Summary

This episode explores the vital role of international schools in fostering community engagement, service learning, and empathy among students. Dr. Dan Long discusses the importance of understanding cultural complexities, building meaningful partnerships, and prioritizing student wellness. This episode emphasizes a holistic approach to education, focusing on the development of well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their communities.

Takeaways

• We are guests in this country, and understanding our role is crucial.

• Community engagement is a two-way street that benefits both sides.

• Education should focus on preparing students to be effective and impactful.

• Service learning fosters empathy and heart change in students.

• Building meaningful partnerships with local organizations is essential.

• Cultural complexities present both challenges and opportunities in education.

• Prioritizing student wellness is key to their success.

• A holistic view of education includes emotional and social development.

• Programs must be supported by people who genuinely care about students.

Join hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes as they dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Jennie Magiera, Google's Global Head of Education Impact. Discover how technology is transforming classrooms, championing equity, and enhancing student voice. Jennie shares insights on AI's role in education, the importance of belonging in schools, and the future of learning.

Key Topics:

• The role of AI in education and its impact on learning.
• Strategies for fostering equity and inclusion in schools.
• Jennie's vision for the future of international education.
• The balance between academic achievement and holistic student development.

Guest Bio:

Jennie is Google’s Global Head of Education Impact, bestselling author of Courageous Edventures, founder of nonprofit Our Voice Alliance, and board member at Saga Education. She taught for over a decade and has been an instructional coach, district administrator, and professor. She served on the TWG for the US Dept of Education’s National EdTech Plan, and was featured on programs such as NBC’s Education Nation, C-SPAN’s Reimagining Education, TEDx, and NPR. Jennie is proud mom to Lucy & Nora.

#EducationInnovation #AIinEducation #EquityInSchools

Call to Action:

Tune in to hear Jennie's inspiring vision for the future of education and how you can be part of this transformative journey. Link in first comment.

In this episode, Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Pauline O'Brien from International School Services (ISS), a leader in global recruitment strategy for international schools. They discuss the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the importance of building a culture of connection, rethinking recruitment strategies, and the role of coaching in leadership. Pauline shares insights on crafting a professional story, the significance of values-driven recruitment, and the attributes of effective leadership in the context of international education.

Important Links

ISS Contacts - https://www.iss.edu/who-we-are/team/pauline

LinkedIn - Pauline O’Brien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulineobrien/

LinkedIn - Daniel Mendes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendesd/

LinkedIn - Dan Kerr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/

Takeaways

• Schools should prioritize building a culture of connection.

• The future of international education requires a broader purpose beyond academic success.

• Recruitment strategies must be values-driven and focus on cultural fit.

• Coaching is essential for educational leaders to navigate change effectively.

• Candidates should articulate their value through storytelling in interviews.

• Professional development should be accessible to all staff, not just faculty.

• The onboarding process is crucial for retention and growth in schools.

• Effective leadership blends strategy with care and relational depth.

• Schools need to address the emotional and strategic complexities of their roles.

• Humanizing the recruitment process can lead to better candidate experiences.

Sound Bites

"What kind of culture are we building?"

"Schools where connection isn't a side benefit."

"Coaching is crucial for growth."

"Tell us your story."

"Recruitment is more values driven."

"How are people treated when things get hard?"

Chapters

00:00 Building a Culture of Connection in Schools

04:10 The Future of International Education

07:05 Rethinking Recruitment Strategies

11:01 The Importance of Coaching in Leadership

14:41 Crafting Your Professional Story

18:24 Trends and Challenges in International Schools

25:45 Humanizing the Recruitment Process

28:45 Attributes of Effective Leadership

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, Dr. Devin Pratt shares his insights on leadership in international schools, particularly during crises. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, mentorship, and community resilience. Dr. Pratt discusses the need for schools to be future-ready, especially in the context of rapid changes by technology like AI. He also highlights the significance of social and emotional well-being in educational settings and shares success stories from his school, including innovative initiatives in robotics education.

Takeaways

• Relationships are crucial for sustainable leadership.

• Navigating crises requires flexibility and community support.

• Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth.

• Schools must be future-ready to adapt to rapid changes.

• Communication is key during crises to maintain trust.

• Social and emotional well-being should be prioritized in schools.

• Innovative programs can enhance student engagement and learning.

• Community resilience is built through shared experiences and support.

• Leadership is about collaboration and shared purpose.

