The International Schools Podcast

Join the conversation with Alka Townend as she delves into how educators can address grief and loss in the classroom. Learn about the ways in which grief might manifest in children and understand why it is crucial for every teacher to have some knowledge around loss in childhood. Discover practical strategies, including bibliotherapy, and book recommendations, to support students through difficult times like bereavement, divorce, or migration. Alka will share her insights linked to research and her training as a bereavement counsellor. She will highlight the significant role that school communities hold in nurturing a compassionate and inclusive classroom environment and how international educators and school leaders can facilitate this. About Alka Townend Alka is an Assistant Professor in Education and EDI Director based at the University of Sussex. Prior to this she gained many years of experience working within different London universities as a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for BA undergraduate and post-graduate education courses. Alka’s subject expertise resides in English and Drama and she enjoys opportunities to be a guest speaker at various national and international conferences including the UKLA, NATE, ICET and ELSA. Alka was also recently invited to a conference in India to share her insights and knowledge related to the use of oracy as an effective pedagogical strategy for learning and assessment in the classroom. Alka has a particular passion for children’s literature and how stories can be utilised as a learning tool and support strategy across a range of ages. Alka’s research area is focused on childhood bereavement and how grieving pupils might be supported in their school communities. To inform this work, Alka trained as a bereavement counsellor for a national UK charity and specialises in supporting children and young people. Alka also provides educational consultancy services and recently provided support for a government funded project aimed at supporting young people in managing challenging life experiences related to different forms of loss. This year. Alka has been invited to present her research and bereavement CPD at various educational conferences including Paris, Cologne and Toulouse. Alka is passionate about teachers being provided with the appropriate skills to support loss in the classroom and has recently embedded this training across all aspects of teacher education at her university. Alka is currently the Director for Equality Diversity and Inclusion within her faculty. She recently organised a research event focused on ethnic representation in children’s literature. She is also the national co-chair for ARTEN (the anti-racist teacher educator network). Alka’s background experience was gained in primary teaching, and she spent many years working in both state and independent schools in England as a teacher and senior leader.  One of Alka’s proudest achievements was when she became the Winner of Sussex Extra Mile Award (given to staff who have shown extraordinary commitment and compassion towards their students). Alka Townend on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alka-townend-mres-ed-ba-hons-qts-0bb005106/  Resources Articles for review which have open access:  Childhood bereavement: The role of school leadership in developing inclusive learning environments : My College

Let’s talk about death: All children in England should receive grief education at school | PolicyBristol | University of Bristol

Available as downloadable reports

Research into childhood bereavement and the British school system

Vol. 2 (2023): Bereavement: Journal of grief and responses to death | Bereavement

Recommended literature resources for the classroom:

Books and resources for bereaved children up to 11 years old | Child Bereavement UK

Best children's books - Bereavement, Grief & Loss

Grief and Loss (teen) | BookTrust

UK Charity Support: (useful open access resources)

Winston's Wish: Winston's Wish - giving hope to grieving children

CB UK: Child Bereavement UK

Cruse: Home - Cruse Bereavement Support

Grief Encounter: Home SUPPORTING BEREAVED CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE - Grief Encounter

Different Countries have all types of bereavement support - some sparse and some vast!  A quick google will guide your listeners.  But for starters, I have included the following outside of the UK. 

