Hosted by John Mikton and Dan Taylor. Every two weeks we discuss all aspects of technology and life in International Schools.
Episodes
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
In this conversation, Kim and Christina, authors of 'Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership,' provide invaluable insights for educators and leaders in international schools. Drawing from their experience as international school educators and leaders, they share the experiences that inspired their book. This discussion delves into the challenges and achievements encountered by women navigating the landscape of international school leadership, offering unique perspectives and guidance for women exploring educational leadership roles in an international setting.
About Kim Cofino
Kim has been an educator in international schools since August 2000. Having lived and worked in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, Kim has had a variety of roles in international schools, including (her favorite) instructional coach. Now based in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim is the Founder and CEO of Eduro Learning, author of Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge), host of the #coachbetter podcast, and the creator of the Eduro Learning The Coach, Women Who Lead, and COETAIL certificate programs. Find out more about Kim and Eduro at: https://www.edurolearning.com.
Kim Cofino on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimcofino/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superkimbo/
EduroLearning LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eduro-learning
EduroLearning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edurolearning/
Resources
KimCofino.com
Eduro Learning
#coachbetter podcast
Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge): includes links to substack, Book Study, Book Reviews, etc
Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (recent book chapter I wrote)
About Dr. Christina Botbyl
Dr. Christina Botbyl is an experienced teaching and learning leader in international education. She is a facilitator with the National School Reform Faculty leading Critical Friends Group coaches training and is currently the Chief Academic Director at an international school.
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
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
A conversation with Wolfgang, Brian, and Garland to gain deeper insights into their project, "Technology Readiness Council: Building". The TRC (https://technologyreadiness.org/) support schools with the capacity for Educational Innovation through Technology. This discussion focuses on Professional Learning and School Improvement Planning. We explore the origins of their project and how they chose to collaborate on it. Additionally, each member shares their personal thoughts on the future of digital environments and ecosystems in schools, particularly looking ahead to the year 2024.
Guests:
About Wolfgang Soeldner
ICT Campus Partner, International School of Geneva
Wolfgang is an experienced educational technology professional with over 18 years of experience in managing, developing, and integrating technology systems in schools. He has served in various leadership roles in international schools, including Head of Global Education, Secondary Technology & Learning Coordinator, Head of Learning Resources & Technology Coach, and Whole Campus Technology Coordinator. Wolfgang has developed and executed distance learning programs, implemented one-to-one iPad programs, and led the integration of educational technology across various schools. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and is certified as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator + Trainer, and Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2. Wolfgang is proud to be serving as a Board Member of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wsoeldner/
About Brian Lockwood
Director of Technology International School Manila
With over two decades of experience in educational technology, Brian has contributed his expertise to private schools in the United States and international educational institutions across Asia, Europe, and North America. Renowned for his divergent thinking, Brian possesses an ability to discern patterns and devise solutions for intricate problems that have yet to surface. His analytical prowess extends to dissecting problems from both user and network perspectives, enabling him to articulate elegant solutions to multifaceted challenges. Drawing from his upbringing as a Third Culture Kid, he brings a profound understanding of the students' lives in international school settings.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/how2what4/
About Garland Green
Director of Technology Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District
Garland has over twenty years of experience in educational technology in his native United States and abroad, serving as an educational technologist, school administrator, network engineer, and Director of Information Technology. He is a fierce advocate of the digital privacy of children and a certified GDPR Data Protection Officer. Garland’s area of concentration is on instructional leadership, educational technology, leaders’ impact on student learning, and the role leaders play in ensuring the digital privacy of the individual. Garland is proud to serve as a founder, and the Chairman of the Board of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/garland-h-green-jr-1523ab2/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ggreenaz
Resources:
https://technologyreadiness.org/
https://talk.techdirector.org/
Membership Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nVrFaTrwWVT-XjD3mPGMOg9mFXDNL8g2/view?usp=sharing
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
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Graeme will talk to us about his experience facilitating and participating in school accreditation and inspection visits for the Council of International Schools, New England Associates of Schools and Colleges, and British Schools Overseas. We discuss the structures, rationale and how schools engage with the process, and the dynamics that take place between accreditation and inspection of organisations and schools.
About Graeme Chisholm
Graeme Chisholm is a Co-Director at Riverside International School, Prague, Czech Republic (www.riversideschool.cz).
Before taking on the role of Co-Driector, he was the Primary Principal for 12 years and an Early Years and Primary teacher for 7 years.
Graeme has benefitted from his experience participating in NEASC / CIS accreditation visiting teams, and preparatory visiting teams for over 13 years.
Resources
Council of International School - Framework and Protocol
https://www.cois.org/for-schools/international-accreditation/framework-and-protocol
New England Associates of Schools and Colleges - Commission on International Education
https://www.neasc.org/international
NEASC ACE Pathway
International Taskforce on Child Protection
https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/international-taskforce-on-child-protection
International Taskforce Safeguarding Standards
British Schools Overseas Standards
British overseas schools reports
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
Saturday Feb 24, 2024
Saturday Feb 24, 2024
We take an opportunity to connect with a Swiss Roundtable of international school technology leaders sharing their perspectives, learnings and experiences working in Swiss international schools—both boarding and non boarding—and what it is like living in Switzerland as an international educator.
