Why are so many young people disengaged from learning — and what can parents and educators do about it?
That’s the question that journalist Jenny Anderson seeks to answer in her book, The Disengaged Teen. Alongside co-author Rebecca Winthrop, Jenny unpicks why so many teenagers have switched off from school and presents evidence-based strategies to help reignite their love of learning.
In this episode, Jenny joins Kai to share:
What ‘student engagement’ really means beyond grades or behaviour
The four modes of student engagement and how to identify them
Why 50% of teens spend most of their time at school in one mode - and why this presents a huge challenge
How agency and the “zone of proximal development” support real learning
Simple strategies for parents and teachers to increase student engagement
In this episode, Kai and Jenny discuss:
05:30 What student engagement really means — beyond behaviour
07:41 Why disengagement is one of the biggest challenges facing schools
10:13 The four modes of engagement: passenger, achiever, resister, explorer
17:28 Passenger mode: the “invisible middle” of the classroom
23:24 Achiever mode and the hidden costs of perfectionism
27:32 The challenges and opportunities of Resister mode
32:21 Signs a student is in Explorer mode and how to cultivate it
35:06 Practical strategies for parents and educators to foster agency and increase engagement
43:04 How AI is creating more passengers — and what to do about it
About Our Guest
Jenny Anderson is a journalist and co-author of The Disengaged Teen with Rebecca Winthrop. A former finance reporter for the New York Times, Jenny now writes about education, parenting, and human development. Her work explores how families and schools can support adolescents in moving from compliance or resistance into curiosity, agency, and meaningful engagement.
Resources
The Disengaged Teen — book website
Jenny’s Substack: How to Be Brave
Rebecca Winthrop’s LinkedIn newsletter: Winthrop’s World of Education
KaiPod News
Enjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
Related episodes:
Episode 24 — Inside the Fastest Growing School in the UK (with Hugh Viney)
Episode 17 — Why have Children Stopped Reading (with Daisy Christodoulou)
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Stress, staffing pressures, and rising student needs mean schools can’t leave mental health to chance. But how do you move from creating policies to embedding awareness across a whole team?
In this episode, Kai talks to George Peterkin, a qualified teacher, accredited therapeutic counsellor, and founder of Mind Your Health. George has been delivering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at British School Muscat, equipping staff with practical tools, language, and culture-shaping habits that make mental health awareness part of our everyday.
They discuss:
What Mental Health First Aid is and how it differs from wellbeing
Practical tools staff can use to support student and colleague wellbeing
Why schools should consider using student artwork to deliver mental health education
How to embed MHFA into daily routines across the school curriculum
About Our Guest
George Peterson is a qualified teacher, accredited therapeutic counsellor, and founder of Mind Your Health Limited. He delivers Mental Health First Aid training and practical wellbeing programmes for schools and organisations worldwide, blending evidence-based strategies with engaging, classroom-tested practice.
Resources
Mind Your Health Limited website
KaiPod News
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Related episodes:
Episode 23 — Is Kindness the Key to Effective Leadership (with Joanna Povall)
Episode 18 — How to Develop Empathy as a Teacher or School Leader (with Ed Kirwan)
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In this episode, Kai and George discuss:
3:34 How George went from classics teacher to MHFA trainer
3:23 What is Mental Health First Aid?
5:42 Why empowerment is key to promoting mental health in schools
6:38 Practical skills for mental health education
10:10 The real impact of MHFA training on staff and students
14:31 Small culture shifts that have a huge impact on wellbeing
25:19 Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable
With 1.28 million students persistently absent from school in the UK, it’s clear that the traditional classroom isn’t the right fit for everyone. But what does that mean for the future of education? For many families, the answer lies online.
In this episode, Kai talks to Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy. Starting with just four students in 2021, Minerva now supports over 1,200 learners worldwide. It has become the UK’s fastest-growing school and a shining example of how online learning can help meet the diverse needs of today’s students.
They discuss:
In this episode, Kai and Hugh discuss:
2:48 Which students thrive at Minerva Virtual Academy?
5:36 Inside the flipped model, where 60% of lessons are self-directed
6:11 How MVA ensures every student gets personalised attention
7:13 Building a real global community
8:43 What does a typical week at MVA look like?