• Reflection on experiences is essential for growth. 

Sound Bites

"Relationships are going to matter."

"We have to be future ready."

"Mentorship is crucial in our careers."

"Relationships are the most important."

Chapters

02:14 Navigating Leadership During Crisis

03:07 Vision for International Schools

07:48 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership

12:51 Community Resilience in Difficult Times

17:19 Evolving Leadership Perspectives

20:33 Crisis Management and Communication

24:03 Prioritizing Social and Emotional Wellbeing

26:24 Innovative Initiatives and Success Stories

Keywords

leadership, international schools, mentorship, crisis management, community resilience, social emotional wellbeing, education, AI in education, school leadership, educational innovation

Summary

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage in conversation with Rita Bateson, an expert in AI and education, as they discuss the evolving landscape of educational leadership. They explore the importance of balancing courage and humility in leadership, the role of AI in education, and the need for ethical practices in technology integration. Rita shares insights from her work with Eblana Learning, emphasizing the importance of cautious trust in AI adoption and the need to foster relationships in an increasingly AI-driven world. The conversation also explores the future of education, sustainability, and practical steps for schools to adopt AI responsibly.

Links

Blue Skies Leadership Website: https://www.blueskiesleadership.com

Dan Kerr - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/

Daniel Mendes - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendesd/

Rita Bateson - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868/

Eblana Learning Website: https://eblanalearning.com/

Takeaways

• Great leaders balance courage with humility.
• A blue sky vision embodies optimism and clarity.
• AI in education requires cautious trust and ethical considerations.
• The importance of relationships in an AI-driven world cannot be overstated.
• Sustainability should be a core principle in AI adoption.
• Education is a moral encounter centered around shared interests.
• Future-proof skills are essential in the evolving educational landscape.
• Craftsmanship in teaching will regain importance as AI becomes prevalent.
• Schools must filter the noise of technology to find what truly benefits students.
• There is a growing demand for ethical AI practices in the education sector.

Sound Bites

"Great leaders balance courage with humility."

"Education is a moral encounter."

"We want to help schools filter the noise."

"Cautious trust is what schools need."

"AI should add value to students."

"We need to value craftsmanship in teaching."

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Blue Sky Leadership

02:56 Navigating AI in Education

06:07 Eblana Learning: Bridging the Gap

08:49 Cautious Trust in AI Adoption

12:12 Future of Education: Scenarios and Predictions

14:57 Sustainability and Ethical AI Practices

18:10 The Role of Relationships in AI-Driven Education

20:57 Optimism for the Future of Education

24:02 Practical Steps for Schools Embracing AI

27:00 Looking Ahead: The Next Six Months

In this conversation, Ewan McIntosh discusses the importance of bridging the gap between educators and architects in designing effective learning environments. He emphasizes the need for a clear vision in international schools, focusing on strengths and community identity. The discussion also covers the evolution of educational strategies, the significance of learning spaces, and Notosh's journey in transforming educational practices.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewanmcintosh/

The Provocation, every Monday: https://mailchi.mp/notosh.com/the-provocation-from-notosh

Learn more: https://notosh.com

Takeaways

• The gap between educators and architects needs to be bridged.
• A clear vision is essential for international schools.
• Focus on strengths to achieve a meaningful vision.
• Avoid vague terms like 'excellence' in school missions.
• Understanding school identity is crucial for strategic planning.
• Learning spaces should amplify educational experiences.
• Design thinking can revolutionize learning environments.
• Communication is key in overcoming constraints.
• Prototyping ideas in current spaces can lead to better designs.
• The journey of Notosh reflects the evolution of educational strategies.

Sound Bites

"The gap that we've been more than happy to fill."

"What do you want to achieve?"

"Focus on the things that you're really good at."

"Avoid the word excellence at all costs."

"You double down on your strengths."

"We cut through the edu babble."

"Your mission needs to describe what you do."

Chapters

00:00 Bridging the Gap in Education Design

02:37 The Role of Vision in International Schools

09:19 Evolving Educational Strategies and Trends

15:09 Understanding School Identity and Mission

19:12 The Impact of Learning Spaces on Education

26:52 The Journey of Notosh and Its Evolution

In this enlightening conversation, Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes speak with Gavin McCormack and explore the transformative power of education through the lens of student potential, relationships, and innovative teaching methods. They discuss the importance of creating safe learning environments, the role of servant leadership, and the impact of initiatives like Upschool. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional engagement in learning and the significance of fostering connections between educators and students. Gavin shares his vision for a blue sky education that prioritizes character development and the cultivation of compassionate, capable individuals.

