The International Schools Podcast

A conversation with Kirstin of Gaia Learning sharing her experience in supporting and mentoring neurodivergent learners.

Kirstin shares how in her organisation they have been leveraging technology to create a nurturing and caring community of learners in an online school. 

With a personalised approach Gaia Learning supports students and parents around the world. A chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities of her work and community.

About Kirstin Coughtrie

Navigating the educational landscape with neurodiversity isn't something you learn from textbooks. Kirstin Coughtrie, who received an ADHD diagnosis later in life while investigating an AuDHD diagnosis for her son, knows this firsthand. She founded Gaia Learning in 2019 when mainstream schooling wasn't working for her family. Gaia Learning is the first online school to be given the ADHD Friendly School Award by the ADHD Foundation and supports neurodivergent learners aged 8-16 in partnership with schools, Local Authorities and home educating parents. Kirstin is a qualified teacher, ADHD Coach, mum of 3 neurospicy tweens and Ambassador for Teaching the SDGs.

Kirstin Coughtrie on Social Media

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaialearning 
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gaialearning 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/learnwithgaia 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaialearningonline/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaialearning/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstin/ 

Resources
Website
www.gaialearning.co.uk 

Gaia Learning Academy - Teacher Training
https://library.gaialearning.co.uk/s/store/courses/Gaia%20Learning%20Academy 

Gaialytics software for schools
https://www.gaialytics.tech/ 

EIGER Standing Desk
https://eigerstandingdesks.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

#internationalschoolpodcast Dan and John periodically get together and have a bonus episode on a topic or theme, and share some reflections. In this episode, we share and explore virtual over face to face events, teacher recruitment, different dynamics international schools engage with in this process and related thoughts.

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

Ken shares his perspective, experience and work focused on supporting companies, educators and schools in building an inclusive culture that also supports meaningful cross-cultural connections and building a responsive service learning program that goes beyond performative gestures. Looking at how International Schools can include these perspectives and approaches in a meaningful manner. Ken also works extensively on Organizational Leadership and School Transformation.

About Ken Shelton

Ken (He/Him/His)  is a highly distinguished professional in the field of education, carrying a Master’s degree in Education with a specific focus on Educational Technology and New Media Design and Production. His academic background is complemented by over two decades of hands-on teaching experience, with a significant part of his career devoted to shaping young minds at the Middle School level through the lens of technology.

Ken is an esteemed member of the Educational Technology community, standing tall with accolades from leading global tech entities such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. He holds the esteemed title of an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Certified Innovator, and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, signifying his active and influential role in advancing educational technology.

Ken’s expertise extends to the sphere of policy-making, being a notable figure in the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Education Technology Task Force. A committed advocate for equal learning opportunities, he regularly imparts knowledge and insights through keynote speeches, personalized consulting, organizational culture/change, school/district transformation,  and hands-on workshops. His range of expertise covers an array of topics, including but not limited to, Organizational Leadership, Policy Analysis, Inclusive Learning Environments, Antibias/Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Multimedia Literacy, Cultural Intelligences, Design and Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education, Ken was the proud recipient of the Digital Equity Professional Learning Network Excellence Award in 2018 and the Making IT Happen Award in 2022 due to his extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage, and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students. His unyielding dedication to enhancing digital learning opportunities for students led him to be acknowledged as an influencer to follow by EdTech Magazine.

Ken’s influence transcends borders, having been invited to speak at numerous global conferences, schools, NGOs, and education-related gatherings. His wealth of practical experience, knowledge, and perspectives provide invaluable support to various organizations, including State Departments of Education, Ministries of Education, and non-profits.

Currently, among many things, Ken provides insightful guidance as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board for several technological firms and non-profit organizations. His responsibilities extend beyond advisory roles to include policy analysis, platform evaluation, and community outreach, alongside aiding in the creation of fair and inclusive recruitment and retention programs. His endeavors aim to build a more equitable, inclusive future in the world of technology and education.

