

The International Classroom
Alex Gray
Welcome to The International Classroom, where we're breaking down borders and building bridges between educators from all corners of the globe. This vibrant podcast is your gateway to a world of diverse teaching methods, innovative educational ideas, and unique classroom experiences shared by educators worldwide. 🌐
In every episode, we delve deep into the heart of education, exploring a multitude of topics that are as varied as the schools and cultures they originate from. So, join us on this extraordinary journey. Subscribe to The International Classroom and be a part of the conversation.
In every episode, we delve deep into the heart of education, exploring a multitude of topics that are as varied as the schools and cultures they originate from. So, join us on this extraordinary journey. Subscribe to The International Classroom and be a part of the conversation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 14, 2025 • 30min
AIDucation25 Special: Dan Fitzpatrick on AI, Innovation, and the Future of Education
In this AIDucation25 Special episode, join Dan Fitzpatrick, acclaimed author, educator, and global thought leader, as he explores the transformative impact of AI on education. Dive into practical strategies for integrating AI into classrooms, rethinking teacher roles, and fostering skills students need for an unpredictable future. From grassroots innovation to systemic change, Dan discusses powerful ideas such as the EdOP initiative and the critical balance between knowledge and skills development. Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation that reimagines how education systems can—and should—evolve in the age of artificial intelligence.This episode is part of the exclusive AIDucation25 series, bringing you cutting-edge insights at the intersection of AI and education.Key discussion points:AI advancements and their classroom impactInnovative approaches like EdOP for systemic educational changePreparing students for AI-driven career landscapesPractical classroom strategies leveraging AI toolsTune in now to future-proof your educational approach with Dan Fitzpatrick.

Mar 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Empathy in Education: The Essential Skill to Transform Your Classroom ft. Ed Kirwan
Discover why empathy is the #1 skill your classroom needs right now! In this powerful episode of The International Classroom Podcast, Alex sits down with Ed Kirwan, founder of Empathy Studios and Empathy Week—initiatives that have positively impacted over 1.3 million students worldwide.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why empathy is more than a "soft skill"—it's the foundation of effective learning.✅ Practical strategies to build empathy in your students today.✅ How powerful storytelling can instantly transform classroom culture.✅ Real-world case studies of empathy significantly improving student engagement and behaviour.Special Guest:Ed Kirwan, Founder of Empathy Studios & Empathy Week, former science teacher, and global advocate for empathy in education.🎯 Who Should Watch: Teachers, educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about creating happier, more successful learning environments.🖥️ Watch now to learn how to foster empathy and transform your teaching:Get involved with Empathy Week:🌍 https://www.empathy-week.com🌟 https://www.empathystudios.comFollow Ed Kirwan:🔗 LinkedIn: Ed Kirwan🎙️ Connect with The International Classroom Podcast:Follow us on LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | YouTube🚀 Subscribe now to never miss an episode and revolutionize your teaching practice!#Education #Empathy #TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #EmpathyWeek #TeacherTips #StudentEngagement #TeachingStrategies #SocialEmotionalLearning

Mar 2, 2025 • 1h 7min
Rethinking Education: Why Leadership Needs a Reset | Innovation, AI & Inclusion in Schools
What happens when an education leader steps back to reflect on the system they’ve dedicated their life to? In this episode, we sit down with David Ardley, a trailblazer in international education, to explore the future of learning, leadership, and innovation in schools.Key Topics Covered:✅ The power of career breaks and what they reveal about the education system✅ Innovation vs. tradition – how schools can balance progress with structure✅ The future of AI in education – what’s hype and what’s real?✅ True inclusion – what it really looks like in the classroom✅ The biggest challenges facing school leaders and how to overcome them✅ Why the human element in education is more important than ever🔥 If you're a teacher, school leader, policymaker, or education innovator, this episode is a must-watch!This episode is proudly sponsored by SMART Technologies! SMART Technologies is revolutionising interactive learning with Lumio, the all-in-one digital learning tool designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration.📲 What is Lumio?✅ Create interactive lessons in minutes✅ Seamlessly integrate with Google, Microsoft, and existing classroom tools✅ Gamify learning with engaging, student-driven activities✅ Boost participation with real-time feedback and formative assessments💡 Try Lumio FREE today! → https://www.smarttech.com/lumio📌 Subscribe for more insights on education leadership, AI in schools, and innovative teaching strategies.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!#EducationLeadership #AIinEducation #FutureOfLearning #SchoolInnovation #TeachingStrategies #InclusiveEducation #Lumio #SMARTTechnologies

