The International Schools Podcast

Join us for a conversation with Emily, Dennis, and Bryce from Earth Day as we explore the impact of climate change and how international schools can prepare students for the challenges ahead. Our guests will share the key skills, values, and knowledge needed to guide students through these complex issues. How can schools create pathways that help educators and students understand and tackle these challenges? From climate literacy to environmental activism, how can schools balance educating children about the climate crisis with empowering them to become change-makers? This conversation aims to support and inspire international educators in better understanding how to engage with this complex issue.

About Emily Walker

Emily has a Bachelor's Degree from George Mason University in Anthropology with a minor in Linguistics. She went on to get her Masters in Education from The College of William & Mary. 

Emily has had a love for people, places, and education. Her academic background has allowed her to view the field of education with a holistic lens. 

Her love for learning & development in K-12 schools, has given her classroom experience teaching a variety of learners. A focus of hers in the classroom is science and literacy. These two subjects together can expand the minds of learners and really allow for understanding of the world on a deeper level.

This love for sharing knowledge brought Emily to seek out an opportunity with EARTHDAY.ORG as an education coordinator supporting educators in the diverse educational systems. Providing education and advocacy resources for environmental minded educators. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-walker-professional/  

About Dennis Nolasco

Dennis is a former English Language Arts teacher from Falls Church, Virginia. He started as a middle school English as a Second Language teacher for 5 years for Fairfax County Public County Schools where he won the George Mason Exemplary Early Educator Award. He then moved to California and taught English Language Arts for Los Angeles Unified School District for two years. He now works on implementing climate education legislation both at the federal and state levels as well as internationally with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. Dennis believes that it is important to incorporate environmental justice into all aspects of climate education.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-nolasco/   

About Bryce Coon

Bryce joined Earthday.org in July 2023. Before joining Earthday.org, Bryce worked as a high school educator for over ten years and enjoyed finding opportunities to incorporate climate education into all his courses, including economics, psychology, and government. Throughout his teaching career, Bryce participated in international fellowships where he studied climate education and policy in Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Bryce has a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary social sciences from Michigan State University and a master's in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education. Outside of work, Bryce enjoys traveling and hiking with his dog.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-coon/ 
Bryce Bio Reel: https://vimeo.com/884546010/843ba71e24 

Resources

• THE SCHOOL GUIDE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
•  A Five Step Guide to Addressing Climate Change With Kids Article
• Climate Education Page 
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• Green Jobs and the Green Economy
• The Climate Education vs Climate Crisis Report
• EDUCATION WEEK OP ED
• Article In Forbes

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

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Join us for a conversation with Stacy Stephens, Director of The International Educator (TIE). We'll take this opportunity to explore TIE's rich history, its mission, and how it connects to international schools and educators. We'll discuss how TIE's current focuses and services have evolved over time. With the accelerated changes being experienced by both online and offline newspapers and organizations supporting international schools and educators, what does the future look like for The International Educator and international schools?

About Stacy Stephens

Stacy is an experienced educator with a rich background spanning over two decades across diverse international schools. With an international career starting in 2001, she has held teaching and leadership roles in Kuwait, Argentina, India, China, and Malaysia. For the past 10 years, Stacy has served as a Director of Teaching and Learning at the American School of New Delhi, the International School of Beijing, and the International School of Kuala Lumpur. She has a master's degree in Educational Leadership and has both extensive training and dedication to facilitative decision-making and effective leadership methodologies. Alongside her work with TIE, Stacy offers consulting services to schools and is specialized in supporting schools to create critical systems to impact student learning. Her recent work is focused on SEL program development, teacher growth and appraisal and strategic planning.

Stacy Stephens on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curriculumstace 

Resources

TIE: www.tieonline.com
Vision.Systems.Impact. Collaborative www.vsicollaborative.com 
International SEL Framework www.internationalsel.com 

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

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation  with Keri-Lee creator of the Media Mentor Month and Sandra and Alex co-collaborators share about  #mediamentormonth which  is a global education initiative designed to help parents/teachers develop a supportive relationship with their children/students around digital technologies and media. Together they share their approach, collaboration, designs, why this initiative and the challenges and opportunities educators and families are juggling with students /children's media consumption.  

