WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?

A Quick Summary: The hosts of "Where's Your Head At?" engage in a deep and philosophical conversation with Stuart MacAlpine, an experienced international educator and consultant. The discussion moves quickly from Stuart's diverse background, including his time at the Lego Foundation and Green School New Zealand, to profound questions about the current state and future of international education. Stuart challenges the traditional definitions of "international" schools and explores post-humanist ideas, suggesting a shift from a focus on "becoming" to a focus on "being" and "staying with the trouble" of the present moment. Bio: Stuart has worked in various roles related to teaching and learning, and has a strong interest in learning design. He was director of teaching and learning at UWCSEA with our own James Dalziel, working on the design and implementation of the curriculum, and went on to work as founding principal of Green School New Zealand, founding director of Education at Amala, and work at the LEGO Foundation in Denmark, leading their technical consulting teams on learning through play, before returning to Scotland where he is working in the local system whilst pursuing his doctorate at Cambridge focused on the conceptualisation of learning goals, His book The Hesscairn Guide to Learning came out in December, and AAA+, a guide to concept-based teaching for understanding, is coming out in April and will be available for preorder very shortly from all major online retailers and direct from Ingrove. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Conversation Points and Insights: The Evolution of International Education: Stuart reflects on how the traditional distinctions of international schools—diverse populations and concept-based curricula—are becoming common in local systems worldwide, potentially making the "international" label less meaningful. "Being" vs. "Becoming": A central theme of the conversation is the educational obsession with the future—what a child will become. Stuart advocates for honoring children as they are now, emphasizing the importance of "flourishing childhood" in the present. Post-Humanism and Education: Stuart introduces post-humanist perspectives, questioning the Western, neoliberal logic of constant progress and "future salvation". He suggests education should focus more on our entangled relationship with the world, including nature and AI. De-cluttering the Curriculum: The conversation touches on the need to leave space in the school day for play and relationships rather than constantly layering on new requirements and frameworks. The Role of Leadership: For school leaders, Stuart suggests a shift in focus toward the nature of relationships being cultivated and being brave enough to value the present moment over operationalized future goals. Stuart's Recommended Reading: For those interested in exploring these ideas further, Stuart recommends the following authors and works: Donna Haraway: Specifically her book, Staying with the Trouble. Karen Barad: Meeting the Universe Halfway. Friedrich Nietzsche: For his foundational influence on these philosophical shifts. Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education. Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary: In this engaging conversation, Peter shares his transformative journey from struggling middle school student to independent school leadership expert. He discusses the critical business challenges facing independent schools in the United States, the widening financial gap between revenue and operational costs, and why traditional leadership training hasn't prepared heads of school for the entrepreneurial demands of their roles. Bio: Peter has spent the past 20+ years serving independent schools, including five years as the Chief Member Relations Officer at the Enrollment Management Association, and as board member, and champion for independent schools, with a primary goal of helping schools and school leaders succeed. Today, through MoonshotOS, he helps schools execute their strategic plans and strengthen the business skills required to navigate an increasingly complex school model. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Conversation Points and Insights: Personal Journey & Transformation (0:00-7:00) Peter's life-changing experience at a New Hampshire boarding school From academic probation to complete transformation Career path through independent schools, nonprofits, and ed-tech (Whipple Hill/Blackbaud) Role at Enrollment Management Association (EMA) The Business Model Crisis (7:00-18:00) 2019 research on the future of independent school business models COVID's impact on the sector 200+ interviews with heads of school revealing unprecedented pressure The realization that most school leaders receive zero business training Key Challenges Facing Independent Schools (18:00-28:00) Hiring & retention crisis: Teachers leaving due to increased demands without additional compensation Increased competition: Public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, online schools, micro schools, homeschooling The amplified promise: Schools must differentiate more strongly while absorbing costs of new programs (SEL, etc.) The widening gap: Financial gap between tuition revenue and operating costs has grown from 20% to 30% in just two years Generational shifts: Gen Z and Millennials seeking work-life flexibility that brick-and-mortar schools struggle to provide Solutions & Recommendations (28:00-End) Building business competencies into leadership development pipelines earlier Self-assessment for aspiring leaders across entrepreneurial strategy, finance, operations, and marketing Leveraging resources: podcasts, business books, YouTube, professional development The role of AI in potentially buying back time for educators Importance of auxiliary revenue and entrepreneurial thinking Creating "unreasonable hospitality" for families (inspired by 11 Madison Park) Memorable Moments: The Thanksgiving phone call from teacher Richard Faye that changed Peter's life The importance of leaders who give you "room to make mistakes" Resources Mentioned: Ian Simmons (management consultant and provocateur) National Business Officers Association (NBOA) Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Podcast episodes: John Farber on what boards look for; David Sullivan on auxiliary revenue Moonshot OS (Peter's company) Connect with Peter: Website: moonshotos.com Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education. Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary: Welcome to a special milestone episode of "Where's Your Head at – The International Education Podcast." In this 25th episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald turn the spotlight on themselves, reflecting on the journey so far and the most impactful moments from their conversations with educational leaders and trailblazers around the world. In this episode: The hosts revisit standout guests and episodes, including insights from Bambi Betts on the barriers to change in international schools, Jane Larson's powerful communication, and Fidelis Ntenge's advocacy for student-centered leadership. They discuss the importance of building networks for school leaders, as highlighted by Alan Morrison's research on leadership transitions. The conversation explores the evolving role of AI in education, with references to thought leaders like Yong Zhao, and the need to rethink the "grammar" of education. The team reflects on the significance of relational trust in schools, drawing from Sue Chandler's work, and the importance of wellbeing and mentorship for school leaders, inspired by Deirdre Fisher. The hosts share personal takeaways from producing the podcast, emphasizing the value of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning in international education. Key Themes: Change and risk in international education The double bottom line: learning and business The power of networks and mentorship for leaders The impact of AI and technology on schools The enduring importance of relationships, trust, and wellbeing The joy and privilege of learning from diverse voices in education Connect with the hosts: Visit education2morrow.com to learn more, share your thoughts, or suggest future guests. Thank you for joining us on this journey—here's to many more episodes of learning and growth together! Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education. Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary: This episode of "Where's Your Head At?" features Dr. Allan Morrison, an experienced educator and researcher, discussing his extensive research on the tenure and challenges of international school heads. We explore Dr. Morrison's career path, including his teaching and leadership experiences in various countries. Dr. Morrison shares highlights from his doctoral research, revealing that the average tenure of international school heads is gradually increasing, with factors such as school type (not-for-profit vs. for-profit), location, board governance, and personal circumstances all playing significant roles. He emphasizes the importance of trust, clear communication, and board relationships in leader longevity, and discusses the main reasons why heads transition between schools. The conversation also covers key competencies for aspiring school heads, especially financial management, and the value of ongoing professional development and networking. The episode concludes with encouragement for international school leaders to connect, learn, and support each other in navigating the complex world of educational leadership. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: Introduction and Shout Out Richard Henry introduces the podcast "Where's Your Head At" and its focus on international education. Richard Henry gives a shout out to Cheryl Proctor for her work with an association supporting young girls in shelter homes. Richard Henry reflects on the variables in the world of education and the great work being done. Dr. Allan Morrison's Career Journey Richard Henry welcomes Dr. Allan Morrison and congratulates him on his doctorate. Dr. Morrison shares his career journey, starting with his Bachelor of Ed at the University of Toronto and his teaching experience in Japan. Dr. Morrison discusses his move to Tokyo, his leadership roles in Japan, and his transition to Hong Kong. Dr. Morrison's Research on International School Leaders James Dalziel and James McDonald express interest in Dr. Morrison's research on international school leaders. Dr. Morrison explains his MBA dissertation on international school leaders and the characteristics that help them go beyond the status quo. Dr. Morrison shares the findings of his doctoral research, including the average tenure of international school heads and the factors influencing turnover. Factors Influencing Tenure of International School Heads Dr. Morrison discusses the structural and individual factors influencing the tenure of international school heads. He highlights the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit schools, the impact of location, nationality, and the number of headships on tenure. Dr. Morrison explains the recruitment process and the impact of internal versus external recruitment on tenure. Governance and Leadership Challenges Dr. Morrison delves into the relationship between school heads and their boards, using principal agency theory. He discusses the challenges of governance, including board size, nationality, and the impact of board stability on tenure. Dr. Morrison emphasizes the importance of clear communication and trust between the head and the board. Professional Development and