The International Schools Podcast

Reflecting, reimagining, and rewriting life after teaching overseas featuring Audrey Forgeron and David Carpenter. About Audrey Forgeron After first heading overseas in 1990 for a short-term teaching contract in Ethiopia, Audrey Forgeron never looked back. Over three decades and seven countries later, international teaching became both a career and a lifestyle; one filled with rich cultural experiences, global classrooms, and summers back home in Vermont. Now semi-retired and working as a life coach, Audrey has turned her love of storytelling and travel into a new adventure: podcasting. With co-host David Carpenter, she explores life after international education, sharing insights, stories, and inspiration for those considering new chapters—whether that means pivoting careers or embracing retirement. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aforgeron  About David Carpenter David Carpenter brings decades of international school experience to the podcast, having started his overseas teaching journey in Israel in 1990. Since then, the landscape of global education has shifted dramatically with rapid school growth, post-pandemic changes, and evolving educator needs. David is passionate about helping both aspiring and current international educators make informed decisions about their lives abroad. An experienced podcaster, David co-founded the Shifting Our Schools podcast in 2008 with Jeff Utecht and later teamed up with Dr. Mark Hofer for a second education-focused podcast, the Ed Tech Co-Op.  A longtime blogger and digital resource creator, David enjoys building tools and communities that support learning and well-being. Working with Audrey Forgeron on their Educators Going Global Learning Hub & Podcast is, in his words, “a joy and a privilege”—a chance to share stories, explore big questions, and give back to the international education community. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidcarpenterportfolio  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubcarp15/  Portfolio: https://davidcarpenterportfolio.weebly.com  Resources

• Seligman’s PERMA+Model Explained: A Theory of Wellbeing - Positive Psychology
• The 24 Character Strengths - Positive Psychology 
• Fostering Lasting Change in Schools: Four Factors to Consider, With Jim Reese (Episode 81 at Educator Going Global - EGG) - We apply frameworks in our schools and manage them through the change process. Think of designing your own framework as part of your plan for leaving international education.  
• International Health Insurance for Expatriates and Global Nomads (Blog post at Educators Going Global - EGG) - If you choose to live outside your home country health insurance is a big deal.  
• Health Insurance for Americans Returning to the US (Blog post at EGG) - This post just covers the basics so do your research!
• Health Insurance in Schools’ Salary and Benefits Packages (Blog post at EGG) - A cursory listing of the different types of health insurance international schools offer. 
• Investment with Low-Cost ETFs and Index Mutual Funds (Blog post at EGG) - Find links to all things Andrew Hallam! 
• Profiling Schools, Cities and Countries (Blog post at EGG) - This blog post and spreadsheet lists criteria when comparing schools, cities and countries that can help educators plan their recruiting strategy and when putting a possible retirement plan together focusing just on cities and countries. 
• Going “Unglobal: Transitioning Out of International Education (Episode 72 at EGG) - A panel of international educators share their insights and strategies when pivoting from international education. 
• What Does It Mean to be an International Educator? (Episode 39 at EGG) - Our guest Sandy Sheppard wrote an article about growing one’s self-knowledge of what it means to be an international educator.
• Leaving International Education - A Guide (David’s personal blog) - A blog post outlining a Positive Psychology approach to pivoting from international education. 
• The OG International Educator Podcasters: Meet Dan Taylor and John Mikton of the ISP (Episode 42 at EGG)
• Educators Going Global Learning Hub & Podcast
• https://educatorsgoingglobal.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

Well-being and Leadership in times of change and complexity. About Kristen MacConnell Kristen MacConnell, Ph.D is a seasoned international school leader and lifelong educator dedicated to cultivating future-ready learners through joy, curiosity, and inclusion. Currently serving as the Elementary Principal at the American School of Barcelona, she brings decades of experience supporting educators and schools around the world. Kristen’s work has spanned leadership development, curriculum design, and instructional coaching, always grounded in the belief that every learner belongs and has something meaningful to contribute. With a deep commitment to generosity, authenticity, and continuous growth, Kristen helps teams build cultures where both adults and children thrive. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-macconnell-ph-d-08751231/  About Dan Kerr Dan Kerr is a passionate international school leader with over two decades of experience in education across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Currently the Middle School Principal at Saigon South International School and an Adjunct Professor at Endicott College, Dan brings a deep commitment to building joyful, inclusive school communities. Known for his relational leadership and belief in the power of positive school culture, Dan’s work is grounded in connection, care, and a deep belief in every learner’s potential. His leadership journey has been shaped by a dedication to student voice, teacher growth, and the magic that happens when schools are built on trust and shared purpose. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-b0a82520/ 

Resources

• The Shifting Landscape of Professional Learning
• Getting Better Together
• The Art of Community- Seven Principles for Belonging
• The Blueprint: 6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights
• Enacting resilience: Adventure racing as a microcosm of resilience organizing
• Transformative Wellbeing Leadership Certificate
• Blue Skies Leadership Podcast
• Thoughts On Education From An International School Perspective 
• http://www.tieonline.com/
• TEDx Talk - Living a Life Well Lived 

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 about navigating change, sharing purpose, and supporting schools through the complexities of Al in education. About Rachel Bodily Rachel Bodily is an experienced international educator and Co-Founder of Eblana Learning. With over a decade in IB schools, she has taught MYP Mathematics, coordinated service learning, and supported inclusive education. Her journey with AI in education began early, driven by a desire to make complex ideas accessible to teachers. After connecting with co-founder Rita at IBGC, they created Eblana Learning to provide clear, practical guidance on AI for schools. Rachel now focuses on supporting educators and leaders as they navigate rapid technological change with confidence and purpose. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bodily/  About Rita Bateson Rita Bateson is the Co-Founder and Director of Education at Eblana Learning. With over two decades of experience in international education, she has served as a teacher, curriculum leader, and school head across Europe and beyond. Rita’s work has always centered on empowering educators through curriculum design and principled leadership. She was a Senior Curriculum Manager at the IB and the founding Head of Secondary at Nord Anglia Dublin, where she helped guide the school through rapid growth and programme authorisation. At Eblana Learning, Rita draws on her experience to help schools engage with AI in ways that are ethical, meaningful, and aligned with IB values. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868/ 