22:24 The real impact of virtual learning on results and attendance
27:25 How MVA plans to expand beyond the UK
About Our Guest
Hugh Viney is the founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, the UK’s fastest-growing school. Launched in 2021, Minerva serves over a thousand students across 60 countries, offering GCSEs and A-levels through a flexible online model that combines self-directed learning, live lessons, and weekly one-to-one mentoring. Hugh is also the founder of Minerva Tutors and has been recognised as a pioneer in reshaping education for the modern era.
ResourcesMinerva Virtual Academy website
Classlist (Parent community app)
Pupil absence in schools in England. Autumn 2024/25
KaiPod News
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Related episodes:
Episode 20 - Going Remote: the solution to the teacher recruitment crisis? With Mark Steed
Episode 13 - Why AI must not replace teachers. With Priya Lakhani
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What are the qualities of a good school leader? Many people point to traits like confidence, decisiveness and resilience. But could kindness be the real key to bringing the best out in your team?
In this episode, Kai talks to Joanna Povall, Principal of Wales International School in Abu Dhabi, to explore why kindness is the sharpest tool a leader has.
They discuss:
In this episode, Kai and Joanna discuss:
02:43 How Princess Diana’s legacy shapes school culture
04:04 Why being kind is an important leadership quality, not a weakness
10:09 Joanna’s CHASE framework for leading with kindness
16:26 Why kindness and accountability go hand in hand
20:14 Words we should avoid as educators
25:56 Tips for keeping ego in check while showing strength
29:07 How “chasing kindness” transforms
34:04 Joanna’s advice to aspiring leaders
About Our Guest
Joanna Povall is the Principal of Wales International School, Abu Dhabi, named in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales. A respected international school leader, she is the creator of the CHASE framework for kindness in leadership. Joanna speaks regularly at conferences worldwide and is the author of an upcoming book on leadership and kindness.
Resources
Scott, K. (2017). Radical Candor. St. Martin's Press
Folkman, J. (2022). The Power of Kindness in Leadership. Forbes
Wales International School, Abu Dhabi (@walesinternationalschool6422)
KaiPod News
Enjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
Related episodes of Educator’s Corner:
Episode 18: Connecting with Empathy with Ed Kirwan
Episode 14: Could this be more important than AI? with Leo Thompson
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What does it mean to find your ikigai, and why might that be the key to saving our planet?
In this episode, Kai talks to Jeroen van de Waal, founder of OrcaNation, the BlueBeat Group and The Reef Company. Following a lively keynote session at British School Muscat, Jeroen reflects on his journey from corporate CEO to ocean conservationist and how he's on a mission to reconnect 8 billion people with nature.
In this episode, Kai and Jeroen discuss:
01:49 Jeroen’s mission (and how it started)
05:30 Unlocking a different way of thinking
07:14 A corporate social responsibility plan
10:38 Discovering ikigai during garden leave
12:30 How the BlueBeat Group was born
14:15 Why experiential learning matters more than ever
18:03 The power of purpose and how to find it
23:22 Why life skills are critical in the age of AI
25:55 Practical steps we can take to support ocean health
32:20 Quickfire student Q&A
About Our Guest
Jeroen van de Waal is the founder of the BlueBeat Group, OrcaNation, and The Reef Company. A former corporate CEO turned conservationist, Jeroen now leads global initiatives in ocean education, reef regeneration, and tech-for-good projects, including underwater satellite systems. His mission: to save the ocean, the planet, and ourselves.
Resources
Related episodes of the Educator’s Corner podcast:
Episode 14: Could this be more important than AI? With Leo Thompson
Episode 13: Why AI must not replace teachers with Priya Lakhani
Special Thanks
A big thank you to Brody, Joel, Hassen, Vrinda, Nour, and all the students who asked Jeroen questions during his visit to British School Muscat.
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Could hybrid schools be the answer? Mark Steed returns to the Educator’s Corner podcast to continue the conversation on remote teaching, flexible models, and reimagining the future of schooling.
Following their packed session at the COBIS Conference in London, Kai and Mark pick up where they left off. In this episode, they explore how innovative teaching models could help address two major challenges: teacher recruitment and student attendance.