Takeaways

We underestimate the capabilities of our students 100%.

Hope sits on the kindergarten carpet in every classroom.

Education is about cultivating future humans, not just grades.

Connection before curriculum is essential for effective teaching.

Emotional learning is crucial for student engagement.

Servant leadership models the behavior we wish to see in others.

Children thrive when they know they matter.

Innovative approaches can transform traditional education.

Creating safe environments fosters better learning outcomes.

Love is the silent lesson always being taught.

Sound Bites

"What kind of humans do we graduate?"

"Education is about who you become."

"Hope sits on the kindergarten carpet."

"The emotional wheel of learning is crucial."

"Children want to do good."

"We need to let kids know they matter."

"Connection before curriculum is 101."

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Student Potential

02:52 Celebrating Educational Relationships

06:08 Envisioning Blue Sky Schools

09:06 Innovative Educational Approaches

11:56 The Impact of Upschool

14:55 Emotional Learning and Student Engagement

18:07 Servant Leadership in Education

20:54 The Importance of Relationships

23:53 Creating Safe Learning Environments

27:13 The Role of Connection in Learning

29:52 Future Endeavors and Global Impact

Keywords

education, student potential, relationships, blue sky vision, innovative teaching, emotional learning, servant leadership, global impact, Upschool, Montessori

Summary

In this episode, Daniel Mendes and Dan Kerr engage with Bambi Betts, a prominent figure in international education, discussing the current state of international schools, the vision for their future, and the challenges educational leaders face. Bambi emphasizes the need for quality teaching, the importance of understanding how learning occurs, and the necessity of stopping harmful practices in education. The conversation also touches on the importance of leadership in driving change and the need to value dispositions alongside content knowledge in students. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of educational initiatives, the importance of community building, and the need for educational leaders to adapt to changing needs. They emphasize the significance of noticing issues in education, creating impactful programs, and the responsibility of international schools to contribute positively to global education. The dialogue also touches on the importance of developing students not just academically, but as good human beings, and the role of leadership in analyzing and improving educational systems.

Takeaways

• We've not stepped up in international education.

• A blue sky vision requires imagination and action.

• Quality teaching should be prioritized in schools.

• Learning must be contextualized to be effective.

• Decontextualized learning is detrimental to student success.

• Leadership is crucial for educational reform.

• We need to stop harmful practices in education.

• Assessment should reflect authentic learning, not just metrics.

• Dispositions should be valued as much as content knowledge.

• The journey of an educator is filled with unexpected turns. Notice is the first step to making changes in education.

• Building community is essential for educational initiatives.

• Educational resources must evolve with changing times.

• Professional development is crucial for effective leadership.

• International schools have a responsibility to help underprivileged communities.

• It's important to focus on graduating good human beings, not just students.

• Leaders should analyze systems and make necessary changes.

• Expertise in a specific area can enhance leadership effectiveness.

• Educational initiatives should be responsive to current needs.

• Future directions in education must prioritize global responsibility.

  
  

Sound Bites

"We've not stepped up."

"Learning doesn't happen by year."

"Decontextualizing learning, it's deadly."

"What good is it if it begins in words?"

"We have a responsibility to step up."

"We need to switch it up."

"It all lands on assessment."

"What things could you do in a school?"

Chapters

00:00 The State of International Education

04:01 Vision for the Future of Schools

08:46 Challenges in Educational Leadership

15:00 Transforming Learning Environments

19:52 The Journey of an Educator

22:40 The Importance of Noticing in Education

24:07 Building Community Through Educational Initiatives

26:29 The Evolution of Educational Resources

28:11 Creating Impactful Educational Programs

30:36 Adapting to Changing Needs in Education

32:35 Global Responsibility in Education

34:55 Developing Future-Ready Students

37:41 Leadership in Education: Analyzing Systems

39:14 Future Directions in Educational Leadership

Keywords

international education, leadership, learning, teaching, educational reform, school improvement, quality teaching, assessment, curriculum, professional development, education, community building, international schools, leadership, professional development, educational resources, global responsibility, student outcomes, educational initiatives, change management

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Richard Boerner, the superintendent of Graded, the American School of Sao Paulo. They discuss the importance of embracing change in education, the vision for international schools, and innovative practices at Graded, including the Learning Lab. Richard shares insights from a recent global think tank focused on educational innovation and introduces his new venture, TrueFit Talent, aimed at revolutionizing talent acquisition in education. The conversation emphasizes the urgency for schools to adapt and the potential for positive change in the educational landscape.