Competencies for School Heads James Dalziel asks about the professional development and competencies needed for school heads. Dr. Morrison outlines the three categories of leadership qualities: setting directions, developing people, and developing the organization. He highlights the importance of financial competence and the challenges of managing finances in the role of a school head. Networks and Support Systems for School Heads James Dalziel inquires about the networks and support systems for school heads. Dr. Morrison mentions the importance of conferences and networking with other school heads for professional support. He notes that while networks were not a major focus of his research, they are crucial for the peace of mind and professional growth of school heads. Conclusion and Contact Information Richard Henry thanks Dr. Morrison for his insights and contributions to the podcast. Dr. Morrison provides his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about his research. The hosts express their appreciation for the conversation and invite listeners to connect with them through their website. Show notes created by https://podium.page

"Leadership styles, strategic insights and operational challenges." A Quick Summary In this episode of the 'Where's Your Head At' podcast, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald discuss key leadership insights in the field of international education. They discuss the importance of people and relationships, the unpredictability of change, and the balance between operational effectiveness and strategic innovation. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, such as dealing with significant natural disasters, and the challenges of transitioning roles within educational leadership. The episode emphasizes the value of staying focused on student learning and the need for school leaders to understand both educational and business aspects to lead effectively. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:49 Hosts' Personal Updates 02:04 Leadership Lessons and Realizations 02:39 The Human Factor in Leadership 04:51 Challenges of Implementing Change 06:10 Decision Making and Strategy 09:07 Balancing Business and Education 12:51 Operational and Strategic Leadership 20:57 Personal Leadership Philosophies 34:28 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement Show notes created by https://podium.page

"AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change." A Quick Summary This episode of the podcast 'Where's Your Head At?' featured a conversation with Dr. Yong Zhao, a distinguished professor in education. The hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engaged in an insightful discussion about the future of international education and AI's role in transforming education. Dr. Zhao shared his unique educational journey, describing how he entered education because he was 'bad at farming' during China's Cultural Revolution. He emphasized that his success came from giving up on areas where he struggled rather than maintaining a 'growth mindset.' Regarding international education, Dr. Zhao praised its progressive nature while acknowledging the pressures faced by international schools. He highlighted how international education defies traditional measurements like PISA scores and represents a valuable cultural experience beyond territorial boundaries. On the topic of AI in education, Dr. Zhao argued that education hasn't significantly improved despite numerous reforms. He emphasized that using AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change their approach. He advocated for personalization in education and redefining learning as 'doing' rather than traditional teaching methods. Dr. Zhao criticized the current educational system's focus on meritocracy and standardized measurements. He suggested that schools should move away from forcing children to compete and instead embrace personalization and problem-solving. He emphasized the importance of finding problems rather than just solving them in the AI age. Regarding school leadership, Dr. Zhao advised leaders to focus on their core responsibilities and create opportunities for others to contribute. He emphasized the importance of having a moral mission and thinking philosophically about education's role in shaping civilization's future. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: 00:02:38 Introduction to Dr. Yong Zhao and His Background Richard Henry introduced Dr. Zhao as a foundation distinguished professor at the University of Kansas, highlighting his extensive career including positions at the University of Oregon and Michigan State University. His background includes founding various educational centers and publishing over 100 articles and nearly 40 books. 00:05:58 Personal Educational Journey Dr. Zhao shared his unique path into education, starting in rural Sichuan during the Cultural Revolution. He emphasized how being 'bad at farming' led him to education, challenging conventional wisdom about growth mindset. 00:09:50 State of International Education Dr. Zhao discussed the current state of international education, praising its progressive nature while acknowledging the pressures faced by international schools. He highlighted how international education represents a style that defies traditional measurements. 00:13:11 AI's Role in Education Transformation Dr. Zhao emphasized that education hasn't significantly improved despite reforms, arguing that AI won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change their approach to teaching and learning. 00:39:38 Rethinking Educational Leadership Dr. Zhao advised school leaders to focus on their core responsibilities and create opportunities for others to contribute. He emphasized the importance of having a moral mission and thinking philosophically about education's role. Bio Dr. Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. He has held several prominent positions, including Presidential Chair, Associate Dean, and Director of the Institute for Global and Online Education at the University of Oregon, and University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where he founded the Center for Teaching and Technology and served as executive director of both the Confucius Institute and the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Education and a fellow of the International Academy of Education. Dr. Zhao has received numerous awards, such as the Early Career Award from AERA, the Outstanding Public Educator award from the Horace Mann League, the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Education Publishers, the ACEL Nganakarrawa Award, and the AECT 2022 Outstanding Digital Learning Artifact Award and AECT Distinguished Development Award. His work often explores the implications of globalization and technology on education. An accomplished author, Dr. Zhao has published over 100 articles and nearly 40 books. Throughout his nearly four-decade-long career, he has led several large-scale research projects, directed research and practice centers, designed schools, curricula, and textbooks, and developed software systems for learning and professional purposes. His collaborations span teachers, schools, professional organizations, businesses, and governments across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and Europe. Originally from Sichuan Province, China, Dr. Zhao earned his B.A. in English Language Education from the Sichuan Institute of Foreign Languages in 1986. After six years of teaching English in China, he moved to the United States as a visiting scholar at Linfield College in 1992. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a master's degree in Education in 1994 and a Ph.D. in 1996. Dr. Zhao joined the faculty at Michigan State University in 1996 after serving as the Language Center Coordinator at Willamette University and a language specialist at Hamilton College. Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary In this episode of "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Deidre Fischer, an experienced educational leader and consultant, shares her profound insights into international education. The conversation explores her remarkable career journey, from a typing teacher to an international school leader and executive coach, while discussing critical challenges and opportunities in modern education. Deidre emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond school, focusing on holistic learning, skills development, and challenging traditional metrics of success. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Highlights: International Education Journey: Deidre's career evolved from teaching typing in small Australian country schools to leading international schools in Mongolia, Philippines, and Bali Educational Philosophy: Strong belief in preparing students for life, not just university, by developing transferable skills and helping students discover their passions Community and Wellbeing: Highlighted the increased focus on holistic community wellness, especially post-COVID, involving students, staff, and parents Challenging Success Metrics: Critiqued the overemphasis on numerical scores and university entrance requirements as limited measures of student potential Leadership Advice: Encouraged young leaders to be proactive, volunteer, gain diverse experiences, and be open to new challenges Coaching Perspective: Advocated for executive coaching as a critical support mechanism for school leaders to unlock their potential Future Vision: Imagined schools as places where students genuinely enjoy learning and are equipped with skills to navigate an evolving world Bio Deidre Fischer is a seasoned educational leader and executive leadership coach with extensive experience in International Baccalaureate (IB) education. As a former Head of IB Schools, she is trained to facilitate the IB Leadership series of workshops, demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence. In addition to her extensive head of school experience, she has set up her own education consulting company, works half-time for the Council of International Schools (www.cois.org) as a School Support and Evaluation Officer and volunteered time for the EARCOS Board of Trustees (www.earcos.org), Basketball South Australia Commission (www.basketballsa.com.au) and Rotary International. Deidre's consultancy business offers a range of services, including executive leadership coaching, leadership and management training workshops, and professional learning sessions, both face-to-face and online. In her practice, Deidre emphasizes the importance of modeling the attributes of the IB Learner Profile, striving to be principled, open-minded, and reflective in her approach. Recognized as an exemplary transformational leader, Deidre is mission-driven and strategically focused on fostering innovative practices among school leaders. Show notes created by https://podium.page

