Educator’s Corner

Kai Vacher

The Educator’s Corner podcast offers engaging conversations with educators from all over the world about the issues, challenges and opportunities we are facing in our schools and our communities. Creating, innovating and redesigning education that prepares our students to be best for the rapidly changing world requires courageous, empathetic and humble leadership. Together we will have conversations where we stay curious for a little longer about what matters in preparing our young people to live fulfilling lives.

  1. 13/11/2025

    Understanding the World’s Most Diverse Education System | In Conversation with Avyakt Sethi

    With over 240 million students and 1.5 million schools, India’s education system is arguably the most diverse globally. Shaped by its population, governance, culture, and openness to external models, it is an example of pluralism in action. So what does learning look like across such a vast landscape? In this episode, Kai begins an exploration of the Indian education system with fellow podcaster Avyakt Sethi, the creator of Schoolcast. Drawing on conversations from Indian schools and their communities, Avyakt sheds light on the academic rigour of India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the drive towards holistic development in one of the most varied educational environments. About Our Guest Avyakt Sethi is the creator and host of Schoolcast, India's first dedicated school education podcast. Drawing on conversations with diverse voices from Indian schools and their communities, Avyakt offers a unique perspective on the rapid changes in India's education sector. Resources How School Education Differs in CBSE and International Schools — Schoolcast  ANA Ed Talks interview with Kai Vacher — Aspee Nutan Academy National Education Policy (NEP) — The policy driving reform in Indian education KaiPod News Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here. Related episodes: Episode 14 — The AI-proof Skills Our Students Need (with Leo Thompson) Episode 6 — The Global Teacher Recruitment Crisis (with Mark Steed) Special thanks Thank you to our listeners, Hannah, Joanna, and Ben, for their excellent questions, and to Deniece Wheeler of COBIS for her insightful query about the international school market in India. Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher A BSM BSS production Post-production by Communicating for Impact

    28 min

  2. 09/10/2025

    Why 50% of Secondary School Students Have Stopped Trying and How We Can Fix It | With Jenny Anderson

    Why are so many young people disengaged from learning — and what can parents and educators do about it? That’s the question that journalist Jenny Anderson seeks to answer in her book, The Disengaged Teen. Alongside co-author Rebecca Winthrop, Jenny unpicks why so many teenagers have switched off from school and presents evidence-based strategies to help reignite their love of learning.  In this episode, Jenny joins Kai to share: What ‘student engagement’ really means beyond grades or behaviour The four modes of student engagement and how to identify them Why 50% of teens spend most of their time at school in one mode - and why this presents a huge challenge How agency and the “zone of proximal development” support real learning Simple strategies for parents and teachers to increase student engagement In this episode, Kai and Jenny discuss: 05:30 What student engagement really means — beyond behaviour 07:41 Why disengagement is one of the biggest challenges facing schools 10:13 The four modes of engagement: passenger, achiever, resister, explorer 17:28 Passenger mode: the “invisible middle” of the classroom 23:24 Achiever mode and the hidden costs of perfectionism 27:32 The challenges and opportunities of Resister mode 32:21 Signs a student is in Explorer mode and how to cultivate it 35:06 Practical strategies for parents and educators to foster agency and increase engagement 43:04 How AI is creating more passengers — and what to do about it About Our Guest Jenny Anderson is a journalist and co-author of The Disengaged Teen with Rebecca Winthrop. A former finance reporter for the New York Times, Jenny now writes about education, parenting, and human development. Her work explores how families and schools can support adolescents in moving from compliance or resistance into curiosity, agency, and meaningful engagement. Resources The Disengaged Teen — book website  Jenny’s Substack: How to Be Brave Rebecca Winthrop’s LinkedIn newsletter: Winthrop’s World of Education KaiPod News Enjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here. Related episodes: Episode 24 — Inside the Fastest Growing School in the UK (with Hugh Viney) Episode 17 — Why have Children Stopped Reading (with Daisy Christodoulou) Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher A BSM BSS production Post-production by Communicating for Impact

    50 min

  3. 25/09/2025

    Mental Health in Schools: How Can Leaders Support Student and Staff Wellbeing?