USA

NACG

History | Rainbows for All Children

Sweden

About grief - Efterlevandeguiden

Denmark

About us - Det Nationale Sorgcenter

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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Join us for a conversation with Heather and Tim as we explore the intersection of digital skills and technology use at home and school, and how this dynamic impacts parents, educators, and students. With varying levels of comfort with technology, both parents and teachers face the challenge of adapting to constant updates and the growing influence of AI. How can schools support teachers at all stages of digital readiness to create purposeful learning experiences? And how can families and schools collaborate to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth? Heather and Tim share insights from their work in an international school setting. About Heather Barnard I'm a mom of two teens and a newly turned 20 year old, and an educator with over 21 years of experience, including 14 years internationally and 10 years in 1:1 device schools. As a certified digital wellness educator, I help schools, parents and teens navigate the challenges of screen time, social media, and gaming by fostering positive habits and media literacy. Through my work with schools and companies like Sersha.ai, I aim to create healthier digital environments for families and schools. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family, baking, or enjoying a good rom-com. Heather Barnard on Social Media Instagram: @techhealthyfamilies  Website: www.techhealthyfamilies.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbarnard/   About Tim Evans Tim is the Learning Technologies & Data Coordinator at the American International School of Guangzhou, China. Holding a Masters in Educational Technology, Tim brings a wealth of expertise to his role, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. He is passionate about using technology in the classroom to enhance the whole teaching and learning experience. Originally from Wales, UK, Tim has led digital change in his home country and internationally in Spain, in Hong Kong, and most recently the UAE.  Tim Evans on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-evans-26247792/ Twitter: https://x.com/edTechEvans  Resources PEW Research https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/internet-technology/user-demographics/age-generations-tech/ Sonia Livingstone https://www.lse.ac.uk/business/consulting/experts/sonia-livingstone   Anne Collier and Net Family News https://www.netfamilynews.org/about/anne-colliers-bio   Common Sense Education https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship  Common Sense + Seesaw https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10yf5W9SzvoRnJeldqunbCayOxErPY9DrohGo4f4NNB8/edit?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

Welcome back to The International Schools Podcast! In this special episode, hosts Dan Taylor and John Mikton share their reflections on 2025 and offer insights for the year ahead.

Join us for this conversation on the vital issue of Online Child Protection, spotlighting the leadership and efforts of key figures from the Council of International Schools (CIS). Jane Larson, Executive Director of CIS, alongside Dan Furness, Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing at CIS, are at the forefront of this work, shaping policies and providing guidance to international schools. We also hear from Leila Holmyard, Global Safeguarding Consultant, researcher and current Safeguarding Lead at Frankfurt International School, who shares practical insights from her PhD research and experience. Together, they address the current challenges in safeguarding children online, tips for prevention and response, and how school leaders can create safer digital environments within their communities. About Jane Larsson Executive Director, CIS Jane Larsson has led the Council of International Schools (CIS) as Executive Director since her appointment in 2010. Over the past 25 years, Jane has led the international education community with a focus on the development of collaborative partnerships to enable and support educational exchange and the development of international and intercultural perspective. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Jane was Direc­tor of International Partnerships with the Visiting International Faculty Program (VIF) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she led outreach to promote international educational exchange, establishing relationships with minis­tries of education, universities, internation­al schools and educational associations.  She began her career in international education as the Director of Educational Staffing and Publications for International Schools Services (ISS) providing recruitment services and resources to international schools. Jane lends her voice to key topics shaping the future of international education, those which enable school and university communities to provide socially responsible leadership as they continually develop their programs. She currently serves as Chair of the International Taskforce on Child Protection and on the Board of Directors of the International Commission Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelarssoncis/  About Leila Holmyard Safeguarding Lead, Frankfurt International School Leila Holmyard has extensive professional experience in safeguarding and child protection in international schools. She is a safeguarding consultant for a number of international schools and organisations, including the United World Colleges, Council of International Schools and Faria Education Group, as well as being Safeguarding Lead at Frankfurt International School. Leila has worked with international schools across the world and conducted her PhD research on safeguarding in international schools in Europe, Asia and Africa. She is also a volunteer for the International Task Force on Child Protection, WomenEd Germany, and the ISS Diversity Collaborative.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-holmyard-04767995/    About Dan Furness Head of Safeguarding and Well-being, CIS Dan Furness joined CIS in September 2023. Dan’s primary responsibility as Head of Safeguarding and Well-being is to support the CIS membership community as it identifies and addresses child protection and student well-being challenges. This includes designing and delivering professional learning opportunities such as the Foundation and Deep Dive workshops in Child Protection and Safeguarding. Dan is available to support schools to strengthen their culture and systems, developing resources to educate and promote effective practices, and providing thought leadership and partnership across the international education sector. Prior to joining CIS, Dan worked in international schools in South Africa, South Korea, Germany and the Netherlands leading boarding, student support and safeguarding. Dan has also worked as an independent consultant in safeguarding and has a history of supporting staff professional development over a range of safeguarding-related areas including the following: child protection and safeguarding; safer handling and restraint; restorative justice and shared concern; response to intervention (a tiered approach to school support); and inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism. He has also provided supervision for other DSLs and school counsellors. Dan is a qualified counsellor and social worker, with an undergraduate degree and masters in social work from the University of Bath, and a second masters in educational leadership and management from the University of Buckingham. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-furness/?originalSubdomain=nl   Resources