Feb 26, 2025 • 29min
*AIDucation25* SPECIAL | Unlock the Secret Sauce of Idea Generation & Innovation with Ben Whitaker
Join me for a dynamic conversation recorded live at the AIDucation25 conference in Bucharest. We delve into the heart of innovation with Ben Whitaker, "The Ideas Guy," as he shares his powerful framework for fostering creativity and strategic thinking in education and entrepreneurship. Ben, a former sociology teacher turned innovation expert, provides actionable insights inspired by figures like Maya Angelou, Steve Jobs, and Joe Rogan. This episode explores practical strategies for educators and innovators navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, addressing:✅ Building a Culture of Innovation: Discover the key pillars for creating an environment where fresh ideas flourish. Learn how to apply sociological principles to your team or classroom.✅ The Ideas Framework: Ben unpacks his proven framework (as detailed in his book, The Ideas Guide) for generating and implementing impactful ideas. He addresses potential criticisms and explains how to use the framework effectively.✅ Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: Are we becoming too reliant on digital tools? Ben argues that technology, when used intentionally, can boost creativity, offering a compelling analogy involving... air fryers!✅ Authenticity in the Digital Age: Struggling to balance a genuine online presence with personal well-being? Ben offers powerful advice on avoiding burnout and staying true to your values while building a personal brand (especially on platforms like LinkedIn).✅ Learning from Failure: Inspired by Matthew Syed's "Black Box Thinking," we discuss how to view setbacks as valuable learning opportunities within the idea generation process.✅ Strategic Paralysis: Overwhelmed by planning and struggling to take action? Ben introduces VJ Govindarajan's "Three Box Solution" to help you move from strategic vision to execution.✅ The Ideas Cards & Journal: Get a sneak peek at Ben's practical resources, including his "Ideas Cards" (education and general reflection versions) and his prompt journal, designed to spark creative thinking.✅ Giveaway We have some amazing prizes from Ben, for educators in the Middle East.Timestamps:00:27 - Building a Culture of Innovation04:30 - The Ideas Cards & Journal06:30 - Authenticity in the Digital Age16:42 - The Ideas Framework13:42 - Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: 18:33 - Learning from Failure23:36 - Strategic Paralysis26:25 - Who Influenced Ben Whitaker the Most?28:50 - Giveaway

Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 19min
The 5-Minute Parenting Hack to Raise Resilient & Confident Kids | Nadim Saad on SEL & Wellbeing
The 5-Minute Parenting Hack to Raise Resilient & Confident Kids | Nadim Saad on SEL & WellbeingParenting and teaching don’t come with a manual… or do they? 🤔In this episode of The International Classroom Podcast, bestselling author and parenting expert Nadim Saad shares a simple 5-minute daily habit that helps children develop emotional resilience, confidence, and self-regulation. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and real-world experience, Nadim breaks down how social-emotional learning (SEL) can transform families, schools, and student well-being.🚀 Watch now to learn:✅ How to raise resilient kids without overwhelming them✅ The science of emotions and why suppressing feelings makes things worse✅ Why schools need SEL in the curriculum (and how to integrate it in just 5 minutes)✅ The 10 powers that give kids agency, confidence, and better mental health✅ How teachers can use simple SEL tools to create a thriving classroom environment📖 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:🔹 The Happy Confident Company Website🔹 Nadim Saad’s Books on Amazon🔹 The Feel It SEL Cards🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on education, AI, and teaching strategies!💬 What’s one SEL strategy you use in your classroom or at home? Drop it in the comments below!

Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 5min
The AI Revolution in Education: Ethics, Innovation & the Future of Learning with Susan Morrissey
As AI transforms education, how can schools integrate it ethically and effectively? In this episode of The International Classroom Podcast, host Alex sits down with Susan Morrissey, an education innovation strategist, to explore the critical challenges and opportunities AI presents in schools, universities, and beyond.🔹 Key Topics Covered:✅ The rise of AI in education – How institutions can adapt and innovate✅ Ethical AI implementation – The risks of data privacy, bias, and student security✅ AI vs. human intelligence – How to strike the perfect balance✅ Future-proofing education – What leaders, educators, and policymakers need to know✅ The global AI race – How China and the U.S. are shaping the future of AI-driven learning🎧 Why Listen? If you're an educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode provides essential insights into how AI is reshaping classrooms. Learn real-world strategies for upskilling teachers and protecting student data in an AI-driven world. Understand why AI literacy is non-negotiable for future success.🔗 Listen Now & Stay Ahead 👉 [Insert Link]📌 Subscribe & Follow for More:🔔 Never miss an episode! Follow The International Classroom Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for weekly deep dives into AI, EdTech, and the future of learning.#AIinEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #EdTech #EducationInnovation #FutureOfLearning #AIIntegration #EthicalAI #Podcast