Takeaways

• Change is most effective when initiated from a position of strength.

• A blue sky vision embodies endless opportunities and realized potential.

• International schools must adapt to meet the needs of tomorrow's learners.

• The Learning Lab at Graded focuses on applying cognitive science to education.

• Evidence of learning is more impactful than traditional assessments.

• Global collaboration can accelerate educational innovation.

• Teacher residency programs can help grow talent within schools.

• The role of teachers is evolving towards being facilitators of learning.

• TrueFit Talent aims to mitigate bias in hiring processes.

• Building strong relationships in education is crucial for future success.

  
  

Soundbites

"One of the most optimal moments to make change"

"What does a blue sky vision of school look like?"

"We owe it to ourselves to think differently"

"We need to be moving much more agilely"

"We should see learning flourish"

"True Fit Talent aims to improve the fit"

"We want to create better fits for everybody"

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Change in Education

03:30 The Blue Sky Vision for Schools

08:20 Innovations at Graded Learning Lab

12:50 Global Collaboration and Think Tanks

19:49 Revolutionizing Talent Acquisition with TrueFit Talent

Summary

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Angela Meikle, head of IB World Schools at the International Baccalaureate. They discuss the future of education, focusing on the importance of well-being, the need for innovative educational systems, and the ongoing evolution of IB programs. Angela shares insights from her extensive experience in international education, emphasizing the significance of action research and the role of teachers as curriculum designers. The conversation also touches on upcoming events and the IB's commitment to adapting to the changing educational landscape.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about communicating worth and potential.
• Suffering is optional; we can choose our responses.
• Education should focus on systems of human flourishing.
• Well-being is crucial for both students and teachers.
• The IB is reviewing its programs for the first time in 60 years.
• Innovative assessments are being developed for the IB.
• Action research can transform school culture.
• Teachers should be seen as curriculum designers.
• Digital assessment is on the horizon for IB subjects.
• Collaboration with universities is essential for program development.

Sound Bites

• "Leadership is the ability to communicate someone's worth."
• "Suffering is optional."
• "Unprecedented is the new normal."
• "Action research can shift the culture of the school."
• "Digital assessment is coming."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Skies Leadership Podcast

02:53 Exploring Blue Sky Visioning in Education

03:40 Angela Muechel's Insights on Education Systems

12:41 The Future of IB Programs and Innovations

20:09 Angela's Journey to the IB

24:14 Upcoming Events and Collaborations in Education

Elevating SEL, Mental Health and Counseling: ISCA’s Leadership

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Brooke Fezler, co-founder and director of the International School Counselors Association (ISCA). They discuss the evolving landscape of international education, emphasizing the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health in schools. Brooke shares insights on ISCA's innovative training programs, the need for cohesive counseling frameworks, and the upcoming conference on mental health and inclusive practices. The conversation highlights the dedication of educators to support student well-being and the collaborative efforts to enhance counseling practices globally.

Takeaways

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of equipping educators to support young people.
• Brooke Fezler advocates for prioritizing SEL and mental health in schools.
• ISCA is innovating to meet the needs of school counselors worldwide.
• Training programs are designed to address gaps in counselor education and focus on the continuous need of upskilling.
• The learning progression for SEL standards is crucial for K-12 alignment and designing effective learning experiences for learners.
• Mental health training is essential for all educators, not just counselors.
• ISCA's upcoming conference will focus on mental health in schools.
• Collaboration among educators is key to supporting student well-being.
• Brooke's journey with ISCA reflects a passion for improving counseling practices.
• The conversation underscores the need for cohesive frameworks in international schools.

Links

ISCA: www.iscainfo.com

ISCA-Certified Counselor Program: https://iscainfo.com/isca-academy/

ISCA International Model for School Counseling Programs (2nd edition 2022): https://iscainfo.com/the-model/ (which was first Sponsored the U.S. State Department Office of Overseas Schools in 2009)

ISCA Student Standards (updated 2022): https://iscainfo.com/student-standards/

ISCA Student Standards Learning Progression (Oct 2024): https://iscainfo.com/learning-progression/

Sound Bites

"I feel invigorated."