Ken Shelton on Social Media

Twitter/X: k_shelton

Instagram: kshelton

LinkedIn: KenAShelton

Tik Tok: TheKenShelton

Website: kennethshelton.net  

Resources

• Blog: https://www.kennethshelton.net/mindful-musings/ 
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion https://www.kennethshelton.net/speaking-and-training/#diversity 
• Cultural Relevance/Responsive
  https://www.kennethshelton.net/speaking-and-training/#cultural 
• Microsoft Antiracist Educator Kit https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/02/bring-social-justice-and-anti-racism-conversations-into-your-classroom
• Book Creator Inclusion and Representation https://bookcreator.com/2023/03/why-representation-matters-crafting-an-equitable-learning-environment-for-all/
• Techquity: Going from Digital Poverty to Digital Empowerment https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/techquity-going-from-digital-poverty-to-digital-empowerment

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/dantcz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanTaylorAE

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

In this episode, Nalini Cook talks about the data, intelligence and trends on the international schools market gathered by ISC Research, the leading provider of English-medium K-12 international school data. ISC Research has been collecting market intelligence and data on international schools throughout the world since 1994. Nalini will explore some of the key trends, possible future trajectories and how ISC Research provides this important service to international schools. 

About Nalini Cook

Nalini Cook is Head of Global Research at ISC Research. Based in the UAE, Nalini leads a team of skilled Field Researchers who visit hundreds of international schools and speak with a variety of school leaders each year to gather the very latest qualitative insights into the international schools market.

Nalini Cook on Social Media

https://twitter.com/ISC_Research

https://www.facebook.com/weareISCresearch

https://www.linkedin.com/company/isc-research-limited/

https://www.instagram.com/iscresearch/

https://www.tiktok.com/@weareiscresearch

https://www.youtube.com/c/iscresearch

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalinicook/

Resources

ISC Research podcast, Heads Up - Heads Up (buzzsprout.com)

International School Leader Magazine - https://iscresearch.com/isl-magazine/

ISC Research Community - https://iscresearch.com/community/

Free white paper on ‘Why more international schools keep opening’ - https://iscresearch.com/reports/why-more-schools-keep-opening/

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/dantcz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanTaylorAE

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

Admissions and transition is a critical piece for international schools. How you approach these workflows, with the mindset of the school community and making it engaging is a complex and important process to juggle.

We explore with our three guests some best practices and thoughts from their respective research and work in this area. We will also explore the creative tensions impacting admissions teams and the landscape of International School enrollment across different geographic regions and types of schools.

Heidi Reid 

CEO

International Diagnostic & Admissions Test (IDAT) https://www.idat.org/ 

Masters of TESOL, Grad Dip Ed (Primary), MBA (Human Resource Management).

Educated in Canada and Australia, Heidi has worked in international education for more than 25 years in Canada, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.  Heidi is a qualified primary school teacher with ESL specialisations and has been a spokesperson and leader for international education.  She is the founder and managing director of the International Diagnostic & Admissions Test (IDAT) and is based in Australia.

The IDAT was created as a new and different way to use admissions assessments to create a profile of incoming students to international schools, so they can be supported from their first day of learning.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7081626768360538112/ 

https://www.idat.org/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-reid-04698429/ 

https://www.instagram.com/idat_test/ 

https://www.facebook.com/IDATtest 

Vasco Dimitroff 

Senior Marketing Manager

Admissions and School-to-Home

Faria Education Group https://www.faria.org/ 

Masters in Marketing (University of West London)

With over 15 years of marketing experience across multiple public and private sector industries, and 5 years in EdTech, Vasco is passionate about helping international and independent schools to deliver a superior experience for students and families, staff and alumni across the entire lifecycle, from enquiry to enrolment and beyond.

In addition to driving the adoption of pioneering EdTech, empowering admissions and marketing teams to realise their mission and vision, and collaborating with Faria Education Group’s  teaching and learning business units to provide a unified solution, he is committed to growing and engaging a global community of likeminded professionals through inspiring professional development initiatives (printed publications such as the International Admissions Bulletin, webinars, in-person conferences and events).

bit.ly/Admissions-Bulletin

bit.ly/School-Resources

bit.ly/OA-Webinars-On-Demand

bit.ly/OABenchmark

bit.ly/OA-Upcoming-Events

bit.ly/Vasco-LinkedIn

Matt Craig 

Manager

Faria Education Group https://www.faria.org/

OpenApply Sales & Accounts

Having worked as an Education Consultant and as a school admissions professional at leading international schools in the UK, Matt has years of experience in the education sector. Matt now works with OpenApply, supporting schools looking to significantly improve their admissions experience and eliminate wasted administration time in the admission office.

OpenApply supports every key function in the admissions office, helping schools to find their best-fit students & families and in helping them optimize their admissions processes.

bit.ly/OA-Case-Studies

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcraigedu/

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/dantcz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanTaylorAE

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