About Wolfgang Soeldner
Wolfgang is an experienced educational technology professional with over 20 years of experience in managing, developing, and integrating technology systems in schools. He has served in various leadership roles in international schools, including ICT Campus Partner, Head of Global Education, Secondary Technology & Learning Coordinator, Head of Learning Resources & Technology Coach, and Whole Campus Technology Coordinator. Wolfgang has developed and executed distance learning programs, implemented one-to-one iPad programs, and led the integration of educational technology across various schools. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and is certified as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator + Trainer, and Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2. Wolfgang is proud to be serving as a Board Member of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wsoeldner/
About Gus Alcalá
Gus Alcala is the IT Manager and Educational Technology Lead at International School Rheintal.
Gus possesses a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a Master's in Communication and Technology and a Bachelor's in Computer Engineering. He has over 10+ years combined experience in network administration, information security and data protection in international schools.
Gus is also a certified teacher deeply involved in design and computer science.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-alcalá/
About Darren Wise
Darren Wise is Director of IT at Aiglon College. Aiglon College is described as one of the world's most distinctive boarding schools and a leader in character education. Darren leads a team of teachers and technicians focussed on providing reliable technology in the classroom and across the wider college, and occasionally we innovate.
Prior to working in Switzerland, Darren also spent 12 years working in a similar role at Harrow International School, Bangkok.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-wise-698b0b141/
About Tim Venchus
Tim Venchus is the Technology Development Director for The American School in Switzerland, an international PK-12 institution located in Ticino, Switzerland. His primary roles are to support the TASIS community in their use of technology and strategize with colleagues to make the most of technology tools, present and future.
Tim holds a B.S. in Mathematics and a Masters in Teaching for 6-12 Mathematics. Prior to working at TASIS, he worked as a District Technology Specialist for a K-8 school district in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tvenchus
About Chris Vincent
Chris Vincent is the Director of Technology at The International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL). This involves leading committed and inspiring digital learning coaches, an IT team and Librarians as well as being part of the school’s senior leadership team.
Chris has enjoyed a career in education that has spanned some 35+ years. Chris began his teaching career in state schools in some of Tasmania, Australia’s most remote and beautiful areas before embarking on an international career in education and leadership that has spanned some 30+ years and four different countries and schools.
Prior to joining ISZL in 2011, Chris and his wife, lived and worked in Singapore, The Netherlands and Vietnam. Their eldest son was amongst the final graduating class of Chris' principalship at UNIS Hanoi and their other two sons are graduates from ISZL. All three have completed tertiary studies in Australia despite having been born and raised outside of Australia.
On a personal level, Chris loves a pot of tea, being active outdoors, escaping through a good book and time spent with his family and close friends.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-vincent-1222b540/
Resources
Websites
TRC Tech Director Forum: https://talk.techdirector.org/
Technology Readiness Council: https://technologyreadiness.org/
TRC Membership Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nVrFaTrwWVT-XjD3mPGMOg9mFXDNL8g2/view
IAPP: https://iapp.org
https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/page/995423-certifications?navlink=true
Diffit -- relevel or translate texts, generate comprehension questions, and then export to Google Slides or PDF activities. Super cool!
High School Campus Library: AI: https://iszl.libguides.com/c.php?g=694832&p=5159582
Articles
Reimagining Education in the Digital Age: https://www.aiglon.ch/community/news/news/~board/public-news/post/how-aiglon-is-reimagining-education-in-the-digital-age
Books
The AI Classroom | The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education: https://teachergoals.com/books/educational-technology/the-ai-classroom/?v=a25496ebf095
Dilla Time: https://dillati.me/
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/61714633
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
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
We interviewed four members of the International Schools Coaching Collaborative to gain insights into their roles, coaching practices, and how they support educators and schools in implementing innovative pedagogical approaches. We also explore the challenges and opportunities they encounter and discuss how schools can effectively utilize their expertise.
About Dave Curran
Dave is a leader of innovative learning and instructional coach who is currently serving as the MS/HS Learning Innovation Coach at the American International School of Budapest. He is passionate about helping students find meaning and purpose in their learning and their lives beyond the school campus; and investigating what school could be in the age of uncertainty.
Twitter / X: @djmcurran
About Amy Garrett
Amy is a forward-thinking, experienced and diversely skilled international educator leader currently serving as a Design and Technology Coach at the International School of Prague. She is passionate about empowering students through media making and design. As a skilled and experienced coach and facilitator of professional learning, Amy is dedicated to building capacity in all learners.
Twitter/X: @agarrett1212
Linked In: Amy Garrett
About Jordan Benedict
Jordan has been a Learning Coach in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe for more than a decade, specializing in data coaching and instructional coaching. As a thought leader on measuring the impact of coaching, Jordan is passionate about inclusive practices that make a difference in the lives of school communities.
Jordan currently serves as a Digital Learning Coach at the International School of Luxembourg.
Twitter / X: @JordanGBenedict
Personal Website: VisualizeYourLearning.com
About Reyna Lazarou
Reyna is a K-12 Learning Coach currently at the American School of Warsaw where she supports students, teachers and leadership teams in doing work that matters. She believes that inclusion and collaboration are foundational to powerful learning, and looks for opportunities to bring these into her daily work with others. She remains inspired by the world and people in it, and she hopes to see positive shifts in education over the coming years.
Twitter / X: @MsReyna2
Resources
Online Resources:
Bright Morning Coaching Resources
ASCD Protocols for Professional Learning
The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program with Eduro Learning
Learning Forward: Standards for Professional Learning
Books:
Teacher Self-Supervision by by William Powell
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
The Art of Coaching Teams by Elena Aguillar
Essential Guide for Student-Centered Coaching: what every k-12 Coach and School Leader Needs to know by: Diane Sweeney (ch 3 is fantastic!)
Coaching Matters by Joellen Killion, Cindy Harrison, Chris Bryan, and Heather Clifton
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