Episode 23: What factors affect the tenure of school leaders?
Release Date: 10/20/2025
Episode 24: From Classroom to Boardroom: The Changing Face of School Leadership
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
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...
info_outline
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
Episode 22: Let's Talk About Succession - Not the Netflix Show
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
A Quick Summary In this episode of 'Where's Your Head at the International Education Podcast,' hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald explore the complexities of succession planning in international education. They discuss the significance of strategic succession to ensure the continuity of a school’s mission and vision amid rapid changes. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing internal candidates through professional development and the role of AI in modernizing education while emphasizing the ever-important human connection. They also touch on the...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
Episode 20: Making Schools More Relational
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“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...
info_outline
Episode 19: One Big Question, What is Worth Learning? Education must co-evolve with AI.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
“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...
info_outline
Episode 18: The Mental Health Crisis in Schools: A Call for Change
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
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...
info_outline
Episode 17: Navigating International Education: Insights from Adelaide to Ulaanbaatar
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
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...
info_outline
Episode 16: The Evolution of Literacy: Supporting Teachers Through Transitions
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
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...
info_outline
Episode 15: Exploring the Landscape of International Education
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?
"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...
info_outlineA 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 circumstances all playing significant roles. He emphasizes the importance of trust, clear communication, and board relationships in leader longevity, and discusses the main reasons why heads transition between schools.
The conversation also covers key competencies for aspiring school heads, especially financial management, and the value of ongoing professional development and networking. The episode concludes with encouragement for international school leaders to connect, learn, and support each other in navigating the complex world of educational leadership.
We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/
Key Highlights:
Introduction and Shout Out
-
Richard Henry introduces the podcast "Where's Your Head At" and its focus on international education.
-
Richard Henry gives a shout out to Cheryl Proctor for her work with an association supporting young girls in shelter homes.
-
Richard Henry reflects on the variables in the world of education and the great work being done.
Dr. Allan Morrison's Career Journey
-
Richard Henry welcomes Dr. Allan Morrison and congratulates him on his doctorate.
-
Dr. Morrison shares his career journey, starting with his Bachelor of Ed at the University of Toronto and his teaching experience in Japan.
-
Dr. Morrison discusses his move to Tokyo, his leadership roles in Japan, and his transition to Hong Kong.
Dr. Morrison's Research on International School Leaders
-
James Dalziel and James McDonald express interest in Dr. Morrison's research on international school leaders.
-
Dr. Morrison explains his MBA dissertation on international school leaders and the characteristics that help them go beyond the status quo.
-
Dr. Morrison shares the findings of his doctoral research, including the average tenure of international school heads and the factors influencing turnover.
Factors Influencing Tenure of International School Heads
-
Dr. Morrison discusses the structural and individual factors influencing the tenure of international school heads.
-
He highlights the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit schools, the impact of location, nationality, and the number of headships on tenure.
-
Dr. Morrison explains the recruitment process and the impact of internal versus external recruitment on tenure.
Governance and Leadership Challenges
-
Dr. Morrison delves into the relationship between school heads and their boards, using principal agency theory.
-
He discusses the challenges of governance, including board size, nationality, and the impact of board stability on tenure.
-
Dr. Morrison emphasizes the importance of clear communication and trust between the head and the board.
Professional Development and Competencies for School Heads
-
James Dalziel asks about the professional development and competencies needed for school heads.
-
Dr. Morrison outlines the three categories of leadership qualities: setting directions, developing people, and developing the organization.
-
He highlights the importance of financial competence and the challenges of managing finances in the role of a school head.
Networks and Support Systems for School Heads
-
James Dalziel inquires about the networks and support systems for school heads.
-
Dr. Morrison mentions the importance of conferences and networking with other school heads for professional support.
-
He notes that while networks were not a major focus of his research, they are crucial for the peace of mind and professional growth of school heads.
Conclusion and Contact Information
-
Richard Henry thanks Dr. Morrison for his insights and contributions to the podcast.
-
Dr. Morrison provides his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about his research.
-
The hosts express their appreciation for the conversation and invite listeners to connect with them through their website.
Show notes created by https://podium.page