The International Schools Podcast

About Leon Furze Leon Furze is an international consultant, author, and speaker with over fifteen years of experience in secondary and tertiary education and leadership. Leon is studying his PhD in the implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence on writing instruction and education. Leon has held roles at multiple levels of school and board leadership, including Director of Teaching and Learning, Head of English, and eLearning. Leon is a Non-Executive Director on the board of Young Change Agents and Reframing Autism, and a member of Council for the Victorian Association for the Teaching of English.  Leon completed his Master of Education at the University of Melbourne in 2016 with a focus on student wellbeing, leading schools through change, and linking education systems and communities. He has published dozens of books, articles and courses, with his most recent publications, Practical Reading Strategies and Practical Writing Strategies reaching an international audience. Leon presents at state and national conferences and runs online and face to face professional learning for schools, individuals and businesses. Through consultancy and advisory work, Leon helps educators from K-12 to tertiary to understand the implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence in education. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonfurze/ Resources https://leonfurze.com/  https://aiassessmentscale.com https://leonfurze.com/blog  https://practicalaistrategies.com/ 40% discount code to the main Practical AI Strategies course for your listeners: ISP2025 at checkout for this course: https://practicalaistrategies.com/p/practical-ai-strateg 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 Patrycja Gryciuk on the challenges and opportunities of being an international school educator and romance novel author. About Patrycja Gryciuk Patrycja Gryciuk is an author and educator originally from Legnica, Poland. Since childhood, she has dreamed of becoming a writer. She currently resides in France and teaches French as a foreign language at Ecolint, an international school in Geneva. With a strong background in education and a deep passion for literature, she balances her professional career with her creative pursuits. An advocate for sustainability and the slow-life philosophy, she integrates these values into her writing. She made her literary debut with Plan, a novel that combines elements of romance and suspense. Her second novel, 450 Pages, further showcases her storytelling craft. Her latest book is Three Hours of Silence, a book that not only gained recognition from literary critics, but also received awards in several literary competitions in Poland and Europe.  In 2024 she published a new novel in two parts : Plan. Wybierz mnie and Plan. Zostań ze mną. The first part became a bestseller in one of the biggest audiobooks platforms in Poland.  Patrycja Gryciuk on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrycjagryciuk/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrycjagryciukautor  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

Transforming Teams, Learning, and Leadership with Playful Principles. About Liam Isaac Liam Isaac Director Of Learning And Innovation @ Seriouswork Liam Isaac is a champion of purposeful play and its transformative power at every level. As the Director of Learning and Innovation at SERIOUSWORK, Liam designs meaningful, engaging, and joyful experiences using innovative tools like LEGO® Serious Play®. With expertise in learning experience design and systems thinking, he collaborates with clients to create bespoke workshops and training programs tailored to unique needs. A professional facilitator with over 15 years of teaching experience at prestigious institutions, Liam helps teams gain clarity, spark creativity, and supercharge collaboration. Outside of work, he embraces the playful chaos of life with his two kids, crafting cardboard robots, flipping pancakes (badly), and living the role of pirate extraordinaire. Liam Issac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-isaac/ Resources https://serious.global/  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

Exploring the mindsets and strategies schools and parents use to navigate screentime challenges. About Patrick Green Patrick Green is first and foremost a dad to a teenager. He is also a digital wellness educator, keynote speaker, and consultant who helps families and schools navigate the complexities of technology in daily life. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and education technology leader in international schools, Patrick now works with parents, educators, and students to build healthy digital habits and foster meaningful connections online and offline. A former Middle School teacher and Education Technology Coordinator, Patrick led initiatives on technology integration, digital citizenship, and online learning while partnering with students, parents, and teachers to leverage technology for deep, purposeful learning. Now, Patrick’s work centers on empowering families with practical, research-backed strategies for managing screen time and digital habits. Through his workshops, webinars, and upcoming book, he provides actionable guidance for caregivers seeking to mentor children toward responsible technology use. Patrick is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, and YouTube Star Teacher. He is the author of Classroom Management in the Digital Age and 50 Ways to Use YouTube in the Classroom, with a new book on winning screen-time strategies for caregivers launching soon. Learn more at WinningScreentime.com. Patrick Green on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgreensoup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pgreensoup  Resources https://www.winningscreentime.com/ http://cmdigitalage.com/ http://youtubeclassroom.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

In this episode of The International Schools Podcast, we delve into the world of international school recruiting. Join us as we speak with Pauline O'Brien, Director of Global Recruitment Strategy & Leadership, to explore the evolution and enduring aspects of recruiting for international schools. We discuss what has changed and what remains the same for both school leaders and educators navigating this unique landscape. About Pauline O'Brien Pauline O'Brien is the Director of Global Recruitment Strategy & Leadership at International Schools Services. An education industry expert, Pauline is passionate about global recruitment, leadership development, and fostering inclusive environments. Known for innovative hiring strategies and skills-based recruitment, she has helped schools worldwide find top talent and build diverse teams. As a coach and workshop leader, Pauline supports school leaders and teachers in advancing their careers while championing women in leadership. Dedicated to improving child protection and safe recruitment practices, she sets high standards across the industry. With expertise in change management and delivering inspiring presentations, Pauline helps schools navigate transitions and create thriving, culturally rich communities. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulineobrien/   Resources https://eduplatform.iss.edu/s/iss-services  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