• https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/resources
• https://www.icmec.org/icmec-resources/
• https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/resources
• https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/sextortion/
• https://www.childnet.com/safer-internet-day/
• https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/ 
• https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-reporting/report-remove/ 
• Generative AI: A whole school approach to safeguarding children

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 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 Merve from Common Sense Education sharing the important work they do in education, helping parents, schools, and educators with digital citizenship. Globally reaching over 90,000 schools and 1.2 million students. We get to learn about the organization’s history, its current focus and insights into the evolving digital landscape. Together we explore the context of international schools and the growing reliance on digital devices for both students and teachers. What are some of the observations, learnings, and strategies to consider and share with schools through the lens of Common Sense Education About Merve Lapus Merve is a Results-driven education strategist with a track record of expanding reach and impact in K12 learning environments. As Vice President of Outreach & Engagement at Common Sense Education, he's led initiatives that have reached over 90,000 schools and supported 1.2 million educators. This includes overseeing a regional team driving community engagement, access, and professional development across school community stakeholders including school adoption, district implementation, parent/family engagement, strategic marketing, and community development.  Merve has over 23 years of experience driving education technology initiatives across school programs, and building educator confidence through professional learning, and strategic implementation. Merve also sits on a number of steering committees addressing school climate and state policy initiatives, and currently sits on the Marketing and Communications Board for the University of San Francisco (USF), The Alameda Health Foundation Board, and the Executive Board for the Children’s Creativity Museum of San Francisco.  Merve Lapus on Social Media Twitter: twitter.com/molapus  Resources https://www.commonsense.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.appsedu.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

We have a unique chance to speak with Kathleen and her digital twin, Katbot. Together, we’ll explore how Katbot was created and what it’s like to have a digital twin, including the lessons learned, challenges faced, and opportunities discovered. As chatbots become more common in our everyday lives, Kathleen and Katbot are the perfect guides to help us understand how humans and AI can work and learn together. What are the implications for educators and school in an international school context. About Kathleen Naglee Kathleen Naglee is an award-winning leader of innovative educational and strategic foresight practices. Author. Keynote and motivational speaker. Experienced International School Director and Board Chair, Former Commissioner for NEASC. Educational consultant. Executive Coach. Diversity & Inclusion Leader. Podcaster. LinkedIn: Kathleen Naglee X: @KNaglee Resources www.unhingedcollaboration.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

Carlos shares his experience of walking the Camino de Santiago/Camino Francés footpath. He shares how disconnecting from the world of work, digital devices, social media and working remotely had a significant impact on his own understanding of connectivity and its impact on being in the moment. Together we explore what this means about our own pace and focus in an age of digital tools 24/7. About Carlos Davidovich Carlos has extensive experience supporting the development of leaders and management teams alike on an international scale. Raised and educated in Argentina, Carlos has been living and working between Europe, USA and Canada for over 20 years, where he has become an Executive Coach giving workshops and lectures on Neuromanagement, applying neuroscience in organizations and businesses. Currently, he resides in Madrid working with clients from all sorts of cultures around the world. Originally trained as a medical doctor in Argentina, Carlos draws on this medical background and understanding of the brain to apply Neuromanagement coaching modalities that lead to evident and sustainable change for his clients. Over the course of his early career, for more than 20 years, he has also gained management experience in business executive roles working for multinational pharmaceutical companies in the area of Biotechnology applied to human health. He is a professor of Neuromanagement in the MBA programs at the University of New York in Prague, Czech Republic, and at GEA in Ljubljana, Slovenia; a guest lecturer for the Masters in Leadership program at the Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph, and a thought leader with the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate. Co author of the book : “PersonalityDNA. Discover Your True Personality” Author of the book : “Five Brain Leadership: How Neuroscience Can Help You Master Your Instincts and Build Better Teams”, January 2023.  He is also an international TEDx Speaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhk JSgrGx0    Education