    Stress, staffing pressures, and rising student needs mean schools can’t leave mental health to chance. But how do you move from creating policies to embedding awareness across a whole team? In this episode, Kai talks to George Peterkin, a qualified teacher, accredited therapeutic counsellor, and founder of Mind Your Health. George has been delivering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at British School Muscat, equipping staff with practical tools, language, and culture-shaping habits that make mental health awareness part of our everyday. They discuss: What Mental Health First Aid is and how it differs from wellbeing Practical tools staff can use to support student and colleague wellbeing Why schools should consider using student artwork to deliver mental health education  How to embed MHFA into daily routines across the school curriculum About Our Guest George Peterson is a qualified teacher, accredited therapeutic counsellor, and founder of Mind Your Health Limited. He delivers Mental Health First Aid training and practical wellbeing programmes for schools and organisations worldwide, blending evidence-based strategies with engaging, classroom-tested practice. Resources Mind Your Health Limited website George Peterkin on LinkedIn KaiPod News Enjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here. Related episodes: Episode 23 — Is Kindness the Key to Effective Leadership (with Joanna Povall) Episode 18 — How to Develop Empathy as a Teacher or School Leader (with Ed Kirwan) Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher A BSM BSS production Post-production by Communicating for Impact In this episode, Kai and George discuss: 3:34 How George went from classics teacher to MHFA trainer 3:23 What is Mental Health First Aid? 5:42 Why empowerment is key to promoting mental health in schools 6:38 Practical skills for mental health education 10:10 The real impact of MHFA training on staff and students 14:31 Small culture shifts that have a huge impact on wellbeing 25:19 Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable

    32 min

  4. 11/09/2025

    How did Minerva Virtual Academy become the UK's fastest growing school? In conversation with Hugh Viney

    With 1.28 million students persistently absent from school in the UK, it’s clear that the traditional classroom isn’t the right fit for everyone. But what does that mean for the future of education? For many families, the answer lies online.  In this episode, Kai talks to Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy. Starting with just four students in 2021, Minerva now supports over 1,200 learners worldwide. It has become the UK’s fastest-growing school and a shining example of how online learning can help meet the diverse needs of today’s students.  They discuss: Why online education is better than traditional schooling for some familiesHow Minerva Virtual Academy grew from 4 to 1,200 students in just four yearsThe role of one-to-one mentoring, flexibility, and community in student successHugh’s vision for the future of global education In this episode, Kai and Hugh discuss: 2:48 Which students thrive at Minerva Virtual Academy? 5:36 Inside the flipped model, where 60% of lessons are self-directed 6:11 How MVA ensures every student gets personalised attention 7:13 Building a real global community 8:43 What does a typical week at MVA look like? 22:24 The real impact of virtual learning on results and attendance 27:25 How MVA plans to expand beyond the UK About Our Guest Hugh Viney is the founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, the UK’s fastest-growing school. Launched in 2021, Minerva serves over a thousand students across 60 countries, offering GCSEs and A-levels through a flexible online model that combines self-directed learning, live lessons, and weekly one-to-one mentoring. Hugh is also the founder of Minerva Tutors and has been recognised as a pioneer in reshaping education for the modern era. ResourcesMinerva Virtual Academy website Classlist (Parent community app) Pupil absence in schools in England. Autumn 2024/25 KaiPod News Enjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here. Related episodes: Episode 20 - Going Remote: the solution to the teacher recruitment crisis? With Mark Steed Episode 13 - Why AI must not replace teachers. With Priya Lakhani Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher A BSM BSS production Post-production by Communicating for Impact

    39 min

  5. 28/08/2025

    Is Kindness the Key to Effective School Leadership? In Conversation with Joanna Povall

