In this episode, I speak with Neil Renton, headteacher, and Julie Wellacott, HR professional, who are pioneering flexible working approaches in UK schools through their work as Flexible Working Ambassadors.Episode Highlights:What is flexible working? Giving teachers greater control over how much, when, and where they workHow Neil's school has transformed to employ 50 teachers with some form of "part-timeness"The mindset shift required from school leaders to embrace flexibilityWhy "reason-neutral" approaches prevent bias when considering flexible working requestsSimple starting points for leaders wanting to explore flexible working optionsResearch showing that one-fifth of teachers who leave the profession move to part-time roles outside educationHow flexible arrangements like sabbaticals and phased retirement help retain experienced educatorsCreating a school culture where staff feel comfortable requesting flexibilityKey Takeaways:Flexible working isn't just about part-time hours - it encompasses location, scheduling, and workloadThe cultural shift required is substantial but pays dividends in retention and teacher wellbeingSmall, incremental changes can make a significant difference to individual teachersStart with an honest assessment of your school's current approach to flexibilityBoth research evidence and individual stories can help persuade reluctant leadersLinks Mentioned:Neil's Article in SecEdFlexible Working ToolkitEpisode PartnerThe International Curriculum Association: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you overwhelmed by tasks that others could tackle? Discover a transformative delegation framework that helps leaders reclaim their time. Explore the nine levels of delegation, emphasizing clarity and tailored approaches based on task complexity. Learn how cultural factors influence delegation dynamics and how to progressively develop your team's skills. Plus, take on a challenge to clarify your delegation style in your upcoming conversations. Transform your leadership and boost your team's confidence!

Shane Leaning and Chris Scorer discuss the launch of a new community platform for educators, focusing on trust and connection. They highlight challenges posed by digital saturation for both students and educators and stress the need for balance in productivity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating both online and offline spaces that foster authentic engagement. Insights into navigating the complexities of leadership and evolving concepts of masculinity in education are explored, promoting meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

In this engaging conversation, Ross McGill, a globally recognized educator known as Teacher Toolkit, shares his innovative perspectives on feedback in education. He challenges outdated marking practices by presenting a framework involving nine feedback approaches that prioritize student trust and actionable insights. Ross emphasizes the importance of communication and relationships in effective feedback. He also explores strategies to reduce teacher workload while advocating for systemic changes to enhance mental health and teaching effectiveness in today’s landscape.

Grades give us comfort and numbers feel concrete. But what if our obsession with quantifying learning is actually getting in the way of understanding it? Today, we're rethinking assessment.Shane Leaning speaks with Amarbeer Singh Gill and Jennifer Curran from Ambition Institute about assessment in education. The conversation challenges our reliance on grades and numbers, exploring the limitations of traditional assessment methods and offering insights into more meaningful approaches to understanding student learning.Key Topics DiscussedThe difference between attainment and progress, and why they require different assessment approachesWhy grades can be misleading without shared understanding of their meaningThe false sense of security that numerical scores can provideThe importance of ongoing formative assessment in the classroomFinding the right balance between measuring learning and facilitating itHow school leaders can evaluate and improve their assessment practicesGuest LinksAmarbeer Singh Gill (Singh): @SinghAmarbeerGJennifer Curran (Jen): @jennimc_dResourcesProfessor Becky Allen's blog on progress Daisy Christodoulou's book "Making Good Progress"Article by Singh and Jen on assessmentEpisode PartnersThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the essential role of sustainability in change management within education. Discover how continuous transformation can be embedded into an organization's culture. Uncover the importance of human connections and community support in making change last. Learn to normalize failure and foster experimentation to enhance resilience. Reflect on past initiatives to build stronger foundations for future growth. Finally, find strategies to integrate change into daily routines, making it a seamless part of the educational experience.

Ryan Parke (The Men's Coach) shares his personal experience with the suicide of a friend and explores the complexities of male mental health. He discusses the common belief that men don't talk about their feelings, which he challenges. Ryan and I particularly delve into the role of testosterone in men's health, debunking myths about its effects and emphasising the importance of lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, exercise, and sobriety in maintaining healthy testosterone levels. He provides practical advice for improving men's health and wellbeing, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of male mental health issues.TakeawaysMen's mental health is often misunderstood; communication is not the only solution.Testosterone plays a crucial role in both physical and mental health.Lifestyle changes can significantly impact testosterone levels:Sleep is vital for testosterone production and overall health.Diet, particularly fat intake, affects testosterone levels.Regular exercise is more effective than antidepressants for mental health.Vitamin D is essential for testosterone production.Alcohol consumption can drastically lower testosterone levels.Understanding testosterone can motivate young men to prioritise their health.Resources Mentioned:The Men's Coach (Ryan's website) - themenscoach.co.ukOLLIE FoundationOver 1200 studies on male mental healthEpisode PartnersThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com.Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Plans are worthless, but planning is everything" - Eisenhower's wisdom applies perfectly to school change. In this episode of the organizational change series, Shane explores the crucial delivery phase where planning meets reality.Key Points:The delivery stage comes after six previous stages in the change processWhy the model is front-loaded with preparation rather than implementationHow to choose the most appropriate option for your communityUnderstanding and acknowledging the consequences of changeThe importance of clear accountability in successful deliveryWhy buy-in should already be established before the delivery phaseResources Mentioned:Double Diamond ModelThe Fearless Organization by Amy EdmondsonRight Kind of Wrong by Amy EdmondsonJohn Kotter's Eight Step ProcessEducation Endowment Foundation Implementation GuideRelated Episodes:Previous episodes in the Change SeriesEpisode PartnersThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com.Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation explores the role of teacher educators, their unique challenges, and the dynamics of career transitions within the education sector. Dr. Ciara O' Donnell discusses the identity transformation that occurs during secondment, the impact of educational policies on teacher retention, and the skills required to effectively educate teachers. Our discussion highlights the importance of professional learning and the privilege of working with fellow educators to drive meaningful change in the education system.TakeawaysTeacher educators are a diverse and distinct group within the profession.Career dynamics and teacher life phases influence decisions to move into teacher education.Secondment can lead to identity transformation and disconnection from previous roles.Policies surrounding secondment can impact teacher retention negatively.Teacher educators often face challenges in navigating their roles and responsibilities.Effective teacher education requires understanding adult learning principles.Teacher educators play a vital role in bridging policy and practice.The role of a teacher educator is both a privilege and a challenge.Episode PartnersThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com.Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Leaning explores the delicate balance of learning enough to implement change without falling into analysis paralysis. He emphasises the importance of identifying knowledge gaps, questioning assumptions, and leveraging both internal and external expertise.The conversation also highlights the significance of assessing confidence in delivering change and knowing when to take action. Shane provides practical strategies for incremental learning and planning a change journey effectively.TakeawaysKnowing when you've learned enough to move forward with change can be tricky.Learning is not just about acquiring new skills; it's about questioning what we think we know.Identifying gaps in knowledge is crucial for effective change management.Incremental progress is more manageable than trying to become an expert overnight.Look beyond your usual circle for expertise and insights.Confidence in delivering change often signals underlying issues that need addressing.Learning can't just be front-loaded; it continues throughout the change process.Planning a change journey requires knowing the destination, waypoints, obstacles, and resources.Episode PartnersThe University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.ukThe International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn moreThank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.About the hostShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com.aHanIymP5cxBTuRPBLGtThank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.