The International Schools Podcast is hosted by Dan Taylor and John Mikton. It explores how education is changing and what that means for people working in and around international schools.
Through conversations with educators, school leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other voices from around the world, the podcast looks at leadership, AI and digital change, innovation, school culture, organisational development, and the wider changes shaping education.
The aim is to keep the conversations practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real experience.
Episodes
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
56 min
This episode looks at what it really means for an international school to be part of its local community. Michael and Jessica talk about the difference between simply helping and building real relationships based on trust, listening, and respect. They also reflect on belonging, responsibility, and the danger of schools living in a bubble. At the heart of the conversation is a simple question: would the local community feel as connected to the school as the school believes it is?
About Michael W. Adams, Ed.D
Michael W. Adams, Ed.D. is the Chief Learning Officer who Fosters Joyful & Caring Spaces so People can Thrive also known as Executive Director of the Association of American Schools of Central America, Colombia-Caribbean and Mexico (The Tri-Association).
Michael is an experienced international educator and school leader who has worked across Colombia and Mexico as a teacher, counselor, principal, director, and superintendent. He grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and graduated from the American School in Japan. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota and has spent more than 30 years working in international education.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwadams64/
About Jessica Benitez
Jessica Benítez is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Colegio Jorge Washington (COJOWA) in Cartagena, Colombia. She leads the school’s work in service learning and community engagement, helping students connect classroom learning with meaningful action in their local community.
With a background in peace and conflict studies, Jessica focuses on building respectful and sustainable community partnerships. Her work supports students and teachers in exploring global citizenship, social responsibility, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals through real-world learning experiences.
Resources
https://www.tri-association.org/about-us/executive-director
www.tri-association.org
https://botellasdeamor.org/
Solidarity for Colombia
https://cojowa.edu.co/
5 Essentials from COJOWA: How One School is Getting Service Learning Right
Fundación COJOWA (@fundacion_cojowa) • Instagram photos and videos
https://inspirecitizens.org/vignettes/2022/6/28/embedding-service-learning-one-schools-journey
COJOWA Keynote AMISA LeadCon25
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
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