Feb 9, 2025 • 43min
The Future of Education: AI, Innovation & High-Performance Schools with Vikas Pota
Welcome toThe International Classroom Podcast! In this episode, I'm joined byVikas Pota, aleading voice in global education,Founder & CEO of T4 Education, andformer Chairman of the Varkey Foundation. Together, weunpack the future of education, exploring howAI is transforming learning, howschools can innovate, and what it takes tobuild high-performance learning environments.✅AI’s Role in Education’s Future – How AI is reshapingteaching and learning, and what it means forschools, teachers, and students.✅The Blueprint for High-Performing Schools – Vikas shares whattruly makes a school excel in today’s education landscape.✅The Power of Global Collaboration – Howeducators and schools worldwide are working together to drivemeaningful change.✅The Hidden Curriculum & School Culture – Whya strong school culture is crucial for student success.✅Innovation Beyond Technology – Howreal-world learning experiences are shapingthe next generation of thinkers and leaders.If you’re aneducator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode is packed withactionable strategies to help you:✔Integrate AI into the classroom effectively.✔Scale innovation within your school.✔Strengthen school culture for long-term success.✔Develop high-impact teaching & leadership practices.📢Don’t miss this essential conversation! HitSUBSCRIBE for expert insights on AI, education leadership, and thefuture of learning.🎙️ Available onApple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube!🔗Connect with Vikas Pota & T4 Education:🌍 Website:T4Education.com💼 LinkedIn:Vikas Pota📢Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how YOU see the future of education evolving.#EducationPodcast #AIinEducation #SchoolLeadership #HighPerformanceSchools #EducationalInnovation #FutureOfLearning

Feb 2, 2025 • 42min
Rethinking Education for an AI Era: A Conversation with Tannya Jajal of AIDEN
In this episode, Alex Gray sits down with Tannya Jajal, Founder and CEO of AIDEN, to explore how AI is transforming classrooms worldwide. From moving beyond rote memorisation and test-based models to emphasising critical thinking, creativity, and ethical AI usage, Tannya shares a compelling vision for future-ready learning. Discover practical strategies for reimagining traditional curricula, empowering teachers, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Follow Tannya: LinkedInAIDEN: Website
🎬 Follow, listen and connect with me on other social platforms:LinktreeSubstack
If you’re passionate about future-ready skills, innovation in the classroom, and 21st-century learning, don’t miss this insightful conversation. Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay up-to-date with the latest in AI-driven education and beyond.

Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
From Teacher to Coach: Rory Courlander on Transforming Schools and Unlocking Student Potential
Is coaching the future of education? Join the International Classroom Podcast for this in-depth interview with Assistant Principal and ICF-Certified Coach, Rory Courlander, who shares how coaching is transforming schools, empowering teachers, and unlocking student potential. As the founder of Corelander Coaching and an IB Psychology Teacher at GEMS Dubai American Academy, Rory offers firsthand insights into building a culture of growth, boosting teacher well-being, and using reflective inquiry to foster purpose-driven leadership.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Proven coaching strategies that uplift teaching and learning
How to develop trust-based leadership and a coaching mindset in your school
Ways to reduce academic anxiety and help students take ownership of their success
The critical importance of well-being and self-reflection for educators
If you’re passionate about educational leadership, professional development, and personal growth, this conversation is a must-listen. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more high-impact discussions on transforming schools and shaping the future of global education.
---------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Rory: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-courlander/
Corelander Coaching: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corelander-coaching/?originalSubdomain=ae
---------------------------------------------------------------------🎬 Follow, listen and connect with me on other social platforms:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcast
Substack: https://substack.com/@theinternationalclassroom?r=4qrhps&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
---------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The International Classroom podcast for more episodes that bring you to the heart of educational innovation, and join us as we continue to explore how technology and traditional teaching methods can coexist to shape a brighter future for all learners.

Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 13min
Authentic Educational Leadership: Reducing Anxiety and Empowering Teachers (feat. Zoubiya Ahmed)
What does it take to create genuinely supportive schools that put teacher well-being at the core? In this episode, we dive deep into authentic leadership with award-winning educator and consultant Zoubiya Ahmed, who has over 20 years of experience across the UK, Middle East, and South Asia.
Zoubiya unpacks how reducing anxiety in school systems boosts teacher satisfaction, improves retention, and ultimately leads to better student outcomes.
Join us as we explore:
Practical Strategies for fostering a culture of empathy and human-centered leadership
Why psychological safety is the key to unlocking innovation in teaching and learning
Harnessing AI as a tool (not a crutch) for lesson planning and curriculum improvement
Insights into inclusion, equity, and addressing post-pandemic learning gaps
The importance of co-creation, trust, and self-leadership in driving school-wide change
If you’re passionate about educational leadership, teacher empowerment, and reshaping schools for the future, this conversation is a must-listen.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on teaching, innovation, and leadership, and share your biggest takeaway from Zoubiya’s strategies in the comments below!
---------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Zoubiya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoubiya/
---------------------------------------------------------------------🎬 Follow, listen and connect with me on other social platforms:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcast
Substack: https://substack.com/@theinternationalclassroom?r=4qrhps&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
---------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The International Classroom podcast for more episodes that bring you to the heart of educational innovation, and join us as we continue to explore how technology and traditional teaching methods can coexist to shape a brighter future for all learners.


