

Education Leaders | Strategic School Leadership
Shane Leaning | School Leadership & Organisational Development Coach
Strategic school leadership insights for education leaders who want to drive meaningful change and build thriving school communities.What if the most powerful leadership strategies were hiding in plain sight? Education Leaders uncovers the evidence-based approaches that separate truly effective school leaders from the rest. Through compelling interviews and strategic deep-dives, organisational coach Shane Leaning reveals the real challenges facing today's education leaders, and the practical solutions that actually work.Every other Tuesday, discover how renowned educators and thought leaders tackle school improvement, staff development, and cultural transformation. You'll learn actionable strategies you can implement immediately to build confidence in your leadership and create lasting impact in your school community.On alternate weeks, Shane delivers focused episodes that address the leadership challenges you face daily: managing diverse teams, driving innovation, building organisational identity, and implementing sustainable change. Each episode offers clear, research-backed frameworks for developing your leadership capacity.Whether you're a department head questioning your next move, an assistant principal navigating complexities of a big team, or a superintendent driving district-wide change, Education Leaders provides the strategic insights you need to lead with confidence.Consistently ranked #1 schools podcast in Education category across multiple regions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 27, 2024 • 20min
Learning a second language? Develop your mother tongue
This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.In revisiting my 2017 TEDx talk on the importance of home languages in global education, I delve into why nurturing native languages remains crucial. Sharing personal stories and insights, I highlight the cognitive and emotional benefits of bilingualism, particularly in a global context. Through examples like a Korean student's experience in China and policy shifts in Hong Kong, I advocate for a balanced language learning approach that integrates cultural and linguistic heritage.Key Quotes "Use a word 10 times and it shall be yours for life." - Highlighting the misconception of language acquisition through mere repetition."Our mother tongues are an essential part of our thinking minds and identities." - Emphasising the intrinsic value of home languages."Most children around the world attend schools which teach in a language different to their mother tongue." - On the prevalence of cross-linguistic education."The tips of the icebergs represent the surface features of our languages...they're connected under the water." - Describing the dual iceberg model of bilingualism."Review, read, relax." - Proposing a three-step approach to nurturing bilingual children.Click here to watch the original TEDx Talk online.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. About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 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.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 2024 • 39min
What Connects British International Schools? | A Conversation with John Gwyn Jones
This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.In this episode I sit down with the esteemed John Gwyn Jones MBE to delve into the dynamic world of international education and leadership. John provides invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing diversity and cultural differences in schools across Asia. Drawing on his extensive experience, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of British international schools, touching upon vital topics such as inclusivity and the global influence of the UK's education system. John's perspective illuminates the significance of community and collaboration, factors that remain crucial in the constantly shifting terrain of international education. Overview- Introduction and background of John Gwyn Jones’s career within international education.- The evolution of British international schools and the UK curriculum's global impact.- Addressing diversity and cultural differences in schooling systems, particularly in Asia.- Examination of FOBISIA’s role in supporting British international schools in the region.- The benefits and challenges faced by teachers working in international schools, especially when considering returning to the UK.- The shift towards virtual and hybrid learning methods as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.- The strategies for fostering a sense of community and belonging within the FOBISIA network.- The growth of FOBISIA beyond Asia, indicating the increasing demand for British education around the globe.- The future of education technology and the hybrid model of schooling post-COVID.- John’s vision for international schools and the role of FOBISIA in leading innovation and supporting educators. Learn more about FOBISIA 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. For international school leadership tips, subscribe to my newsletter here. About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 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.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 15, 2024 • 49min
LIVE: Are International Schools Cutting Corners? A Look Into Accountability
This is a recording of the latest Global Ed Leaders LIVE X Space where we took a deep dive into the multifaceted realm of accountability in international schools, exploring the tug-of-war between educational integrity and corporate influence. Joined by Dan Rosen and a host of experienced voices in the field, we peeled back the layers of what accountability means in an environment where diverse cultural contexts and business models coexist. We tackled the gritty details of how international schools navigate the complex web of governing boards, IB guidelines, and the often elusive quest for balance between profit and pedagogy.Venturing beyond the confines of formal accountability frameworks, we proposed a compelling perspective: Are the guardians of these educational institutions primarily accountable to themselves? We grappled with the enigma of 'whizbang' schooling and its resilience amidst privileged environments.The conversation culminated in a call to action; recognising the instrumental role that leaders hold in cultivating potent teaching forces, and ultimately, in defining and delivering on a school's core purpose.This frank exchange left us with more questions than answers—a hallmark of a truly reflective discussion on school accountability that resonates with the complexity of international schooling.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 12, 2024 • 16min
Gamifying Professional Development: The Scorecard Method
Exploring effective professional development in international schools through the Education Endowment Foundation's 14 mechanisms, with a focus on gamifying PD. Additional mechanisms cater to unique challenges in international schools for sustainable improvement.

