Education Leaders

Ann McPhee discusses leadership in an international context and the importance of cultural understanding and effective induction processes. She highlights the pitfalls of autocratic leadership and the myth of strong leadership, emphasising the importance of empathy, listening, and reflection. McPhee also emphasizes the power of soft leadership and the impact of small interactions and relationships in leadership. Overall, the conversation reveals the core of leadership as working with people and prioritizing their needs. Takeaways·     Leadership in an international context requires cultural understanding and effective induction processes.·     Autocratic leadership can lead to bullying and ineffective leadership.·     Strong leadership is not about being loud or directive, but about empathy, listening, and reflection.·     Soft leadership is not weak leadership, but a focus on people and relationships.·     Small interactions and relationships are essential in effective leadership.·     Putting people first is at the core of leadership. Links Ann McPhee on LinkedInGet Ann and Pam’s book, ‘International Schools: Navigating Leadership Culture & Context’ This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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.

Here’s a refreshing 5-minute meditation, custom-made for international education leaders by Adele Burdon-Bailey, a psychotherapist from Priory, one of the UK's leading independent providers of mental health care and adult social care.It's short, it's calming, and it can be practiced whenever you need a moment of peace and reflection.Due to previous popularity, this episode is a repeat from last Summer. This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. 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.

I talk with Alex Seigel on how educational trips are a valuable part of a school's curriculum, providing students with transformative experiences and fostering intercultural understanding. And a great trip includes a balance of key sites and unique experiences, tailored to the interests and educational goals of the students. Adventure leaders and local experts play a crucial role in organising and guiding the trips, providing insights into the destinations and facilitating connections with local communities. These trips can have a long-lasting impact on students' lives and careers, and it is important for schools to assess and measure this impact. Overall, educational trips offer a powerful way to enhance learning and broaden students' perspectives. TakeawaysA great educational trip includes a balance of key sites and unique experiences.Adventure leaders and local experts play a crucial role in organizing and guiding the trips.Educational trips foster intercultural understanding and can have a long-lasting impact on students' lives and careers.It is important for schools to assess and measure the impact of educational trips.Links Alex Seigel on LinkedInThe Learning Adventure This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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.

In this episode, I muse on the recent UK general election and its implications for education. With the Labour Party's victory and Keir Starmer becoming Prime Minister, there’s a palpable sense of hope and excitement among many educators. I discuss my observations from the Festival of Education and reflect on how schools might navigate these changes.Drawing from my career in system-level leadership, I explore the importance of local leadership versus systemic change. Schools with a strong internal purpose and community engagement often weather changes more effectively. I share insights from my work with Efraim Lerner on our book, Change Starts Here, and our not-for-profit, Work Collaborative, emphasising the power of local decision-making in schools.Links & Resources: Work Collaborative: workcollaborative.comFestival of Education: Festival of Education This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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.

The conversation focuses on suicide education and the proposed changes in the UK curriculum to include suicide prevention training for students. The guests, Debi Roberts and Professor Zaffer Iqbal, discuss the need for early intervention and prevention strategies rather than focusing solely on identifying signs of suicidal thoughts. They emphasize the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary skills and resources to support students' mental health. There is concern about the burden this places on teachers and the lack of robust training in suicide prevention. The conversation highlights the need for a long-term approach to address the complex issue of suicide. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the underlying causes of suicide rather than just focusing on treatment. It emphasizes the need to enhance emotional skills and resilience in young people to prevent suicide. The lack of evidence-based suicide prevention treatments is also discussed. The conversation raises questions about the effectiveness of teaching suicide education in schools and suggests that critical thinking skills and multi-sectoral collaboration are also important. The importance of sharing stories of resilience and providing hope is emphasized.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.

In this special episode, host Shane Leaning shares a recording from a session he co-presented with Efraim Lerner at the Festival of Education in the UK. They discuss their new model for driving organisational change in schools from within rather than relying on outside consultants and experts.Shane and Efraim believe that many schools have become overly dependent on external guidance, leading to a loss of confidence and agency among educators. Their model aims to empower schools to regain control and make decisions at the local level by tapping into the collective wisdom and expertise that already exists within the school community. By engaging diverse stakeholders in a structured process of discovery, alignment, exploration, and delivery, schools can drive sustainable change that genuinely meets their unique needs and challenges. This episode will work best if you listen along while looking at the model. You can find the model here.LinksGet involved with Work CollaborativeVisit the Work Collaborative Website This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education. Previously, Shane was the Regional Head of Teacher Development for Nord Anglia Education’s China bilingual schools, overseeing professional development across 11 schools. He holds an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and is a certified organisational development coach. Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. He is a CollectiveEd Fellow, an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust in the UK, and a TEDx speaker. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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.

