
Education Leaders
International chart-topping schools podcast for education leaders wanting to develop their leadership skills.Education Leaders (formerly Global Ed Leaders) is the chart topping podcast for school leaders working to make meaningful change in their schools. Through deep-dive interviews and strategic solo episodes, organisational coach Shane Leaning explores the real challenges facing today's school leaders - from building strong organisational identity to implementing sustainable change.Every other Tuesday, join conversations with renowned educators and thought leaders who share practical insights on school improvement, staff development, and cultural alignment. These authentic discussions offer actionable strategies for building confidence in your leadership and creating lasting impact in your school community.On alternate weeks, Shane delivers focused episodes that address the specific challenges of international school leadership - from managing diverse teams to driving purposeful innovation. Each episode provides clear, practical frameworks for developing your school's vision and turning ideas into action.Whether you're a department head, assistant principal, or school section leader, Education Leaders offers the insights and strategies you need to lead with confidence in today's rapidly evolving education sector.*Consistently ranked #1 schools podcast in Education category across multiple regions, including Hong Kong and South Africa (Apple Podcasts, 2024) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2024 • 10min
Should School Leaders Teach?
Are you struggling to decide whether school leaders should also spend time teaching? This episode is for you! I dive deep into the age-old argument of whether school leaders should step into the classroom. I explore both sides of the argument, sharing reasons why leaders might benefit from teaching and equally compelling reasons why they might not. With anecdotes,insights, and a bit of advice advice, this episode is set to offer international school leaders a nuanced perspective on this controversial debate.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.This episode is supported by the International Curriculum Association. Learn more here.About the hostAs an Organisational Coach for international schools, Shane Leaning help leaders drive meaningful change from the inside out. Through tailored coaching and professional learning, 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 provides the tools you need to create 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.

May 28, 2024 • 30min
The Power of a Team | A Conversation with Andrea Honigsfeld
Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld discusses the power of collaboration in education, stressing the importance of diverse perspectives and challenging biases. She highlights the significance of teamwork not just among teachers but also with paraprofessionals, coaches, administrators, and families for meaningful engagement and promoting cultural inclusivity.

May 20, 2024 • 10min
How to Manage Staff Room Negativity
Have you ever been caught in the crossfire of a staff room venting session? As leaders, it's a delicate tightrope to walk—balancing empathy with professionalism. This week, I break down the "C.A.L.M.I.T." model, a straightforward, six-step approach designed to help you navigate these challenging moments without losing your cool.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.

May 15, 2024 • 40min
LIVE: Why do parents choose international schools?
Join Shane Leaning and special guest Selina Boyd, International Editor for the Good Schools Guide, in this engaging bonus episode of Global Ed Leaders.Recorded live from a recent LinkedIn space, Shane and Selina explore with the community the complex reasons parents choose international schools. The conversation covers perceptions from parents and educators on international schools, the importance of community, leadership visibility, and the intangible factors that make a school feel right.09db670187626db63a3bd08727f98789d4ed069aThank 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.

May 13, 2024 • 37min
Linguistic oppression in international schools | A conversation with José Medina
Dr. José Medina discusses linguistic oppression in education and the need for linguistic liberation. He explains that linguistic oppression occurs when students are not allowed to fully leverage their entire linguistic repertoire, and are instead forced to focus solely on the language of power, which is often English. José emphasises the importance of metalinguistic awareness, which is the ability to make connections between languages in one's repertoire. He also introduces the concept of trans-languaging, which empowers students to use all of their language skills to access content learning. José calls for educators to create linguistically inclusive spaces and to model content language learning targets that incorporate the four plus one language domains.TakeawaysLinguistic oppression occurs when students are not allowed to fully leverage their entire linguistic repertoire.Metalinguistic awareness is the ability to make connections between languages in one's repertoire.Trans-languaging empowers students to use all of their language skills to access content learning.Educators should create linguistically inclusive spaces and model content language learning targets that incorporate the 4+1 language domains.LinksLanguage Magazine Article on ‘Content, Language, & Culture Learning Targets’José on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok & YouTubeJosé’s website: drjosemedina.comThank 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.