Feb 8, 2024 • 34min
Guest Episode: Nurturing the Cultural Richness of International Schools
GUEST EPISODEWelcome to the Principled podcast.In this episode, Matt Hall and Naomi Ward of Making Stuff Better are joined by Shane Leaning, international school leadership and organisational development coach, and creator and host of the Global Ed Leaders podcast for leaders shaping education on a global scale.They discuss cultural differences in communication, decision making, authority and criticism; lessons from a valuable and little-known resource; and the power of a coaching-style approach to leadership. How can we foster organisational health in international schools where cultural differences might result in vastly different approaches to crucial elements such as decision making or authority? What measures can we implement to overcome barriers presented by these differences? And how powerful can adaptability and curiosity really be?Resource mentioned in episode: Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters: https://www.coe.int/en/web/autobiography-intercultural-encounters --------------------------------------To get in touch with Shane, you can find him online here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaningshane/Website: https://www.shaneleaning.com/Global Ed Leaders Podcast: https://www.shaneleaning.com/podcastJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 2024 • 34min
Cut Back to Achieve More in Your School | A Conversation with Arran Hamilton
Arran Hamilton, Author and Group Director of Education at Cognition Education, discusses the concept of doing less to achieve more in education. He highlights the process of de-implementation in schools, emphasizing the need to prioritize high-impact initiatives. The conversation explores the challenges of unlearning ingrained practices and offers valuable guidance for school leaders seeking to streamline their practices for better outcomes.

Feb 1, 2024 • 45min
LIVE: Why do we teach music in schools?
This is a recording of Global Ed Leaders LIVE, a live Space hosted every week on X. Our theme this week focused on the relevance of music education in schools. I was delighted to co-host with Dan Guerrard, and we were joined by some outstanding voices from across the world.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 2024 • 12min
Which Social Media Platform is Best for Educators?
Exploring the transformative role of social media in education, with a focus on X and LinkedIn. Discussing unique features, community dynamics, and meaningful interactions for educators. Highlighting the benefits of short interactions, hashtag conversations, and live audio spaces. Exploring the concept of an 'everything app' and the competition in the social media landscape.

Jan 23, 2024 • 38min
China’s Future in International Education | A Conversation with Julian Fisher
(REPLAY OF EPISODE 1)In this episode, I spoke to Julian Fisher, the co-founder of Venture Education, a market intelligence consultancy focusing on education in China. If you're an international education leader, you won't want to miss this fascinating discussion on the Chinese education system including the challenges of maintaining a strong school culture in a diverse and constantly changing environment.Here are some of the key takeaways:The Chinese school system is not uniform and varies from school to school, with some using more open teaching styles and group work.The best schools in China are arguably government schools where Chinese families prioritize their children attending good schools and universities in China, rather than international ones.The traditional model of international schools is seen by some with a somewhat neo-colonialist nature, and the transactional nature of the engagements.A school with a strong culture that lasts beyond any one leader or any one member of staff is crucial.Bilingual or international schools offer an advantage in terms of individual support for students.Chinese families have historically been brave and willing to explore opportunities, such as studying overseas.To learn more about Julian’s work and Venture Education, visit their website at https://www.ventureeducation.org/.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.For international school leadership tips, subscribe to my newsletter here. About the hostShane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 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.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 2024 • 60min
LIVE: AI In International Schools
In this special bonus episode of Global Ed Leaders, streamed live on X Spaces, the conversation centers on AI in International Schools. My co-host was Paul Matthews from Tasmania and CEO of https://www.myteacheraide.com/.The episode features a diverse panel of educators from around the world.Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.