"We have been innovating a lot."

"We have a comprehensive ISCA Certificate Program and three specializations."

"We launched that in October."

"We call upon experts in the field."

"It's definitely a passion story."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast

02:39 The Vision for International Schools

04:05 Prioritizing SEL and Mental Health in Education

08:46 Innovations in School Counseling Programs

12:09 ISCA's Comprehensive Training and Specializations

14:36 Learning Progressions for SEL Standards

17:16 Responding to Mental Health Needs

20:07 Upcoming ISCA Conference and Community Engagement

23:23 The Journey of ISCA and Its Founders

30:30 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts

Keywords

Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, international schools, school counseling, mental health, social emotional learning, ISCA, education innovation, leadership, student well-being, professional development

Leading into the Future with Fearless Inquiry: The Big Questions Institute

Summary

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Homa Tavangar, a renowned education, leadership, and global citizenship expert. They discuss the evolving vision for education, emphasizing the need for relevance, mental wellness, and joy in learning. Homa shares insights from her work at the Big Questions Institute and their newest ebook edition, “12 Big Questions Schools Must Answer To Imagine Irresistible Futures,” highlighting the importance of asking critical questions to guide educational practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges of leadership in education, the role of hope and optimism, and the significance of equity and inclusion in schools. As they explore current trends in international education, they reflect on the need for a renewed focus on global citizenship and the legacy educators leave behind.

Takeaways

• Education should be relevant, just, healthy, and joyful.
• Asking the right questions is crucial for school improvement.
• Hope is a discipline that requires action.
• The Big Questions Institute focuses on guiding educators through complexities.
• Leadership in education involves navigating crises and failures.
• Understanding what is sacred in a school community is vital.
• Equity and inclusion must be addressed authentically in schools.
• Global citizenship is facing challenges in today's educational landscape.
• Storytelling can help schools articulate their values and aspirations.
• Educators should consider their legacy and impact on future generations.

Links

• 12 Big Questions Schools Must Answer To Imagine Irresistible Futures - Ebook - https://bigquestions.institute/12-questions/
• Big Questions Institute - https://bigquestions.institute/
• Homa Tavangar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/homatavangar/

Sound Bites

"What does a blue sky vision of school look like?"

"We want to ask more questions than give answers."

"What is your story?"

"What is your legacy as an institution?"

"Hope is a discipline anchored in action."

"What is sacred in your school community?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Skies Leadership Podcast

02:53 Exploring the Vision for Education

06:09 The Big Questions Institute and Its Impact

08:57 Navigating Leadership Challenges in Education

11:49 The Role of Hope and Optimism in Education

15:11 Utilizing the 12 Big Questions for School Improvement

18:00 Trends in International Education

20:56 Addressing Equity and Inclusion in Schools

23:52 Future Directions and Global Citizenship

27:07 Conclusion and Future Engagements

Keywords

education, leadership, global citizenship, equity, inclusion, Big Questions Institute, school improvement, optimism, trends, international schools

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Jane Larsson, Executive Director of the Council of International Schools (CIS). They discuss the evolving landscape of international education, the importance of socially responsible leadership, and the innovative initiatives implemented by CIS to enhance educational practices.

Key topics include the moral responsibility of schools to provide international education, the need for empathy in leadership, and the introduction of competency-based assessment frameworks. The conversation highlights the significance of adapting educational practices to meet the diverse needs of global communities and the exciting future of international education.

Takeaways

• Every school should be providing an international education.
• We have a moral responsibility to help young people make sense of the world.
• Empathy is a crucial quality for leaders today.
• International education encompasses all forms of education.
• Understanding demographic trends is vital for future education planning.
• CIS is developing a developmental, differentiated approach to school evaluation and accreditation.
• Competency-based assessment is a new area of focus for international schools.
• Available in 2025, a new, open-source Pedagogy Playbook will guide schools in making pedagogical decisions.
• Socially responsible leadership is essential for the future of education.
• The future of international education is bright with innovative initiatives.

Sound Bites

"Every school should be providing an international education."

"We have a moral responsibility to help young people."

"International education is really all education."

"We need to be aware of trends in population and immigration and their relationship to education. They are intertwined.”

"We're creating socially responsible leaders."

