Episode 14: Rethinking School Strategies for the Modern World
Release Date: 10/23/2024
Episode 32: Sanctuaries for Thinking: Human Formation and the Future of Education
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
Episode Summary: In this episode of Where's Your Head At?, hosts Richard Henry and James Macdonald speak with researcher, author, and speaker Dr. Simon Breakspear about translating complex educational literature into actionable, real-world tools for school leaders. The discussion covers the necessity of subtractive change—or "pruning"—in additive school environments, efficient monitoring processes, and how mid-level leaders drive classroom progress. Additionally, Dr. Breakspear shares his perspectives on balancing technology and AI with core human formation, navigating changing social...
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Episode 31: The Early Years Advantage: What School Leaders are Missing
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James MacDonald sit down with the highly experienced early years specialist and safeguarding leader, Kate Beith. Together, they explore the current landscapes and future horizons of schooling, diving into what educators are getting right, where the system is still struggling, and how leadership must evolve. From personal "who luck" moments to actionable advice for school leaders, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone passionate about conversations today about early years education tomorrow. Bio: Kate is a...
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Episode 30: Navigating Parent Partnerships
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode of "Where's Your Head At?", the hosts delve into the complexities of parent-school relationships within the international education context. They discuss strategies for managing challenging interactions with parents, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and professionalism. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. Key Topics Discussed: The emotional dynamics involved when parents express concerns about their children’s education. The distinction between...
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Episode 29: Education for Being, Not Just Becoming.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: The hosts of "Where's Your Head At?" engage in a deep and philosophical conversation with Stuart MacAlpine, an experienced international educator and consultant. The discussion moves quickly from Stuart's diverse background, including his time at the Lego Foundation and Green School New Zealand, to profound questions about the current state and future of international education. Stuart challenges the traditional definitions of "international" schools and explores post-humanist ideas, suggesting a shift from a focus on "becoming" to a focus on "being" and "staying with the...
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Episode 28: Education as a Lifeline: The High School for Refugee Youth
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald speak with Polly Akhurst, the co-founder and co-executive director of Amala Education. Polly shares her journey from attending United World College Atlantic to launching a social innovation organization that has transformed the lives of over 7,000 refugee youth. The conversation explores the necessity of alternative education models, the development of the first-ever accredited high school diploma for refugees, and the future of global education. Bio: Polly Akhurst is the Co-founder and Co-Executive...
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Episode 27: The Future of Independent Schools: Business Strategy Meets Educational Mission
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: In this engaging conversation, Peter shares his transformative journey from struggling middle school student to independent school leadership expert. He discusses the critical business challenges facing independent schools in the United States, the widening financial gap between revenue and operational costs, and why traditional leadership training hasn't prepared heads of school for the entrepreneurial demands of their roles. Bio: Peter has spent the past 20+ years serving independent schools, including five years as the Chief Member Relations Officer at the Enrollment...
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Episode 26: Wisdom: The Construct AI Cannot Touch
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: Nicholas Alchin is a passionate educator who has worked in holistic, values-driven schools since 1995. He currently oversees strategy, education, and operations for approximately 6,000 students at UWCSEA. In this episode, Nick shares his extensive background in education—including teaching the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and his previous varied careers. Nick offers his philosophical views on the state of international schooling. He discusses the importance of human qualities and broad skills in student development, the ongoing struggle with achievement pressure and...
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Episode 25: The Power of Reflection: Celebrating 25 Episodes of Where’s Your Head At
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: Welcome to a special milestone episode of "Where’s Your Head at – The International Education Podcast." In this 25th episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald turn the spotlight on themselves, reflecting on the journey so far and the most impactful moments from their conversations with educational leaders and trailblazers around the world. In this episode: The hosts revisit standout guests and episodes, including insights from Bambi Betts on the barriers to change in international schools, Jane Larson’s powerful communication, and Fidelis Ntenge’s...
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Episode 24: From Classroom to Boardroom: The Changing Face of School Leadership
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A Quick Summary: This episode dives into the evolving role of international school heads, following up on previous research from Dr. Alan Morrison about the tenure and competencies of school leaders. The hosts reflect on board-head relationships, business and operational skills, and the unique challenges of leadership in international schools. Through comparing job descriptions and sharing stories, they highlight what it takes to thrive as a head of school—including bridging the gap between educational and business leadership, fostering trust, and navigating complex community dynamics. We...
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Episode 23: What factors affect the tenure of school leaders?
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary: This episode of “Where’s Your Head At?” features Dr. Allan Morrison, an experienced educator and researcher, discussing his extensive research on the tenure and challenges of international school heads. We explore Dr. Morrison’s career path, including his teaching and leadership experiences in various countries. Dr. Morrison shares highlights from his doctoral research, revealing that the average tenure of international school heads is gradually increasing, with factors such as school type (not-for-profit vs. for-profit), location, board governance, and personal...
info_outline"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".
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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 Activity (DODEA), bringing his expertise in personalized learning and dual language education to a global scale. Learn how his experiences abroad with GEMS Education, combined with his strategic foresight as North Carolina's deputy state superintendent during the COVID-19 pandemic, shaped his vision for collaborative educational practices. Hear about the creation of the promising practices dashboard, a resource that helps educators share effective strategies in areas such as teacher recruitment and literacy. Explore the shift from assessment-heavy models to problem-based learning approaches that prioritize critical thinking.
Show notes
In this episode…
(00:04) - Exploring International Education Through Conversations
(06:17) - Connecting Schools
(12:21) - Innovating Education
(20:11) - Leading Strategic School Innovation and Growth
Bio
Dr. David Stegall joined the Department of Defense, Education Activity (DoDEA) in April of 2024 as the Chief of System Innovation. David previously served as Deputy State Superintendent of Innovation and Chief Academic Officer for the NC Department of Public Instruction, where he helped support 1.6 million students in 115 school districts across the state. In this role, during the COVID-19 pandemic, NC Governor Roy Cooper named Dr. Stegall co-chair of the statewide COVID-19 Response team. In June of 2020, Dr. Stegall co-led the development of the statewide school re-opening guidebook and support documents for K-12 public schools. This work was recognized as a national exemplar by the American Democracy and Health Security Initiative
Prior to his work at the state level, Stegall served as the Vice President for Global Education Management Systems. Dr. Stegall also served as the Superintendent for Newton-Conover Schools. Stegall helped develop a national award-winning STEM school, a state-recognized personalized learning school and a successful dual-language school, among other accomplishments.
Dr. Stegall was named the NW North Carolina Superintendent of the Year in 2017 and a national Superintendent to Watch in 2016, and named the Outstanding Young Educator for North Carolina in 2012.
After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master's degree in education administration from Gardner-Webb University as well as an education specialist degree and a doctorate degree in education leadership from Appalachian State University.
Show notes created by https://podium.page