In this episode, Kai and Mark discuss:
01:26 Why some schools have no choice but to go hybrid
06:21 Why paying teachers more isn’t the whole solution
07:15 What good remote teaching looks like post-COVID
10:01 The 25% problem: student absence and disengagement
13:10 The rise of online schools and the case for hybrid
22:30 Designing the Hybrid Academy: layout, tech, and student flow
27:10 How hybrid offers flexibility for both teachers and learners
30:47 From cost-cutting to curriculum expansion: the hybrid advantage
About Our Guest
Mark Steed is the Director and Consultant at Steed Education, which specialises in educational consultancy support for Schools Groups, U.K. independent schools, and English-speaking international schools. Read more about Mark here.
Resources
Related episodes of the Educator's Corner podcast:
Save the Date
Join Mark and Kai in person for an open conversation about hybrid schooling and reimagining the future of education.
🗓️ Tuesday 20 January 2026
📍 Location TBC. Follow Kai and Mark on LinkedIn for updates
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Could going remote really be the solution to the teacher recruitment crisis? Recent survey findings from Teacher Horizons suggest online teaching is here to stay, but not everyone agrees.
Director and Consultant at Steed Education, Mark Steed, rejoins the Educator's Corner podcast to discuss whether remote teaching really is a viable solution to the current teacher shortage.
Join us as we discuss:
Why we find ourselves in the midst of a recruitment crisis
What 1,600 teachers think about the future of teaching
Lessons from British School Muscat's venture into remote teaching for A-level subjects
The shift towards hybrid schools and the need for varied pedagogical approaches
By breaking down data from the Teacher Horizons survey and sharing insights from our own experiences, we explore whether online teaching is the answer to the teacher recruitment challenges we face.
In this episode, learn about:
About Our Guest
Mark Steed is the Director and Consultant at Steed Education, which specialises in educational consultancy support for Schools Groups, U.K. independent schools, and English-speaking international schools. Read more about Mark here.
Resources
Related episodes of the Educator's Corner podcast:
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Laura Rigney, Director of School Services at Teacher Horizons, joins Kai to dispel common myths about teaching internationally. Discover the realities of career opportunities, salary expectations, and the diverse experiences available in international schools.
In this episode:
About Our Guest
Laura Rigney is the Director of School Services at Teacher Horizons, with extensive experience placing teachers and leaders in international schools worldwide.
Resources
Join the conversation
What are your experiences with teaching internationally? Share your thoughts with Kai on LinkedIn or YouTube @BSMuscat
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Empathy has been named one of the most important leadership skills. But what does empathy mean? Can it be taught? If so, how can teachers and aspiring leaders develop empathy?
In this inspiring conversation, Ed Kirwan, founder and CEO of Empathy Studios and Empathy Week, explains how empathy can break down barriers, boost student engagement, improve behaviour and allow everyone to thrive.
Ed shares:
What empathy truly means
Why empathy is so important for teachers and leaders
How to cultivate this vital 21st-century skill
Through sharing his personal journey, practical strategies, and insights, Ed offers an inspiring take on why and how we should all develop empathy.
In this episode
About Our Guest
Ed Kirwan is the CEO and founder of Empathy Week and Empathy Studios. His award-winning global educational event has engaged over 175,000 people, helping teachers and students develop the skill of empathy. This is part of his wider mission to build an #EmpathyGeneration.
Articles
Resources
Join the conversation
How are you building empathy in your classrooms? Share your thoughts with Kai on LinkedIn or YouTube @BSMuscat
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England's primary school students rank fourth globally in reading proficiency. And yet, reading for pleasure is at its lowest level since 2005. Meanwhile, fewer young people are choosing to study English literature at A Level, and around 50% of UK adults do not read regularly. In this episode, Daisy Christodoulou, Director of Education at No More Marking, sheds light on the reasons behind this shift. She explains:- Why so many children have stopped reading for pleasure- Which subjects students are choosing instead of English literature- How this declining trend is playing out across the globe- What teachers, parents and governments might do to reignite interest in reading
In this episode:
0:40 The state of reading
4:52 English Lit versus Maths
7:55 Reading as a global issue
10:11 Benefits of reading more
16:03 A balanced approach?
19:04 Building a reading habit
23:23 A book Kai will never forget
24:54 No more Smartphones
28:48 Vibrant school libraries
36:30 Daisy's favourite poem
37:50 World Book Day ideas
39:40 Daisy's leadership tips
About Our Guest
Daisy Christodoulou is a leading voice in education and is known for her work in assessment, curriculum reform, and evidence-based teaching. She is the author of Seven Myths About Education, Making Good Progress, Teachers Versus Tech, and I Can’t Stop Thinking About VAR.