About Keri-Lee Beasley

25 years in education across New Zealand, the UK, Indonesia, Singapore, Switzerland and now Beijing has fueled Keri-Lee’s passion for integrating tech for learning. Currently, she is the HS Learning and Tech Coach at the Western Academy of Beijing. Off-duty, she’s into culinary adventures, fiction, travel, and gardening. As a Mum of teens, she started #MediaMentorMonth to help families navigate tech positively.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/klbeasley 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klbeasley/ 

About Sandra Chow

Sandra Chow has taught in public and international schools in Toronto, Taiwan, and Beijing. She is currently the Director of Digital & Innovative Learning at Keystone Academy, Beijing. She brings over 20 years of global education experience. With a diverse professional background as a professional accountant, educational consultant, and cross-cultural educator, she offers a unique perspective to her leadership role. She enjoys meaningful connections and community, and is passionate about empowering students and educators to thrive in a globally diverse society.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/watnunu 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-chow/ 

About Alex McMillan

Alex McMillan is a High School Tech Coach at Shanghai American School, Puxi, with over a decade of experience in education and a background in commercial photography/advertising. Co-author of “Designing for Understanding” and “Saigon Artbook”, Alex loves to integrate design and technology to enhance teaching and learning. His interests include digital music, Generative AI, photography, drones, and volcano hunting. Having lived in Asia for 17 years, Alex is now expanding his role as an educational consultant, helping schools develop guidance around Generative AI. He frequently speaks at conferences like 21st Century Learning HK, ISTE, and Vietnam Tech Conference.

Twitter: https://x.com/MrAlexEdTech  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mcmillan-58b576154/ 

Resources

https://klbeasley.wordpress.com/ 

Media Mentor Month
https://klbeasley.wordpress.com/2024/02/29/media-mentor-month-24/ 

Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media

What Kind of Digital Parent Are You? | SafeSpace

Parents & carers | Childnet

Welcome to MediaSmarts | MediaSmarts

https://alexmcmillan.co/ 

https://genaiforschools.com/ 

https://sites.google.com/view/future-ready-collaborative/ 

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

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation in the heart of Europe, where we explore with 4  Directors of IT and international educators, the unique opportunities and challenges of living and working in international schools in Warsaw, Poland; Vienna, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic, Budapest, and Hungary. Our guests share their experiences of adapting to different cities and regions, being IT Directors in these regions, and how they have navigated the culture of both school and country as international educators.

About Geoffrey Derry

Not a computer geek who teaches, a teacher who computer geeks.

A passionate educator who loves disrupting education through the use of Information Technology. Especially when it makes life simpler and student learning better. Always asking the big question! WHY? 

I have been an Elementary teacher, a MYP Design, Mathematics, and Science teacher, a deputy Principal, and a Principal over a career spanning 25 years. The last twelve have been in international schools in China, Malaysia, and Poland. During this career, I have had an IT coaching / coordinating role for the last 18 years. I am currently the Director of Technology at the American School of Warsaw.

An Apple distinguished educator (2011), Google Certified Innovator, and a Google Certified Trainer. Most importantly a doting father to two small children.

Twitter: @gderry 
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/geoffderry

About Bryan Wiedeman

I’m an international educator originally from Ontario, Canada. My family and I have been overseas for almost 20 years now and have lived and worked in South Korea, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Austria. I come from an education background with an Ed Degree and a Masters in Educational Technology

Never been a big social media user or consumer. However, you can connect with me on LinkedIn at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-wiedeman-77990428/ 

About Brian Farrell

Brian has a diverse international education background, having worked previously in schools in Canada, Japan, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates as a technology leader, librarian, and classroom teacher. Currently, he serves as Director of Technology and Innovation at the American International School of Budapest, where he leads all operational and educational technology programs. Brian completed masters degrees at the University of British Columbia and Imperial College London, and has several leading edtech, data privacy, and project management certifications. While generally very much engaged with technology, Brian does still enjoy the analog pursuits of photography, exploring the outdoors with his family, and reading books made out of dead trees.