"my hope is that we will actually use the learning sciences, neuropsychology, cognitive science and psychology in service of this thing called schooling" A Quick Summary In this episode of Where's Your Head At, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel and James McDonald dive deep into the world of international education with the esteemed Bambi Betts. With over three decades of experience, Bambi has dedicated her career to fostering leadership and professional development within international schools. As the founder of the Principals' Training Center, she has influenced countless educators and leaders in international settings. She recounts her own journey in education, starting from her unique upbringing in Hollywood, California, to her extensive career across various international schools. The discussion covers her perspectives on the evolving landscape of education, the significance of teacher professional development, and the critical role of leadership in enhancing student outcomes. Listeners will gain insights into Bambi's personal philosophy on education, her experiences working in over 150 different schools, and her approach to addressing the complexities of curriculum leadership, governance, and instructional strategies. The episode serves as both an inspiration for aspiring educators and a call to action for established leaders to prioritize ongoing learning and collaboration within their institutions. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that not only celebrates the accomplishments of education leaders like Bambi Betts but also provides listeners with actionable ideas to enhance their own educational practices in an increasingly interconnected world. Bio Bambi Betts has been working in the international education world for over three decades. She is the director of the Principals' Training Center for International School Leadership (PTC) and founder of additional training centers for international teachers, teacher leaders, counselors and governance members. Bambi has been actively involved with the PTC since its inception as a course developer, trainer, and co-trainer for the Essential Skills courses. She has served as director, principal and teacher in international schools for over 30 years and been a consultant in over 150 international schools, conducting professional development sessions on a wide range of topics related to the effective international school, including assessment, curriculum leadership, teacher leader strategies, instructional strategies, faculty evaluation, and governance. Bambi also serves on the governing board of 2 international schools in Haiti and Cambodia, is a founding member of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH) and serves as the president of the Overseas Schools Assistance Corp. (OSAC) non-profit which offers online news and recruitment services to international schools through The International Educator (TIE). Show notes created by https://podium.page

A Quick Summary Unlock the keys to effective educational governance and marketing strategies in our latest episode! Join Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald as we navigate this topic from Brisbane, Bangkok, and Brussels. We're honored to welcome Russell Russell Speirs, founder of RS Academics, who enlightens us on the indispensable relationship between school leaders and their boards. Learn from Russell's vast experience in school leadership recruitment and governance consultancy, and discover how good governance can transform educational environments. Our discussion then shifts toward the future of education governance, addressing the pressing challenges of the current exam-centric systems which exist in many countries. Explore how international schools are pioneering more innovative and inclusive assessment methods that truly reflect the diverse purposes of education. We also touch on the vital need for improved teaching techniques in the Arabic world to foster a stronger appreciation and command of the Arabic language. This segment is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to understand the evolving landscape of global education. Finally, we tackle the intricacies of marketing for international schools, emphasizing the power of customer retention over acquisition. Drawing parallels with luxury goods marketing, we advocate for a personalized, high-touch approach that builds enduring trust with families. Russell shares actionable strategies from his esteemed career, offering a fresh perspective on how educational institutions can enhance their marketing efforts. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice and visionary ideas for the education sector! Show notes In this episode… (0:00:00) - Global Education Trends and Governance Introduction to International Education Podcast, discussing effective governance in school leadership and guest Russell Russell Speirs' work in recruitment and consultancy. (0:11:18) - Future Directions for Education Governance Exam dominance, lack of innovation, need for better governance, diverse assessment methods, improved Arabic teaching. (0:16:33) - Effective Marketing in Education Sector Marketing for international schools should prioritize customer retention, exceptional communication and service, and the unique significance of education. (0:20:55) - Marketing Strategies in School Sector Marketing principles for educational institutions, emphasizing personalized, high-touch approach and lessons from various industries. Show notes created by https://podium.page

"I am still gobsmacked that there are still schools hiring people without checking a reference." - James Dalziel A Quick Summary In this engaging conversation, join us as we navigate the critical world of recruitment within schools and the profound impact it has. We understand the importance of investing time and energy to ensure the best candidates are chosen for our schools, striking the right balance of professionalism and humanity. We also discuss the unique challenges of recruiting for international schools, highlighting the importance of flexibility in scheduling and timing. Show notes In this episode… (0:00:00) - Recruitment (8 Minutes) We explore the importance of recruitment for schools, and how it can have a tremendous positive or negative impact. We need to invest time and energy to make sure the best candidates are chosen for the school, and the importance of finding those with a balance of professionalism and humanity who are able to work well with others. (0:07:53) - Importance of Hiring the Right Candidates (12 Minutes) We discuss the challenge of recruiting the right teachers and the importance