Resources & Links
Join the Conversation
What do you think about the future of reading and English literature in education? Share your thoughts with Kai on LinkedIn or YouTube.
KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
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Is teaching in the United Arab Emirates all about brunches, beaches, and tax-free salaries? In this episode, we delve into the reality of teaching in the UAE with the Editorial Director of Teach Middle East Magazine, Leisa Grace Wilson.
Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges of working in one of the fastest-growing international education hubs. We discuss the growing demand for international teachers, why so many UK teachers are moving abroad, and what you need to know before making the leap.
In this episode, learn about:
2:10 Leisa's journey to the UAE
6:17 Creating a community for educators
8:09 Jet-set life in Dubai?
10:38 Opportunities beyond Dubai
13:39 Not a working holiday
15:55 School inspections and expectations
17:36 Teacher turnover
24:55 Let's talk about money
35:35 Perceptions versus reality
40:45 Thriving as a teacher in the UAE
46:22 Leisa's leadership tips
Learn more about teaching life in the Middle East:
Articles
Resources
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Hosted by Kai Vacher
Produced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James
A BSM BSS production
In this episode, we get curious about curriculum redesign and innovation with Will Goldsmith, Headteacher of Bedales School in the UK.
Bedales, along with Latymer Upper School, made news headlines in September 2023 for ditching GCSE qualifications.
Bedales' 10-year curriculum redesign involves replacing GCSEs with their own Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) to better equip students for the next stage in learning and life.
In this episode, learn about:
2:00 Bedales’ history of innovation
4:19 Daily life at Bedales
6:21 Search for reform
10:13 A GCSE-free curriculum
13:16 Bedales Assessed Courses
19:11 Reclaiming time for learning
25:11 Examples of courses at Bedales
28:39 The value of curriculum redesign
33:10 Universities' recognition of BACs
36:44 Getting stakeholders onboard
40:49 Small steps towards reform
44:51 The future of curriculum and assessment
46:19 Lessons learned in leadership
Learn more about schools redesigning curriculum:
Articles:
Resources
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Hosted by Kai Vacher
Produced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James
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AI is currently dominating the conversation in education. But is it the most urgent priority? As fake news infiltrates our social media feeds and deepfakes become evermore convincing, young people need more than AI literacy to navigate the world.That’s a view shared by the OECD, WEF, McKinsey and today’s guest, Leo Thompson. As a teacher, school leader and Edsplorer, Leo is known for his work in helping improve learning and wellbeing for children. In this episode, he joins Kai to discuss:- The essential skills students need to successfully and independently navigate a post-AI world- A question for your community that will have a surprising impact on your school- A toolbox of practical classroom strategies to help you prepare your students for our V.U.C.A worldAnd if you’re not familiar with that acronym, we’ll also explain it.About our guestLeo Thompson is a teacher, school leader and the founder of Edsplorer, a consultancy dedicated to advancing education through innovation and insight. He previously served as Head of Educational Partnerships for iCanStudy. He and his team of specialists help international schools around the world improve children’s learning skills and, in turn, well-being.Resources If we haven’t exhausted your curiosity during the episode here’s some terrific links to deepen your learning:Leos website: www.edsplorer.comWhat kind of learning for SSAT: https://webcontent.ssatuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/09150124/RS2-What-kind-of-teaching-for-what-kind-of-learning.pdfThe OECD Learning Compass: https://www.oecd.org/en/data/tools/oecd-learning-compass-2030.html The World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/ McKinsey's 2021 useful model and breakdown: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/defining-the-skills-citizens-will-need-in-the-future-world-of-work WHO. Adolescent mental health: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-healthKaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
Educator's Corner Episode 14
Kaipod
Bill Gates recently predicted that AI will replace teachers within 10 years. But is he right? In this episode, we sit down with Priya Lakhani, CEO and founder of Century Tech, to explore what AI really means for the future of education. Join us as we discuss: - The biggest challenges and opportunities of using AI in education - 3 ethical considerations that every school AI policy should embrace - How to balance AI-powered tools with traditional teaching methods - Why AI will never fully replace the role of teachers While new technologies may change classrooms beyond recognition, this conversation reveals why human intelligence, judgment, and relationships are more important than ever.About Our GuestPriya Lakhani is the CEO and founder of Century Tech, which provides AI-powered personalised learning pathways for students and teachers. As an entrepreneur, innovator and board member of the UK Government’s AI Council, Priya is an expert in AI innovation and education. Resources:
Priya Lakhani LinkedInKaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
Educator's Corner Episode 13
#AIinEducation, #EdTech, #FutureOfLearning, #EthicalAI, #RethinkingEducation, #EdTech, #FutureOfLearning, #RethinkingSchooling, #EducatorsCorner, #EducationPodcast,
In this episode, we speak with Lord Jim Knight, a prominent figure in education and technology, about moving beyond Ofsted, curriculum reform, and the impact of AI on education.
