The International Schools Podcast

https://www.theinternationalschoolspodcast.com/feed.xml

Hosted by John Mikton and Dan Taylor. Every two weeks we discuss all aspects of technology and life in International Schools.

Episodes

4 days ago

163 - Leading in the In-Between

4 days ago

Well-being and Leadership in times of change and complexity.

About Kristen MacConnell

Kristen MacConnell, Ph.D is a seasoned international school leader and lifelong educator dedicated to cultivating future-ready learners through joy, curiosity, and inclusion. Currently serving as the Elementary Principal at the American School of Barcelona, she brings decades of experience supporting educators and schools around the world. Kristen’s work has spanned leadership development, curriculum design, and instructional coaching, always grounded in the belief that every learner belongs and has something meaningful to contribute. With a deep commitment to generosity, authenticity, and continuous growth, Kristen helps teams build cultures where both adults and children thrive.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-macconnell-ph-d-08751231/

About Dan Kerr

Dan Kerr is a passionate international school leader with over two decades of experience in education across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Currently the Middle School Principal at Saigon South International School and an Adjunct Professor at Endicott College, Dan brings a deep commitment to building joyful, inclusive school communities. Known for his relational leadership and belief in the power of positive school culture, Dan’s work is grounded in connection, care, and a deep belief in every learner’s potential. His leadership journey has been shaped by a dedication to student voice, teacher growth, and the magic that happens when schools are built on trust and shared purpose.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/

Resources

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org

Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com

Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube

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Saturday Aug 16, 2025

162 - From Classroom to Vision: Educators Turned Founders in the Age of AI

Saturday Aug 16, 2025

A conversation about navigating change, sharing purpose, and supporting schools through the complexities of Al in education.

About Rachel Bodily

Rachel Bodily is an experienced international educator and Co-Founder of Eblana Learning. With over a decade in IB schools, she has taught MYP Mathematics, coordinated service learning, and supported inclusive education. Her journey with AI in education began early, driven by a desire to make complex ideas accessible to teachers. After connecting with co-founder Rita at IBGC, they created Eblana Learning to provide clear, practical guidance on AI for schools. Rachel now focuses on supporting educators and leaders as they navigate rapid technological change with confidence and purpose.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bodily/

About Rita Bateson

Rita Bateson is the Co-Founder and Director of Education at Eblana Learning. With over two decades of experience in international education, she has served as a teacher, curriculum leader, and school head across Europe and beyond. Rita’s work has always centered on empowering educators through curriculum design and principled leadership. She was a Senior Curriculum Manager at the IB and the founding Head of Secondary at Nord Anglia Dublin, where she helped guide the school through rapid growth and programme authorisation. At Eblana Learning, Rita draws on her experience to help schools engage with AI in ways that are ethical, meaningful, and aligned with IB values.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868/

Resources

https://eblanalearning.com/

Friday Aug 08, 2025

161 - Bridging Divides: Sustaining DEIJ in a Shifting Global Landscape

Friday Aug 08, 2025

Leading with heart and strategy in a changing world.

About Yasmine Aslam - Hashmi

Yasmine Hashmi is a passionate educator, DEIJ advocate, and global leader dedicated to inspiring positive change through education. With a career spanning over two decades, Yasmine has taught in classrooms across Canada, Korea, and Switzerland, and has taken on leadership roles ranging from curriculum development to professional learning facilitation. As a co-facilitator of the ECIS DEIJ Leadership Development Cohort, she champions equity, inclusion, and critical thinking in schools worldwide. Yasmine believes in empowering students to become responsible, empathetic citizens by fostering a holistic and globally-minded perspective.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-aslam-hashmi/

About Nunana Nyomi

Nunana Nyomi is a dedicated international school leader, committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning communities. Currently serving as the Secondary School Principal at the International School of Geneva's Campus des Nations, Nunana brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, university advising, and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) advocacy. His career spans roles at Leysin American School and the Council of International Schools, where he led global initiatives to support student success and equity. Nunana is passionate about empowering students to thrive academically while becoming responsible, compassionate global citizens.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nunana-nyomi-7a91447a/

Resources

Saturday Jul 19, 2025

160 - International Teacher Staffroom

Saturday Jul 19, 2025

Global Voices, Shared Challenges, Real Support

About Aimee Skidmore

Aimée is an international educator, teaching and learning coach, and obsessive tinkerer of better ways to teach and lead. She’s built and runs a coaching program at an international school, and works with teachers and leaders who want students to step up and share responsibility for learning.

A big believer in co-designing learning with students, she helps teachers move from doing most of the work to creating spaces where students think, engage, and take ownership.

Right now, she’s in a deep dive on AI in the classroom, figuring out how to make tech work for teachers instead of overwhelming them.

When she’s not coaching or experimenting with new ways to make learning more meaningful for her students, she’s podcasting about the messy, exciting world of international education.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeeskidmoreeducator/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC6ZRi

About Jacob Rosch

Jacob Rosch is the Director of Education Technology at Collège du Léman International School, Experienced Head of Educational Technology with a demonstrated history of leading pedagogical initiatives in primary/secondary education. Skilled in Blended Learning, Instructional Design, Learning Management Systems and Professional Development delivery.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-rosch-14929886/

Resources

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-teacher-staffroom/id1782209965
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) from CAST - https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
https://www.oneusefulthing.org/
https://www.litpartners.ai/
https://ditchthattextbook.com/competencies/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-teacher-staffroom/id1782209965

Monday Jul 07, 2025

159 - Women Leading Change in Education

Monday Jul 07, 2025

Empowering women in education to lead with confidence, challenge barriers, and drive change.

Liz Free
CEO International School Rheitnal
Co-Strategic Lead Europe WomenEd

Vivienne Porritt OBE
Co-founder Global Strategic Leader #WomenEd

Nancy Squicciarini
Head of the Middle Leader Certificate for ECIS
Co-Strategic Lead Europe WomenEd

About Liz Free

Liz Free is a co-founder of #WomenEd Nederlands and Strategic Leader for #WomenEd Europe. Liz has been a teacher and head teacher in some of the world’s leading schools and is now a globally recognised leader of education talent, continuing professional development and learning. Liz was the founding Director of the International Leadership Academy, the British School in the Netherlands and is now CEO and Director of the International School Rheintal in Switzerland.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-free/

About Vivienne Porritt

Vivienne Porritt OBE is Co-founder, Trustee and Global Strategic Leader of #WomenEd, a global charity which empowers aspiring and existing women leaders in education.

Vivienne supports school and trust leaders with vision, strategy, professional learning and development, impact evaluation and DEIJ. She is a former Vice President of the Chartered College of Teaching and holds several governance roles.

Vivienne is a former secondary headteacher and Director for School Partnerships at University College London Institute of Education. She is a coach and writes for practitioner and academic journals and is co-editor.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-porritt-obe-frsa-fcct/

About Nancy Squicciarini

Nancy is Head of the Middle Leader Certificate for the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS). With over 35 years of experience as an international school educator, she has held several leadership roles.

Nancy is a member of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), which is a worldwide community promoting excellence in facilitation practices.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-lhoest-squicciarini-64563838/

Resources