"It's an exciting time to be in international schools."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Skies Leadership Podcast

02:50 The Role of CIS in International Education

03:43 Vision for International Education

06:07 Leadership Development for Social Responsibility

08:28 Trends Shaping International Education

13:34 CIS's New Framework for School Evaluation and Accreditation

15:31 Innovative Partnerships and Initiatives

20:33 Competency-Based Assessment in Education

23:54 The CIS Pedagogy Playbook

26:17 Future Directions for CIS and International Education

Summary

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini, who shares her extensive experience in middle-level leadership within international schools. The conversation explores the importance of teacher efficacy, the need for intentional collaboration, and cultivating a healthy school culture. Nancy emphasizes the significance of psychological safety, trust-building, and the role of middle leaders in fostering a positive educational environment. The discussion also highlights practical advice for aspiring leaders and the key traits that effective middle-level leaders should possess.

Takeaways

• Teacher efficacy is the number one influencer of student learning.
• Intentional collaboration among teachers is crucial for success.
• Meetings should have clear outcomes and engage participants meaningfully.
• Psychological safety allows for healthy cognitive conflict in teams.
• Building trust is foundational for effective leadership.
• Middle leaders should model distributed leadership practices.
• Celebrating successes is essential for a positive school culture.
• Mentorship is vital for personal and professional growth.
• Effective leaders prioritize student learning above all else.
• Curiosity and inquiry are key traits of successful leaders.

Sound Bites

• "Culture is not always the best culture."
• "You have to build trust with intentionality."
• "You can still have fun and collaborate."
• "Jump on any opportunity to get involved."
• "It's about the community and the learners."
• "Learning leader puts learning first."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Skies Leadership Podcast

01:59 The Importance of Middle-Level Leadership

03:27 Blue Sky Thinking in Education

08:59 Cultivating a Healthy School Culture

14:19 Promoting Collaboration and Distributed Leadership

20:57 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

25:16 Key Traits of Effective Middle-Level Leaders

30:50 Connecting with Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Derek Gay, a global expert on diversity and inclusion. They explore the complexities of understanding diversity, the critical role of belonging in educational settings, and the importance of cultural context in implementing diversity initiatives. Dr. Gay emphasizes that creating a culture of belonging requires strategic change management and active engagement from all community members. The discussion also highlights the need for representation within international schools and the vision for a future where belonging is integral to the educational experience.

Dr. Derrick Gay is a globally recognized Belonging and Intercultural Strategist, dedicated to fostering cultures of dignity and respect. With multifaceted expertise as an international speaker, author, researcher, educator, and university lecturer, Dr. Gay empowers individuals and organizations to deepen belonging and empathy by cultivating shared language, raising awareness, and fostering inclusive personal behaviors and organizational practices and policies. Dr. Gay’s work spans numerous industries, including schools, businesses, non-profits, and arts organizations.

Drawing from his extensive international experience, Dr. Gay designs meaningful strategies that resonate across a broad range of industries and cultures. His approach, informed by research and practitioner experiences in over 50 countries, facilitates meaningful connections and promotes belonging on a global scale. A lifelong educator with over 28 years of experience, Dr. Gay taught in K-12 schools and served as a senior administrator in schools around the world. Most recently, he has served as a senior advisor to Sesame Street while also serving as adjunct faculty/lecturer at University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, International Fashion Academy, Parsons Paris, and Teachers College at Columbia University. As such, Dr. Gay engages with the full range of education from early childhood to doctorate students, supporting students, staff, parents, administrators, and boards. During the 2023-24 academic year, he led Belonging and Intercultural Competency efforts in schools and organizations spanning 23 countries and 45 cities.

Takeaways

• The critical distinctions between "diversity," "inclusion," and "belonging" within the context of international schools.
• How the term "diversity" is often framed as proxy for historically marginalized groups, which places the burden of addressing harm, discrimination, and bias on individuals from “diverse” groups.
• The importance of reframing "diversity" to encompass the unique backgrounds of all individuals while also recognizing shared human connections, thereby compelling everyone to address dignity infractions and ensuring that all feel safe, valued, and respected.
• The essential role of families in nurturing intercultural competency in children by modeling inclusive behaviors and engaging in meaningful conversations about differences.
• Practical strategies for international schools to foster a truly inclusive environment for all students, staff, and families.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Diversity and Inclusion

02:49 The Role of Belonging in Education

06:10 Cultural Context and Diversity Work

08:53 Strategic Change Management in Schools

12:08 The Importance of Representation

14:59 Vision for Future Schools

17:46 Engaging the Community in Belonging

21:05 The Journey Ahead for Dr. Gay

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, Dan Kerr, Daniel Mendes and Kevin Bartlett discuss the future of education, focusing on the importance of defining learning, the vision for schools, and the journey of the Common Ground Collaborative. They explore the need for systemic change in education, the challenges of teacher evaluation systems, and the significance of building a learning culture that empowers both teachers and students. The conversation emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and the importance of collective efforts in transforming educational practices.