of understanding the context of individual vacancies. We look into the factors to consider when selecting the best candidate, from resume, references, and school they graduated from, to the team they're joining and the energy they bring to the group. We also explore the role of references in the recruitment process and the importance of understanding the biases of the interviewer. (0:19:29) - Implementing Diversity in Schools (4 Minutes) We examine the complexities of introducing diversity into our school workforce and the importance of ensuring our decision-making is transparent and clear. To further promote internationalism, we investigate ways to recruit people outside of traditional networks and how to factor in lived experiences when searching for teachers and staff. Show notes created by https://podium.page Reference material: The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by William McRaven The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt

"Don't be overwhelmed. Think about the little things that we can do"- Jennifer Groff PhD A Quick Summary The "Where's Your Head At" hosts chat with Kam Chohan, the Executive Director of ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International Schools). ECIS exists as a professional life-force for members, a vibrant network of thoughtful doers and change-makers. Kam describes the importance of her work in DEIJ and child protection as well as her role as the first woman of colour to lead a major international school organisation. She also shares her love of reading and her commitment to social justice. Show notes In this episode… Introduction of Kam Chohan (3.06) How did Kam's career start? (5.10) What are we getting right in education today? (7.00) What is the new normal in education? (9.00) What are the easy wins for school leaders? (13.10) The strategic direction of ECIS (16.45) How do you say "no" to the network of constituents? (20.45) If Kam could start again would she do anything differently? (22.45) Were there specific moments, or individuals, who helped Kam in her career? (25.00) Biographies/books/models which Kam has used for her leadership (27.30) How to contact Kam (29.40) Bio Kam Chohan Kam Chohan is the Executive Director of ECIS. With an impressive background in education and leadership, Kam is a learning leader and brings insight, wisdom, and compassion to the role. She has demonstrated the ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships that contribute to personal and organisational development and improvement. As an example of her commitment to student learning, Kam worked with the UK Government's Behaviour Insights Team to apply the Nudge Theory to improve student outcomes on a national level. As Chief Operating Officer for ECIS, Kam demonstrated, high aptitude for financial reporting, forecasting, analytical ability, scenario analysis, and financial implications of business and educational models. Kam is committed to social justice and equity through diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding in international education. At the NEASC 2022 Conference in Boston, Kam Chohan, ECIS Executive Director, was presented with the prestigious NEASC 1885 Award for Exemplary Service to Education "in recognition and appreciation of the quiet contribution, the achievements both acclaimed and unknown, and the personal sacrifices made for the benefit of all." Link ECIS - https://www.ecis.org/about-ecis/

"The single most important factor in our wellbeing, happiness and longevity … quality of the social connections that we build." - Dr. Helen Kelly A Quick Summary How can leaders ensure the wellbeing of staff...and themselves? The "Where's Your Head At" hosts welcome Dr. Helen Kelly, who has worked in various roles inside and outside of the education sector. In this show, we hear about Helen's research into wellbeing in schools including practical examples and ideas as to what is needed to support students, teachers, and leaders. Show notes In this episode… Introduction for Dr. Helen Kelly (2.40) Why did Helen choose this topic for her research? (4.40) What themes has Helen found from her research? (7.00) Do we have a realistic idea of what a crisis looks like? (10.01) The long-term impact of the pandemic and what can we do about that? (11.55) Can resilience be taught? (15.45) What advice does Helen have for leaders? (19.00) Would Helen change anything in her past, what would that be? (25.40) Advice for school leaders to avoid burnout (27.00) How to contact Helen (30.15) Bio Dr. Helen Kelly Helen Kelly is a researcher, writer, and speaker in the field of school wellbeing. Between 2006 and 2020, when she retired from her work as a school principal, Helen led international schools in Bangkok, Berlin, and Hong Kong. Prior to this, she spent a decade as a member of the English legal profession, representing employees in the area of health and safety at work, with a focus on industrial accidents and diseases. Helen is most known for her work on school leader stress and wellbeing. She was awarded an Ed.D from the University of Birmingham, UK in 2017 with a thesis entitled "International Schools as Emotional Arenas: Facing the Leadership Challenges in a German Context". She also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. Through her work as The Positive Principal, she aims to provide practical support to teachers, school leaders, and those responsible for running and supporting schools, to enhance wellbeing and maximise the potential of the whole school community. Links Positive Principal: https://drhelenkelly.com/ The secret to happiness?: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-secret-to-happiness-heres-some-advice-from-the-longest-running-study-on-happiness-2017100512543 PERMA+ model: https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/ Permah Survey: https://permahsurvey.com/