May 6, 2024 • 11min
How to see through a sales pitch
I explore what to do when you are approached with sales pitches as an international school leader. With a budget at your disposal, the challenge is often distinguishing genuine opportunities from sales noise. In this episode, I offer practical advice on how to critically assess these pitches, ensuring that any decision made is in the best interest of your school. I discuss five critical questions that every school leader should ask when approached by vendors. These questions are designed to evaluate whether the propositions align with existing school needs, are supported by robust evidence, and offer sustainable benefits. My aim is to equip you with the tools needed to approach these situations with confidence and make informed choices that have a real impact on your school.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.

9 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 37min
Why the best teachers rehearse | A conversation with Josh Goodrich
Josh Goodrich, author of Responsive Coaching and co-founder of StepLab, dives into the transformative power of rehearsal in teacher development. He emphasizes how modeling, deconstructing, and planning new teaching techniques can lead to implementation success. The need for social accountability and feedback is highlighted, showcasing how group rehearsal fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Goodrich shares insights on reducing anxiety through structured practice, ultimately enhancing teacher preparedness and confidence in real classroom dynamics.

Apr 23, 2024 • 33min
Should we still be talking about COVID? A conversation with Angie Wigford
This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.SummaryEducational psychologist, Dr. Angie Wigford, shares the findings of her survey conducted among students and educators across the Asia on the effects of COVID on international school students and staff. This is a repeat of Episode 6. Key PointsImpact of COVID-19 on Student Wellbeing: The conversation starts with Angie's research findings revealing heightened anxiety levels across all student age groups due to the pandemic. She also discusses the challenges of declining emotional regulation among students, especially in the older age brackets.Positive Outcomes amidst the Challenges: In the midst of the hurdles, a silver lining emerges with students showing an enhanced ability to use technology and work independently. The pandemic, despite its downsides, has driven positive changes in teaching and learning methodologies.Navigating the 'New Normal': There's a critical need to reassess and adapt to the 'new normal' in education. A major concern is the tendency to revert to pre-COVID-19 pedagogical practices. Angie advocates for an evolved approach that resonates with the current realities and needs of students and educators.Fostering Post-traumatic Growth: A highlight of the discussion is the concept of post-traumatic growth. Angie stresses the importance of leveraging the potential benefits of the situation, such as asynchronous learning, which would help redefine educational practices in international schools.The Well-being Agenda: The significance of well-being for both students and educators has become more prominent in the pandemic context. The need for an individualized well-being approach that takes into account the unique needs of students and educators forms the crux of the conversation.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 a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.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.

Apr 15, 2024 • 33min
Local Identities, International Classrooms| A Conversation with Simon Probert
This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.Simon Probert and I explore the evolution of British international schools in Asia, with a focus on the growth of British international education in Asia. The appeal of British international schools and the interaction between these schools and local education systems are discussed, as well as the importance of local identity are explored. The conversation also delves into the challenges of localising international schools and the post-colonial lens in British international schools.Simon talks about the idea of creating a third space in international schools and the future of international education and importance of reflection, collaboration, and autonomy in evolving international schools is emphasised, along with the need to empower students and define the future of internationalism.TakeawaysBritish international education has experienced significant growth in Asia, particularly in China, with the British curriculum and qualifications being highly sought after.International schools in China interact with the local education system in various ways, including through bilingual schools that explicitly teach the Chinese National Curriculum and international schools that have more freedom over the curriculum.Creating a bicultural curriculum that incorporates local values and identity alongside global citizenship is important in international schools.International schools need to reflect on their context, build collaborative relationships with parents and the local community, and ensure that staff understand the cultural context in which they are working.The future of international education lies in creating unique cultural spaces that bridge different nations and cultures, empowering students to be confident, articulate individuals with a sense of global citizenship.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 a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.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.

Apr 9, 2024 • 11min
Why Universities Need International School Students
This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.Universities around the world are prioritising internationalisation, which presents both opportunities and challenges for international schools. This report from The International Association of Universities highlights benefits such as enhanced international cooperation and enriched global knowledge for students. However, universities also struggle with competing priorities and finances. This trend may lead to an increased demand for students with international education, benefiting schools that offer international qualifications. It also opens up opportunities for better university partnerships and pathways directly with international schools.TakeawaysUniversities are prioritising internationalisation in higher education, valuing international mindedness and global perspectives.International schools may benefit from an increased demand for students with international education and qualifications.There are opportunities for better university partnerships and pathways directly with schools.The trend towards internationalisation may also lead to a more competitive market for international schools.Defining internationalism and addressing challenges such as competing priorities and finances are important for both universities and international schools.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 a passionate organisational development coach with over 15 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.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.
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