Lord Knight, former Minister of State for Schools and member of Gordon Brown's cabinet, is currently non-executive chair of several organisations including E-Act, Century Tech, STEM Learning and COBIS. He shares his journey from theatre manager and sales rep to politician and education reformer.
Key topics discussed:
Lord Knight offers valuable insights on reforming school inspections, reimagining the curriculum, and thoughtfully integrating AI into education. His perspective as both a former government minister and current education leader provides a unique view on these critical issues facing schools today.
Links:
Teacher wellbeing is central to student success, which is why it’s a key priority for many school leaders. But with limited time and resources, how can we make a real difference to staff wellbeing?Mark Leppard MBE, Headmaster at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi, joins us to explore 4 practical ways to support staff wellbeing in schools. Tune in to discover:- One simple protocol that can drastically improve staff wellbeing- How giving feedback fosters positive relationships between colleagues- Why schools should implement flexible work arrangements - Successful examples of flexible working strategies in schools (including for teachers)- How to create flexibility while maintaining educational excellenceAs the teacher recruitment crisis grows, we urgently need a solution. Could focusing on staff wellbeing be the answer? Join us to find out. About Our GuestMark Leppard MBE has nearly 20 years of experience as a headteacher of British School Al Khubiarat and, previously, at Doha College. He is a frequent contributor to educational discussions and conferences, speaking on the topics of school governance, leadership and student and staff wellbeing in schools.Resources
KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
How can schools improve student wellbeing and inclusivity? In this episode of the Educator’s Corner podcast, I am joined by Matthew Savage, an educational consultant and creator of the "Mona Lisa Effect," to explore this question. Matthew shares: - The importance of data in measuring what truly matters in education.- How leaders can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.- Simple strategies for winning over educators who find data intimidating.- How kind, warm, street, and slow data fit into the broader context of education. This compelling conversation offers a unique perspective on how data can help us improve student wellbeing and ensure every child feels seen, heard, known, and belongs without exception. About our guest Matthew Savage is an educational consultant who has worked with some of the world's leading international schools. Matthew is known for his work on the "Mona Lisa Effect," a project that helps schools use data to improve student wellbeing and inclusivity in education.
Resources
KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
The global teacher shortage is hitting UK schools particularly hard. According to a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, 46% of secondary schools had at least one vacant position in the last academic year. British international schools are also struggling to recruit specialist secondary teachers.So, how can we solve the teacher shortage? Can innovation save us?In Part 2 of the Global Teacher Recruitment Crisis series, Mark Steed and I discuss some of the more innovative solutions to recruiting and retaining talented educators. We explore:- Key aspects to include in a school employment strategy- How remote tutoring could solve teacher shortages- How online schools are reimagining education in the UK and beyond- Whether hybrid schooling is the future of secondary schoolingJoin us as we explore ways to fix the global teacher shortage and turn this challenge into an opportunity for innovation.How is the global teacher recruitment crisis affecting your school, and how are you responding to it?About our guestMark Steed is the Director and Consultant at Steed Education, which specialises in educational consultancy support for Schools Groups, U.K. independent schools, and English-speaking international schools. Read more about Mark here.
Resources
KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.
Team Coaching: What It Is, What It Is Not, and How It Can Combat Burnout
In Episode 7 of the Educator's Corner podcast, Linda Berlot discusses team coaching with host Kai Vacher, highlighting its transformative impact and role as an antidote for burnout.
Key Points:
Resources:
Contact for CRRGlobal’s ORSC coach training program: info@berlotgroup.com