Tom Sherrington, an experienced educator and consultant known for his influential work in teaching strategies, shares his educational journey and insights on personal branding. He discusses the challenges of blogging and public speaking, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and honesty in online interactions. Tom sheds light on his experiences running a school in tough circumstances and the role of humility in teaching. He also highlights the significance of collaborative professional development and the power of engaging content in shaping educational practices.

This conversation explores the concept of being a ruckus maker in education and the role of a Mastermind community in supporting school leaders. Chief Ruckus-Maker, Danny Bauer and I explore challenges faced by leaders, the structure and benefits of a mastermind, and the impact it has on participants. The conversation also emphasises the importance of continuous growth, collaboration, and creating sustainable leadership in education. TakeawaysBeing a ruckus maker in education means challenging the status quo and designing a better future for schools.The Ruckus Maker Mastermind provides a supportive community for school leaders to learn, grow, and solve challenges together.The mastermind focuses on authenticity, belonging, and challenge to create a sustainable leadership development model.Joining a mastermind or getting coaching can help school leaders continue their growth and create meaningful change in education.Learn more about Danny and his work at betterleadersbetterschools.com This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostShane Leaning is an independent organisational coach based in Shanghai, collaborating with international schools and agencies globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative, a community dedicated to inside-out change in education, and hosts the chart-topping podcast, Global Ed Leaders.Passionate about creating agency in schools and empowering leaders, Shane is co-authoring 'Change Starts Here,' due for release in Summer 2024. Living internationally since 2012, with extensive experience in China and Asia, Shane is a recognised voice in international education leadership.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.

I take a critical look at the growing popularity of infographics and one-pagers in education. While I acknowledge their aesthetic appeal and potential as conversation starters, as exemplified by the brilliant work of Jamie Clark and the WalkThrus guides, I argue that an overreliance on these simplified visual guides may be holding educators back from deeper understanding and effective implementation. I believe we need to think critically about how we use these tools to ensure they don't become a substitute for nuanced discussions and context-specific adaptations. Key takeawaysThe Nuance Problem: Infographics, by nature, can't capture the full complexity and nuance of educational ideas and practices, potentially leading to oversimplification and misunderstanding.Context Matters: Educators must adapt and contextualize infographics to their unique school settings, considering cultural, social, and institutional factors that can't be represented in a one-size-fits-all visual.The Implementation Gap: Infographics alone can't bridge the gap between theory and practice. Effective professional development requires a range of mechanisms beyond just attractive visuals.Thinking Critically: To avoid "lethal mutations" of educational ideas, educators must approach infographics with a critical eye, using them as departure points for deeper discussion and understanding rather than as comprehensive solutions. Throughout the episode, I provide practical tips for using infographics effectively in professional development, such as fostering critical discussions, adapting to school context, planning for implementation challenges, and integrating reflective practice. Whether you're a fan of infographics or sceptical of their value, this episode will challenge you to rethink the role of simplified visual guides in education and offer strategies for going beyond the surface level to achieve meaningful change in your school. This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostAs an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.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.

If you're an international school leader grappling with teacher retention or looking to empower your staff, this episode is a must-listen. I dive deep into the complexities of transitioning experienced educators into new roles and schools, alongside Sarah Kupke—a leader in professional learning and development at ECIS. We dive into strategies for mentoring, professional growth, and nurturing a positive school culture that values every teacher’s strengths at any career stage.LinksECISSarah Kupke on LinkedIn This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here. Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIn. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com. About the hostAs an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and strategic models, he helps schools transform not just leadership skills but their entire organisation. Whether it's through The International School Leadership Academy, the Global Ed Leaders Podcast, or one-on-one coaching, Shane provide the tools and community you need to make a sustainable impact in your school.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.