LinkedIn
Twitter

About Sheldon Bradshaw

Sheldon has spent the last 25 years as an international educator, having left Canada in the late-90’s! He’s worked in schools in China, Japan, Kuwait, Indonesia, and Czech Republic as a Technology Coach, Homeroom, Math, and Science Teacher. Sheldon is currently the Director of Educational Technology at the International School of Prague, leading both technical and educational teams. 

LinkedIn
Twitter

Resources

• Drive - By Daniel Pink 
• Contextual Wellbeing - Helen Street
• Managing Transitions - William Bridges
• Innovators Mindset - George Curos
• Ben Collins - Everything Google Sheets plus more
• TRC Tech Director Talk - A forum for Tech directors and other tech informed educators.
• Lazarus Heist Podcast - Hackers, North Korea and billions of dollars.
• How to be successful - Sam Altmann - Great read I came across last week
• The Curiosity Chronicle - Sahil Bloom - Bi-weekly newsletter about self-improvement
• Superhuman AI - Daily Artificial Intelligence newsletter I’m reading to stay on top of the constantly evolving AI field
• National Cyber Security Centre - Reports and advisories from the UK government
• Security News Digest - Weekly cybersecurity newsletter from the province of British Columbia, Canada
• ArsTechnica - General technology news site
• IAPP Privacy Advisor - Data protection and privacy news
• NOYB - European data protection and privacy advocacy group
• Darknet Diaries - Podcast of ‘true stories from the dark side of the internet’
• Search Engine - Podcast that ‘answers the kinds of questions you might ask the internet when you can’t sleep’
• We Regret to Inform You - Podcast that covers ‘the fascinating stories of successful people who triumphed over debilitating career rejection’
• Shifting Schools: conversations for K-12 educators. Anything Tricia Friedman puts out should be required reading.
• Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators - See above.
• A Bit of Optimism - Simon Sinek’s podcast. We all need a bit of optimism….
• Revisionist History - Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast. A unique way of looking at the world.
• TRC Tech Director Talk - Great community for tech directors.
• Last Week in AI - summary of what’s going on. Always something interesting

Part way through - liking them so far!

• Wonder: Childhood and the Lifelong Love of Science. Frank Keil
• The Power of Giving Away Power. Matthew Barzun

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

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Join us for a conversation with Fred Mednick, founder of the Teachers without Border (TWB) organisation. We'll explore TWB's contributions to education and professional development. Fred will share stories and reflections from his new book, In The Small Places about teachers as central protagonists in global change. We'll also explore themes of education for girls, education in emergencies, peace education, and human rights education.

About Fred Mednick

A former principal in Los Angeles and Seattle, Dr. Fred Mednick founded Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in 2000 to connect teachers to information and each other to close the education divide. All initiatives are conceived and led by teachers in developing countries. Members represent 171 countries. 

Teachers Without Borders has been awarded the Champion of African Education Award, the Luxembourg Peace Prize, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for Peace. 

Mednick has taught at Johns Hopkins University and is Professor Emeritus at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. While a principal, he wrote:  Rebel Without a Car:  Surviving and Appreciating Your Child’s Teen Years. His new book we’re highlighting tonight, In the Small Places: Stories of Teacher Changemakers and the Power of Human Agency, is a testament to teachers as central protagonists in the global change-making space. Mednick describes local heroes tackling some of the world’s most intractable challenges— education in emergencies, peace and human rights education, and girls’ education.

Fred Mednick on Social Media

Twitter/X:  https://x.com/teachersnetwork 
LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/company/twbglobal/   
Instagram: https://instagram.com/twbglobal/  

Resources

There is a long list of resources we consult and offer. Our website focuses on resources developed around our themes.

Check out: https://teacherswithoutborders.org/learnmore.  This will lead you to our various themes. 

We are encouraging participation and want to develop a new section: Action Paths where you can get involved.

The book, “In the Small Places:  Stories of Teacher Changemakers and the Power of Human Agency” has resources and a discussion guide.

JOIN Teachers Without Borders for free on our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/teacherswithoutborders. 

Contact Fred Mednick: 
+1-206-356-4731
fred@twb.org
info@twb.org 

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

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial