.com/  About Samuel Holston Samuel Holston works at the intersection of education, technology, and learning. Sam has worked at the intersection of technology, AI, cognitive science, education and learning for the last decade. He’s run SEL camps reaching thousands of students, delivered cognitive-science based workshops to schools and built learning products used by over 100,000 students and teachers.  He’s co-host of the BrainTools podcast, where he shares practical neuroscience and helps people understand how their brain works. He is also the co-founder of BrainTools Labs, who created science-backed resources, products and tools to help schools teach the human skill skills AI can’t replace.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-holston/?skipRedirect=true About BrainTools Lab BrainTools Lab is a science-backed educational tools company founded by Kirun Goy and Samuel Holston. Its flagship product, ATL Lab, is designed for IB (International Baccalaureate) schools and helps students develop the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills - thinking, communication, research, self-management, and social skills - that underpin deep, transferable learning. What We Do ATL Skills Lab — A curriculum-aligned programme for MYP schools that teaches, tracks, and develops ATL skills using neuroscience-informed tools and workshops. Designed to give MYP coordinators and teachers a structured, evidence-based way to embed skill development across subjects. BrainTools at School Podcast — Hosted by Samuel, the podcast explores how cognitive science, AI, and practical pedagogy intersect, with a focus on what this means for teachers, coordinators, and school leaders. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Key Numbers 80,000+ students reached 5,000+ teachers trained 300+ schools served 1,600+ workshops and keynotes delivered (Kirun) 62,000+ podcast listeners in 100 countries Links BrainTools Lab: https://www.braintoolslab.com Kirun Goy: https://www.kirungoy.com BrainTools at School Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/braintools-at-schools/id1815817672 Samuel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-holston/ Kirun on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirungoy/ BrainTools Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/braintools-lab/posts/?feedView=all John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation with Brooke Fezler, M.A. in Counseling, Co-Founder and Co-Director of ISCA, on how schools can move from separate wellbeing efforts to a clear, connected system of support. About Brooke Fezler Brooke Fezler is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of International School Counselor Association (ISCA) and has spent more than twenty years supporting student well-being in international schools across the world. She has worked at international schools in Indonesia, Argentina, France, Brazil, and Spain. Her work at ISCA focuses on building preventative, schoolwide counseling programs, with a strong emphasis on SEL, life skills, and support systems for students, teachers, and families. Brooke is also the co-developer and co-researcher of the International Model for School Counseling Programs, published in 2011 and 2022. Based in Barcelona, Brooke continues to support international school counselors and educators through training, consulting, teaching, writing, and speaking. Brooke Fezler on Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-fezler-235058a1/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-school-counselor-association  Resources Website: https://iscainfo.com/  ISCA Model: https://iscainfo.com/the-model/  ISCA Student Standards: https://iscainfo.com/student-standards/  Learning Progression: https://iscainfo.com/learning-progression/  SEL Toolkit: https://iscainfo.com/sel-toolkit/  ISCA Blogs: https://iscainfo.com/blogs/  https://iscainfo.com/professional-ethical-standards/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsedu.com  Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation with Timothy Cook (Director, The Cognitive Privacy Project & Connected Classroom | Psychology Today Columnist, The Algorithmic Mind) on exploiting how AI may be changing the way children think, learn, and grow. About Timothy Cook Timothy Cook, M.Ed., is an international educator, AI researcher, and Director of the Cognitive Privacy Project. With more than a decade of teaching experience across four countries, he studies how AI and algorithmic systems are reshaping children’s thinking, learning, identity, and development. Timothy is also the founder of Connected Classroom and writes The Algorithmic Mind for Psychology Today, where he explores the impact of AI on cognition, creativity, student agency, and well-being. His current work focuses on cognitive privacy: the idea that children’s attention, judgment, reasoning, motivation, and developing sense of self need protection as AI becomes increasingly embedded in schools and society. In his recent writing, he argues that many young people are already sensing a contradiction: they are told AI may weaken learning, while also being told they must use it to prepare for the future. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-cook-092713138/  Resources connectedclassroom.org cognitiveprivacyproject.org https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-algorithmic-mind  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation with Aylin Erengul Gregg and Ana Arana on supporting multilingual learners without mistaking English fluency for ability. About Aylin Erengul Gregg Aylin Erengul Gregg is an English Language Acquisition specialist with a passion for supporting multilingual learners in accessing meaningful and equitable education. Having taught in diverse international school settings, she brings a global perspective to language acquisition, identity, and classroom practice. Her work with students from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds is grounded in the belief that language learning should affirm rather than assimilate. She is the creator of the LEAVES Approach, which focuses on language, exposure, acquisition, validation, engagement, and scaffolding as a way to support multilingual learners and help educators become more language-aware in their practice. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Aylin continues to work with multilingual learners, supporting them to feel seen, capable, and confident as they develop English. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylin-erengul-gregg-ma-tesol-w-app-ling-10b56915/  About Ana Arana Ana Arana is an advocate for multilingual learners who challenges the assumption that language proficiency equals intelligence. With a Master's from the University of Exeter and over a decade of experience in IB schools, she builds classrooms where students' strengths are recognised, their voices are heard, and their academic potential isn't mistaken for their English fluency. Her approach is collaborative. She works alongside colleagues to ensure language learning is part of everyday learning, not a separate activity. This advocacy extends to every student conversation, team meeting, and classroom decision. Her driving motivation is simple: to help multilingual learners build confidence, fully access the curriculum, and thrive academically and personally. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msanaarana/  Resources https://www.leaveseal.com/ John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial