Impactful interviews with renowned thought leaders and deep-dives in to international school trends and strategies, to support you in your international school leadership journey.

GLOBAL ED LEADERS has topped the School Podcast charts in countries across the world* and is in the top 10% of all podcasts globally*.

*#1 podcast in Apple Podcast Charts in Hong Kong, Ireland, April 2024, Top 10% data from ListenNotes

Tune in every week:

Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

The Power of an Outside Voice

Learn with Richard Reid, a former principal who has transitioned into being a much-sought-after coach for school leaders. We unpack the transformative power of having an outside voice in leadership challenges, celebrate the importance of self-belief, and explore the impactful practice of peer coaching in educational settings.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

Three Essential EAL Strategies for Success in International Schools

I explore the vital role of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in international schools. I'll share three strategies that are key to supporting our multilingual students and promoting linguistic inclusion. Drawing from my extensive experience in EAL, I offer practical tips from embracing an additive mindset to implementing scaffolding techniques and integrating language structures throughout the curriculum.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

A Fresh Take on Stale Teacher Conferences

In this episode, we're diving deep into the unique learning experience that is the Festival of Education in Thailand. I am joined by Festival Directors, Iain Henderson and Shane Mann. We delve into the festival's mission to encourage dialogue, inclusivity, and diversity, shedding light on controversial sessions, powerful experiences, and the much-celebrated blend of in-depth talks and lively atmosphere. Not to mention, we touch on plans for expansion, offering an exciting peek into the impressive global journey of EdFest.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

The Art of Bouncing Back: A School Leader's Guide to Resilience

In this episode of "Global Ed Leaders," I delve into the importance of resilience and adaptability in educational leadership, sharing a personal anecdote of a recent visa issue I encountered on a trip from Vietnam to Shanghai. This unexpected setback forced me to stay in Hong Kong temporarily, turning what initially felt like a frustrating mistake into an enriching learning opportunity. I discuss how such challenges, though often daunting, can be reframed as chances for growth and development. Drawing insights from thought leaders like Daniel Goleman, Carol Dweck, and Brené Brown, I explore themes of emotional resilience, the growth mindset, and the power of vulnerability. The episode emphasizes the value of immediate response strategies, seeking support, and adapting with innovative solutions when facing setbacks, encouraging listeners to view challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

Help teachers to supercharge verbal feedback

Discover how Nihad Ćehić, founder and CEO of Vibbl, is transforming the way teachers give feedback in the classroom. In this episode, Nihad introduces us to Vibbl, a digital tool that allows teachers to provide faster and more meaningful feedback to their students. Through Vibbl, teachers can record verbal feedback, snap student work, and send it directly to their students' accounts.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

Maximising Conference ROI: Translating Insights into School-wide Impact

I unravel the journey of transforming the treasure trove of insights garnered from educational conferences into actionable strategies that resonate across the school community. Delving into the narrative of pre-conference alignment, engaging post-conference speakers, structured sharing sessions, post-conference coaching, and reflective surveys, I shed light on how school leaders can morph passive conference attendance into vibrant, school-wide learning experiences. With a blend of pragmatic approaches, I aim to empower educational leaders to create a ripple effect of continuous learning and improvement within their domains. Tune in to unlock the potential of conference learnings and ignite a culture of growth in your school!

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

How to build an Antiracist School

Shane Leaning interviews Orlene Badu, a passionate educator and advocate for equity in education. Orlene shares her personal journey as a young black girl navigating through a system that often underestimated her abilities. Her experiences fueled her determination to ensure that no child is limited by low expectations. Orlene discusses the importance of prioritizing what can be done now and what can be done later, and emphasizes that curriculum alone is not the answer. She calls for schools to have a focused development plan, with racial literacy training for staff, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Orlene highlights the need for open conversations about diversity, the challenging but necessary task of addressing biases within the education system, and creating safe spaces for marginalized voices to be heard. This thought-provoking conversation delves into the importance of disrupting systemic inequalities and the power of education to transform lives.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

The Paradox of Leadership: When Your Best Strategy Becomes Your Worst

This episode explores the concept of leadership flexibility and how the most effective strategies can become counterproductive if not adapted to changing contexts. Shane discusses the idea of a "lethal mutation" where a once successful approach mutates into something that hinders progress. He provides a 5 step framework centered around consistent self-assessment, seeking feedback, being open to change, avoiding ego traps, and ongoing professional development focused on adaptive leadership skills. Through real world examples and references to books like Thinking Fast and Slow, Emotional Intelligence, and Brené Brown's work, Shane emphasizes that continuous learning, evaluation, and a willingness to pivot strategies based on outcomes are key to sustainable leadership success over the long term.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

Fidelity vs. Adaptation in Professional Learning

Professor Rob Coe, a leading figure in evidence-based education delves into the complexities and paradoxes surrounding instructional coaching, a topic that has gained significant attention in educational circles. The conversation explores the tension between research and real-world application, between fidelity and adaptation, the importance of time allocation in professional development, and the need for adaptive expertise among teachers and leaders.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

How to Craft Your Personal Leadership Mission and Vision

I delve into the crucial topic of crafting a personal mission and vision, particularly for those in leadership roles within international schools. I discuss the significance of having a well-defined mission and vision as guiding stars for your professional journey. Additionally, I share a powerful visualization exercise to help you connect with your future self and set clear intentions for your leadership path.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

Building Schools that Balance Technology & Human Connection

Jack George, an innovative educator and leader in the field of education technology shares the fascinating world of School 3.0, where blockchain technology, AI, and character education intersect. Jack shares Aiglon College’s journey towards creating a new system of badging, using Merits and Demerits as a form of currency. We explore the potential of NFTs and blockchain for student data ownership, as well as the importance of resilience in education. From the future of schools to the role of AI in education, this conversation is a thought-provoking exploration of the changing landscape of learning.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

Leading for an Ambiguous, AI-Driven Future

Dan FitzPatrick, award-winning author and EdTech strategist Dan offers invaluable insights into navigating the AI revolution. In the second of two-part episode, we explore the landscape of AI and its impact on schools, as well as practical strategies for leaders. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your AI efforts to the next level, Dan has the expertise to guide you. Tune in to Global Ed Leaders and join us on the frontlines of educational innovation.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

How AI is Disrupting Education

Dan FitzPatrick, award-winning author and EdTech strategist Dan offers invaluable insights into navigating the AI revolution. In this two-part episode, we explore the landscape of AI and its impact on schools, as well as practical strategies for leaders. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your AI efforts to the next level, Dan has the expertise to guide you. Tune in to Global Ed Leaders and join us on the frontlines of educational innovation.

Read More
Shane Leaning Shane Leaning

How to Calm Parent Fears on Teacher Turnover

Join host Shane Leaning on Global Ed Leaders as he shares strategies for addressing parent concerns, including clear communication, transparency, engagement, and quality assurance. Learn how to establish trust, ease anxiety, and foster a strong community.

Read More