    What are the qualities of a good school leader? Many people point to traits like confidence, decisiveness and resilience. But could kindness be the real key to bringing the best out in your team? In this episode, Kai talks to Joanna Povall, Principal of Wales International School in Abu Dhabi, to explore why kindness is the sharpest tool a leader has.  They discuss: What it means to lead with kindnessWhy being kind isn’t a weakness, but a strengthHow compassion helps leaders navigate challenges and bring the best out of their staffJoanna’s CHASE framework to show kindness as an education leader In this episode, Kai and Joanna discuss: 02:43 How Princess Diana’s legacy shapes school culture 04:04 Why being kind is an important leadership quality, not a weakness 10:09 Joanna’s CHASE framework for leading with kindness 16:26 Why kindness and accountability go hand in hand 20:14 Words we should avoid as educators 25:56 Tips for keeping ego in check while showing strength 29:07 How “chasing kindness” transforms 34:04 Joanna’s advice to aspiring leaders About Our Guest Joanna Povall is the Principal of Wales International School, Abu Dhabi, named in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales. A respected international school leader, she is the creator of the CHASE framework for kindness in leadership. Joanna speaks regularly at conferences worldwide and is the author of an upcoming book on leadership and kindness. Resources Scott, K. (2017). Radical Candor. St. Martin's Press Folkman, J. (2022). The Power of Kindness in Leadership. Forbes Wales International School, Abu Dhabi (@walesinternationalschool6422) KaiPod News Enjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here. Related episodes of Educator’s Corner: Episode 18: Connecting with Empathy with Ed Kirwan Episode 14: Could this be more important than AI? with Leo Thompson Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher A BSM BSS production Post-production by Communicating for Impact

    46 min

  6. 02/07/2025

    Saving the Ocean, the Planet and Our Future (with Jeroen van de Waal)

    What does it mean to find your ikigai, and why might that be the key to saving our planet? In this episode, Kai talks to Jeroen van de Waal, founder of OrcaNation, the BlueBeat Group and The Reef Company. Following a lively keynote session at British School Muscat, Jeroen reflects on his journey from corporate CEO to ocean conservationist and how he's on a mission to reconnect 8 billion people with nature. In this episode, Kai and Jeroen discuss: 01:49 Jeroen’s mission (and how it started) 05:30 Unlocking a different way of thinking 07:14 A corporate social responsibility plan 10:38 Discovering ikigai during garden leave 12:30 How the BlueBeat Group was born 14:15 Why experiential learning matters more than ever 18:03 The power of purpose and how to find it 23:22 Why life skills are critical in the age of AI 25:55 Practical steps we can take to support ocean health 32:20 Quickfire student Q&A About Our Guest Jeroen van de Waal is the founder of the BlueBeat Group, OrcaNation, and The Reef Company. A former corporate CEO turned conservationist, Jeroen now leads global initiatives in ocean education, reef regeneration, and tech-for-good projects, including underwater satellite systems. His mission: to save the ocean, the planet, and ourselves. Resources OrcaNation website The Ocean Cleanup – Boyan Slat website Chan Kim, W. and Mauborgne, R. (2005). Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant. Harvard Business Review Press. Waal, J. (2024). Together We Can Turn Tides: A Manifesto to Save the Oceans, Planet & Ourselves. Rethink Press Related episodes of the Educator’s Corner podcast: Episode 14: Could this be more important than AI? With Leo Thompson Episode 13: Why AI must not replace teachers with Priya Lakhani Special Thanks A big thank you to Brody, Joel, Hassen, Vrinda, Nour, and all the students who asked Jeroen questions during his visit to British School Muscat. Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher Produced by Alfie B, Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James A BSM BSS production Post-production by Communicating for Impact