Using Innovation and Leadership to Make a Difference in Education. About Francis Q. Hoan Francis Q. Hoang is a veteran, entrepreneur, and technology innovator who has been a founding team member of companies generating over $600 million in combined sales and employing more than 1,200 professionals across AI, law, aerospace, defense, and government services. With over a decade of expertise in building and integrating innovative technologies, Francis has enabled teams across industries to harness the transformative potential of AI and frontier tech. With 20+ years of national security experience, Francis has served in every branch of the U.S. Government. He was appointed by President George W. Bush as Associate White House Counsel and Special Assistant to the President and later deployed as the Executive Officer of a U.S. Army Special Forces Company during combat operations in Southeast Afghanistan. His distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Chief of Police and SWAT Commander at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and clerking for Judge Thomas Griffith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. A graduate of West Point (top 1% of his class), Washburn University (Master’s in Criminal Justice), and Georgetown University Law Center (magna cum laude), Francis has also completed Ranger School and passed the CPA exam. His leadership extends to chairing the board of Allied Airlift 21 and co-organizing the Afghanistan Departure Group, which facilitated the first U.S. private charter evacuation flight from Afghanistan after the military withdrawal. Francis has served on numerous boards, including MAG Aerospace, Marymount University, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and his insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Proudly hailing from Tumwater, Washington, Francis speaks regularly on innovation, leadership, and service. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceqhoang/  Resources https://boodlebox.ai/  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 three global leaders shaping a collaborative global diploma option designed around agency, meaning, and wellbeing. About Dr. Tami Canale Dr. Tami Canale is the Director of Teaching and Learning for the upper school at the American International School of Budapest and is the past President of the European League for Middle Level Education (ELMLE). Bringing people together to work, play, and learn has been her passion for the last 30 years. Dr. Canale's work emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the future of education, fostering environments where teachers and school leaders excel and students are empowered to shape their own futures. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/canaleteach/ About Patricia Podorsek Patricia is the Deputy Head for Teaching and Learning at International School Nido de Aguilas. She has been a career international educator, having lived and taught in five countries since she began in the 90s. She is passionate about bringing high quality learning to all students and believes there can never be too much garlic in a recipe. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-podorsek-16354219/  About Melanie Kempe Melanie is the Secondary Principal at the American International School of Bucharest in Romania.  She has previously worked as an IB English teacher, an MYP coordinator, and a Director of Curriculum and Innovation, all of which led to her passion for working collaboratively to create the pathways needed for all students to find joy and success in learning that matters to them. Resources GID Guide GID Overview Slides For more info, contact globalimpactdiploma@gmail.com  Pathways Summit website 5 Ideas for Developing Real-World Thinking Skills, Silver, Boutz, McTIghe Self-Determination Theory, Science Direct Adolescents who have a sense of purpose are happier and healthier. How can we help?, UCLA The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith 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 as we talk with Max Stauffer, Co-CEO of the Simon Institute (SI), about how international educators and schools can help students become future-ready and approach global challenges with a long-term view. SI’s mission to strengthen global cooperation and reduce major risks aligns closely with the goals of many international schools. Max explains how SI works with partners worldwide to address complex issues and shares important trends affecting educators today. We’ll explore practical strategies that educators and students can use to engage with themes like cooperation, responsible technology, and making a positive impact on society. About Max Stauffer Max Stauffer is the Co-CEO of SI. Together with Konrad, he develops our strategy, designs our programs, and leads our policy work. Previously, Max served as Senior Science-Policy Officer at the Geneva Science-Policy Interface, Senior Visiting Fellow at UN University, and co-President and head of policy research at Effective Altruism Switzerland. He’s also a World Economic Forum Expert on Complex Risks and co-founder of the Geneva Social Complexity Lab. Max studied international relations at the University of Geneva and computational math at Johns Hopkins University, and holds a particular interest in evidence-informed policymaking, risk governance, and decision-making under uncertainty. About SI (Strategic Initiatives) SI (Strategic Initiatives) is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland that supports global cooperation to address large-scale challenges. It provides policy advice and facilitates decision-making on technology governance, global risks, and long-term planning. Since 2021, SI has contributed to international processes, organized workshops, and delivered a UN report on existential risks. Its work focuses on multilateral action, improving technology governance, and encouraging policies that consider future generations. Website: https://www.simoninstitute.ch/  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

Former undercover police officer Jonathan Taylor shares his journey to becoming an online safety consultant About Jonathan Taylor Jonathan is an expert Online Safety & Social media Awareness Consultant who works with Schools nationally and internationally. He delivers leading Online Safety Workshops for Staff, Students and Parents. Specialising in Child Safeguarding and spending 10 years as an undercover Police Officer, identifying Online Predators, his unique experience, accompanied with his advanced knowledge and qualifications, allows Jonathan to offer and deliver the most exclusive, progressive, and current Online Safety Workshops. Jonathan advises and assists schools in the importance and creation of robust Online Safety and acceptable use policies. Jonathan also lectures to Child Safeguarding Professionals on how to recognise and understand Online Child Sexual Exploitation and what tools are available to help keep children safe. Jonathan frequently appears on GB News, Talk TV, Sky News, The One Show, BBC Breakfast TV, LBC, and Radio 5 Live as an Online Safety & Social Media Consultant and has recently filmed Documentaries for Channel 4 & CBS. Email : onlinesafety4schools@gmail.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