Takeaways

• Defining learning is crucial for effective education.
• Education should focus on developing well-rounded individuals.
• Simplicity in direction helps avoid initiative fatigue.
• A systemic approach to learning is necessary for change.
• Teacher evaluation systems often fail to transform practice.
• Empathy is key in addressing educational dilemmas.
• Collective teacher efficacy has the greatest impact on student learning.
• Learning should be viewed through a growth lens, not an evaluation lens.
• Building a learning culture requires shared beliefs and values.
• Consistency and focus over time lead to meaningful progress.

Chapters

00:00 Defining Learning in Education

04:00 The Blue Sky Vision for Schools

15:01 The Common Ground Collaborative Journey

18:47 Transforming Teacher Evaluation Systems

33:11 Clarity in Complexity and Future Directions

Podcast Hosts

Daniel Mendes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendesd/

Dan Kerr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/

Episode Guest

Kevin Bartlett: https://www.commongroundcollaborative.org/

Notable Mentions

Greg McKeown: https://gregmckeown.com/

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/

Jamie McTighe: https://jaymctighe.com/

Julie Stern:https://www.conceptualtransfer.com/

Tania Lattanzio: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/tania-lattanzio-ige; https://www.innovativeglobaled.org/

Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/

• Twitter: @brenebrown

Jim Collins: https://www.jimcollins.com/

Gordon Eldridge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-eldridge-9469021/

Bambi Betts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bambi-betts-a0b3a47/; https://www.theptc.org

Greg Curtis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-curtis123/

Charlotte Danielson: https://danielsongroup.org/framework/

Michael Fullan: https://michaelfullan.ca/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-fullan/

Margaret Wheatley: https://www.margaretwheatley.com/

Chad McGartland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-mcgartlin-3050632a6/

Dylan Wiliam: https://www.dylanwiliam.org/

• Twitter: @dylanwiliam

Martin Skelton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-skelton-87030318/

Summary

In this Blue Skies Leadership Podcast episode, Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes interview Sheena Nabholz, the Deputy CEO of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH.) They discuss the evolving landscape of international education, the importance of connectedness, the integration of AI in schools, and the critical need for equity and inclusion. Sheena shares her blue sky vision on how schools can leverage data to personalize learning and the role of AISH in fostering collaboration among educational leaders worldwide.

Organizations and Resources mentioned

https://www.academyish.org/ - The Academy for International School Heads (AISH) is a vital organization for anyone in the role of Head or Deputy Head of an international school. Founded with the ethos "By Heads, For Heads," AISH is dedicated to supporting and advocating for the professional development of international school leaders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurynn-evans-2a79984/ - Laurynn Evans from UnConstrainED

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingedgeboston/ - Beth Goldstein - Babson from Senior Director, Academic Strategy for the Babson Youth Impact Lab

https://www.curriculumassociates.com/ - Evidence-Based Instruction to Help Every Learner Grow without Limits

https://www.searchassociates.com/ - Partnering with Quality International Schools and Exceptional Educators to Serve and Enrich Learning Worldwide

Takeaways

• The Academy for International School Heads aims to connect global educators.
• The world of international schools is diverse and complex.
• Connectedness is essential for preparing students for the future.
• AI should be embraced in education with enthusiasm and curiosity.
• Equity and inclusion are critical for all students' success.
• Data analytics can significantly enhance personalized learning experiences.
• Schools need clear guidelines for the use of AI technologies.
• The pandemic has accelerated the focus on personalized learning.
• Educational leaders require support in navigating DEI initiatives.

• Belonging and identity are vital for student well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:53 The Future of International Schools

05:48 Connectedness in Education

08:59 Embracing AI in Education

11:58 Equity and Inclusion in Schools

15:00 The Role of Data in Personalized Learning

18:06 The Work of the Academy for International School Heads

20:54 Conclusion and Future Connections