    37 min

  7. 31/05/2025

    Heading Towards Hybrid? With Mark Steed

    Could hybrid schools be the answer? Mark Steed returns to the Educator’s Corner podcast to continue the conversation on remote teaching, flexible models, and reimagining the future of schooling. Following their packed session at the COBIS Conference in London, Kai and Mark pick up where they left off. In this episode, they explore how innovative teaching models could help address two major challenges: teacher recruitment and student attendance. In this episode, Kai and Mark discuss: 01:26 Why some schools have no choice but to go hybrid 06:21 Why paying teachers more isn’t the whole solution 07:15 What good remote teaching looks like post-COVID 10:01 The 25% problem: student absence and disengagement 13:10 The rise of online schools and the case for hybrid 22:30 Designing the Hybrid Academy: layout, tech, and student flow 27:10 How hybrid offers flexibility for both teachers and learners 30:47 From cost-cutting to curriculum expansion: the hybrid advantage About Our Guest Mark Steed is the Director and Consultant at Steed Education, which specialises in educational consultancy support for Schools Groups, U.K. independent schools, and English-speaking international schools. Read more about Mark here. Resources COBIS websiteThe Good Schools GuideJestico + Whiles - Architects of the ‘hybrid academy’Steed Education – consultancy servicesRelated episodes of the Educator's Corner podcast: Episode 19: Beyond the Myths: Your guide to international teaching with Laura RigneyEpisode 20: Going Remote: the solution to the teacher recruitment crisis?  With Mark SteedSave the Date Join Mark and Kai in person for an open conversation about hybrid schooling and reimagining the future of education. 🗓️ Tuesday 20 January 2026 📍 Location TBC. Follow Kai and Mark on LinkedIn for updates Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher A BSM BSS production

    42 min

  8. 24/04/2025

    Is Remote Teaching the Solution to the Global Teacher Shortage? In Conversation with Mark Steed

    Could going remote really be the solution to the teacher recruitment crisis? Recent survey findings from Teacher Horizons suggest online teaching is here to stay, but not everyone agrees.  Director and Consultant at Steed Education, Mark Steed, rejoins the Educator's Corner podcast to discuss whether remote teaching really is a viable solution to the current teacher shortage.  Join us as we discuss:  Why we find ourselves in the midst of a recruitment crisis  What 1,600 teachers think about the future of teaching Lessons from British School Muscat's venture into remote teaching for A-level subjects The shift towards hybrid schools and the need for varied pedagogical approaches By breaking down data from the Teacher Horizons survey and sharing insights from our own experiences, we explore whether online teaching is the answer to the teacher recruitment challenges we face.  In this episode, learn about: 00:43 The persistent teacher recruitment challenge6:17 Factors contributing to the teacher shortage08:01 Exploring remote teaching as a potential solution13:41 Key insights from the Teacher Horizons’ data17:59 Lessons learned from implementing remote teaching23:52 The importance of varied pedagogical approaches online27:58 The reality of specialist teacher shortages36:59 Will going remote solve the teacher shortage?40:41 Moving towards hybrid schools About Our Guest Mark Steed is the Director and Consultant at Steed Education, which specialises in educational consultancy support for Schools Groups, U.K. independent schools, and English-speaking international schools. Read more about Mark here. Resources COBIS website (including the upcoming conference)COBIS accreditation reportsSteed Education - specialist educational consultancy supporting schoolsTeacher Horizons - resources and reports Related episodes of the Educator's Corner podcast: Episode 6: The Global Teacher Recruitment Crisis: Looming challenge or an opportunity for innovation? Part 1 with Mark SteedEpisode 8: The Global Teacher Recruitment Crisis: Hybrid schooling and other innovative solutions. Part 2 with Mark SteedEpisode 19: Beyond the Myths: Your guide to international teaching with Laura Rigney KaiPod News Enjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here. Credits Hosted by Kai Vacher A BSM BSS production

    43 min
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About

The Educator’s Corner podcast offers engaging conversations with educators from all over the world about the issues, challenges and opportunities we are facing in our schools and our communities. Creating, innovating and redesigning education that prepares our students to be best for the rapidly changing world requires courageous, empathetic and humble leadership. Together we will have conversations where we stay curious for a little longer about what matters in preparing our young people to live fulfilling lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Kai Vacher
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kai Vacher
  • Show Website
    Educator’s Corner