Episode 21: What We Thought We Knew and What We've Learned
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Leadership styles, strategic insights and operational challenges.” A Quick Summary In this episode of the 'Where's Your Head At' podcast, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald discuss key leadership insights in the field of international education. They discuss the importance of people and relationships, the unpredictability of change, and the balance between operational effectiveness and strategic innovation. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, such as dealing with significant natural disasters, and the challenges of transitioning roles within...
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Episode 20: Making Schools More Relational
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“Compliance-based approaches in education have not worked so we need a more relational focus.” A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at?', hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engage in a thought-provoking conversation with educational consultant, Sue Chandler. With over 30 years of experience, Sue discusses her pivotal career moments and the importance of integrating wellbeing into school systems. The discussion explores the challenges and benefits of moving from compliance-based approaches to a more relational focus in education, addressing both...
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Episode 19: One Big Question, What is Worth Learning? Education must co-evolve with AI.
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“AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change.” A Quick Summary This episode of the podcast 'Where's Your Head At?' featured a conversation with Dr. Yong Zhao, a distinguished professor in education. The hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald engaged in an insightful discussion about the future of international education and AI's role in transforming education. Dr. Zhao shared his unique educational journey, describing how he entered education because he was 'bad at farming' during China's Cultural Revolution. He...
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Episode 18: The Mental Health Crisis in Schools: A Call for Change
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A Quick Summary In this podcast episode of "Where's Your Head At", Dr. Ellen Heyting, an experienced educator and researcher from Melbourne Metrics, discusses the critical challenges in international education, focusing on the need to transform assessment systems and prioritize student agency. She argues that current high-stakes examination models are restrictive, causing mental health issues and limiting students' potential, and advocates for a more holistic approach that recognizes broader competencies and empowers students as producers of their own learning. Currently, Ellen is spearheading...
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Episode 17: Navigating International Education: Insights from Adelaide to Ulaanbaatar
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A Quick Summary In this episode of "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Deidre Fischer, an experienced educational leader and consultant, shares her profound insights into international education. The conversation explores her remarkable career journey, from a typing teacher to an international school leader and executive coach, while discussing critical challenges and opportunities in modern education. Deidre emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond school, focusing on holistic learning, skills development, and challenging traditional metrics of success. We hope you...
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Episode 16: The Evolution of Literacy: Supporting Teachers Through Transitions
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A Quick Summary In this episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, Erin Kent, founder of Erin Kent Consulting, shares her extensive experience in international education and literacy consulting. With a background spanning from Teach for America to leading a global consulting group, Erin discusses the evolving landscape of international education, particularly focusing on literacy instruction, the unique opportunities in international schools, and the critical role of leadership in driving educational innovation. In this enlightening episode of the "Where's Your Head At" podcast, hosts sit...
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Episode 15: Exploring the Landscape of International Education
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"my hope is that we will actually use the learning sciences, neuropsychology, cognitive science and psychology in service of this thing called schooling" A Quick Summary In this episode of Where's Your Head At, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel and James McDonald dive deep into the world of international education with the esteemed Bambi Betts. With over three decades of experience, Bambi has dedicated her career to fostering leadership and professional development within international schools. As the founder of the Principals' Training Center, she has influenced countless educators...
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Episode 14: Rethinking School Strategies for the Modern World
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"school leaders, in general, are humble people...and they don't share their great ideas. In fact, many times they don't realize it's a great idea because it's just what they do". A Quick Summary Unlock the secrets of educational transformation as we explore the dynamic world of international learning with Dr. David Stegall. Discover how Dr. Stegall transitioned to the role of Chief of System Innovation at the Department of Defense Education...
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Episode 13: Transforming Global Education: Governance, Innovation, and Marketing Strategies.
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A Quick Summary Unlock the keys to effective educational governance and marketing strategies in our latest episode! Join Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald as we navigate this topic from Brisbane, Bangkok, and Brussels. We’re honored to welcome Russell Russell Speirs, founder of RS Academics, who enlightens us on the indispensable relationship between school leaders and their boards. Learn from Russell's vast experience in school leadership recruitment and governance consultancy, and discover how good governance can transform educational environments. Our discussion then...
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Episode 12: Recruitment Part 2 - Unleashing Your Potential: Strategies for Educational Leadership and Career Progression
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“Your network is the place that you learn.” - James MacDonald A Quick Summary Have you ever pondered the path to an educational leadership position? Our journey today takes us through the winding roads of educational leadership. We share tales from our own experiences, and we unearth the essential skills you need to thrive. It’s all about upskilling, networking, and active engagement in the learning community. We’ll discuss why these actions are so critical and how you can incorporate them into your own professional growth. Show notes In this episode… (0:00:01)...
info_outline"The single most important factor in our wellbeing, happiness and longevity … quality of the social connections that we build.” - Dr. Helen Kelly
A Quick Summary
How can leaders ensure the wellbeing of staff...and themselves? The “Where’s Your Head At” hosts welcome Dr. Helen Kelly, who has worked in various roles inside and outside of the education sector. In this show, we hear about Helen’s research into wellbeing in schools including practical examples and ideas as to what is needed to support students, teachers, and leaders.
Show notes
In this episode…
Introduction for Dr. Helen Kelly (2.40)
Why did Helen choose this topic for her research? (4.40)
What themes has Helen found from her research? (7.00)
Do we have a realistic idea of what a crisis looks like? (10.01)
The long-term impact of the pandemic and what can we do about that? (11.55)
Can resilience be taught? (15.45)
What advice does Helen have for leaders? (19.00)
Would Helen change anything in her past, what would that be? (25.40)
Advice for school leaders to avoid burnout (27.00)
How to contact Helen (30.15)
Bio
Dr. Helen Kelly
Helen Kelly is a researcher, writer, and speaker in the field of school wellbeing. Between 2006 and 2020, when she retired from her work as a school principal, Helen led international schools in Bangkok, Berlin, and Hong Kong. Prior to this, she spent a decade as a member of the English legal profession, representing employees in the area of health and safety at work, with a focus on industrial accidents and diseases.
Helen is most known for her work on school leader stress and wellbeing. She was awarded an Ed.D from the University of Birmingham, UK in 2017 with a thesis entitled “International Schools as Emotional Arenas: Facing the Leadership Challenges in a German Context”. She also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.
Through her work as The Positive Principal, she aims to provide practical support to teachers, school leaders, and those responsible for running and supporting schools, to enhance wellbeing and maximise the potential of the whole school community.
Links
- Positive Principal: https://drhelenkelly.com/
- The secret to happiness?: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-secret-to-happiness-heres-some-advice-from-the-longest-running-study-on-happiness-2017100512543
- PERMA+ model: https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/
- Permah Survey: https://permahsurvey.com/