• Medical Doctor Degree from Argentina 
• Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Clinical Psychopathology Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Barcelona, Spain
• Roche International Managers and Executive Development Course at Laussane Business School
• Psychotherapy and Hypnosis Certification from the
• Erickson Institute in Madrid, Spain
• Tai Chi Trainer : University Las Palmas, Spain

Carlos Davidovich on Social Media Website: www.carlosdavidovich.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosdavidovich/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ncdavidovich/   Resources Five Brain Leadership: How Neuroscience Can Help You Master Your Instincts and Build Better Teams Carlos Davidovich MD and Jennifer Brunton PhD Page Two Press (Enero 2023) 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 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 Clara Hawking, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Globeducate and winner of the #Techwomen100 Global Achievement Award 2024 by WeAreTechWomeas. Clara shares her expert insights on how global AI policies, including the EU AI Act, are shaping the future of education. Clara discusses the impact of AI on international schools, the role of women in this space, addressing ethical challenges and the vital role educators play in teaching AI literacy. She provides an update on the EU AI Act and its implications for AI use in classrooms, offering valuable perspectives for school leaders and educators navigating AI integration in their schools. About Clara Hawking Clara Hawking as Head of Artificial Intelligence for Globeducate and winner of the TechWomen100 Awards. A Fellow of the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) in Washington DC, for the US Government, Clara joined Globeducate in 2023 in a newly created role that sees her playing a pivotal role in executing a strategic plan across all of our schools, overseeing all aspects of AI policies, curricula, programmes, guidance and training related to AI. A prominent figure in the field of EdTech and AI, regularly appearing on panels and leading workshops at international conferences, and holds several Master´s degrees in subjects ranging from Computer Science to Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics. Clara is also a voluntary Director of ICT and Digitalisation at an educational organisation in Kenya and has an unwavering passion for shaping young minds to become global citizens equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. She is fluent in three languages and has lived and worked in the USA, Denmark, Spain and Sweden. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-lin-hawking-ba9123149/    Resources https://www.globeducate.com/  White Paper: The EU AI Act and Its Impact on K-12 Education https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/white-paper-eu-ai-act-its-impact-k-12-education-clara-lin-hawking-xsfpf/  https://www.caidp.org/   https://wearetechwomen.com/tw100-women-in-tech-awards/techwomen100-awards-winners-2024/   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

Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist, educator and advocate for nutrition and health, best known for founding FoodNiche-ED, a platform that collaborates with schools and educators worldwide. Her work focuses on helping teachers promote science, health and nutrition education in K-12 classrooms. In our conversation, we discuss the significance of food science in schools, strategies to engage students on this topic, and the challenges and opportunities in equipping educators and students with a solid understanding of food science and health.  About Dr. Julia Olayanju Dr. Julia Olayanju is a scientist, educator and advocate for nutrition and health, best known for founding FoodNiche-ED, a platform that collaborates with schools and educators worldwide. Her work focuses on helping teachers promote science, health and nutrition education in K-12 classrooms. She earned her PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and an MPH from Harvard TH Chan School Of Public Health. Dr. Julia Olayanju on Social Media Twitter:  https://twitter.com/juliaolayanju  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaolayanju/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliaolayanju/  Resources Listen to top experts on food and health: https://foodniche-ed.com/podcasts 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