Resources

• https://eblanalearning.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

Leading with heart and strategy in a changing world. About Yasmine Aslam - Hashmi Yasmine Hashmi is a passionate educator, DEIJ advocate, and global leader dedicated to inspiring positive change through education. With a career spanning over two decades, Yasmine has taught in classrooms across Canada, Korea, and Switzerland, and has taken on leadership roles ranging from curriculum development to professional learning facilitation. As a co-facilitator of the ECIS DEIJ Leadership Development Cohort, she champions equity, inclusion, and critical thinking in schools worldwide. Yasmine believes in empowering students to become responsible, empathetic citizens by fostering a holistic and globally-minded perspective. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-aslam-hashmi/  About Nunana Nyomi Nunana Nyomi is a dedicated international school leader, committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning communities. Currently serving as the Secondary School Principal at the International School of Geneva's Campus des Nations, Nunana brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, university advising, and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) advocacy. His career spans roles at Leysin American School and the Council of International Schools, where he led global initiatives to support student success and equity. Nunana is passionate about empowering students to thrive academically while becoming responsible, compassionate global citizens. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nunana-nyomi-7a91447a/  Resources

• http://www.yasminehashmi.com/  
• https://ecis.org/deij-programmes-courses/ 

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

Global Voices, Shared Challenges, Real Support About Aimee Skidmore Aimée is an international educator, teaching and learning coach, and obsessive tinkerer of better ways to teach and lead. She’s built and runs a coaching program at an international school, and works with teachers and leaders who want students to step up and share responsibility for learning.  A big believer in co-designing learning with students, she helps teachers move from doing most of the work to creating spaces where students think, engage, and take ownership.  Right now, she’s in a deep dive on AI in the classroom, figuring out how to make tech work for teachers instead of overwhelming them.  When she’s not coaching or experimenting with new ways to make learning more meaningful for her students, she’s podcasting about the messy, exciting world of international education. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeeskidmoreeducator/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC6ZRi  About Jacob Rosch Jacob Rosch is the Director of Education Technology at Collège du Léman International School, Experienced Head of Educational Technology with a demonstrated history of leading pedagogical initiatives in primary/secondary education. Skilled in Blended Learning, Instructional Design, Learning Management Systems and Professional Development delivery. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-rosch-14929886/  Resources

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-teacher-staffroom/id1782209965 
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) from CAST - https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
• https://www.oneusefulthing.org/
• https://www.litpartners.ai/
• https://ditchthattextbook.com/competencies/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-teacher-staffroom/id1782209965 

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

Empowering women in education to lead with confidence, challenge barriers, and drive change. Liz Free  CEO International School Rheitnal Co-Strategic Lead Europe WomenEd Vivienne Porritt OBE Co-founder Global Strategic Leader #WomenEd Nancy Squicciarini Head of the Middle Leader Certificate for ECIS  Co-Strategic Lead Europe WomenEd About Liz Free Liz Free is a co-founder of #WomenEd Nederlands and Strategic Leader for #WomenEd Europe. Liz has been a teacher and head teacher in some of the world’s leading schools and is now a globally recognised leader of education talent, continuing professional development and learning. Liz was the founding Director of the International Leadership Academy, the British School in the Netherlands and is now CEO and Director of the International School Rheintal in Switzerland.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-free/  About Vivienne Porritt  Vivienne Porritt OBE is Co-founder, Trustee and Global Strategic Leader of #WomenEd, a global charity which empowers aspiring and existing women leaders in education. Vivienne supports school and trust leaders with vision, strategy, professional learning and development, impact evaluation and DEIJ.  She is a former Vice President of the Chartered College of Teaching and holds several governance roles. Vivienne is a former secondary headteacher and Director for School Partnerships at University College London Institute of Education. She is a coach and writes for practitioner and academic journals and is co-editor.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-porritt-obe-frsa-fcct/  About Nancy Squicciarini Nancy is Head of the Middle Leader Certificate for the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS). With over 35 years of experience as an international school educator, she has held several leadership roles. Nancy is a member of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), which is a worldwide community promoting excellence in facilitation practices. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-lhoest-squicciarini-64563838/  Resources

• https://womened.com/
• https://www.isr.ch/
• 10%Braver: Inspiring Women to Lead Education (Sage, 2019) Being 10%Braver (Corwin, 2021) 
• Disruptive Women: A WomenEd Guide to Equitable Action in Education. (Corwin, 2024)/ 
• https://ecis.org/middle-leader/ 

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

Making the invisible visible. About Ryan Tannenbaum Ryan Tannenbaum is an educational consultant who specializes in data, data-driven culture, and pedagogically grounded technical implementations for schools. He began his career teaching in international schools throughout Asia. Over more than a decade working as a teacher, principal, and IT director, he founded For.Education—a company that provides schools with data and AI solutions. Currently, Ryan is critically evaluating generative AI technology—exploring how it can safely enhance learning and pedagogical practices in schools while also interrogating the challenges it introduces. Driven by the core philosophy that we can either lead technology forward in our organizations or be led by it, he works to foster a deeper understanding of these technologies, how they work, and where they are most appropriately applied. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-tannenbaum-a64840207/  Resources https://for.education/  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

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