The Education Vanguard

21C Learning
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The Education Vanguard is on a mission to seek out and discover interesting educators building, changing and improving the way we deliver education. Insightful questions, a casual atmosphere, and frank discussion help this show deliver value.

  1. Designing for What Matters: Agency, Action, and the Human Side of Learning with Summer Howarth

    1D AGO

    Designing for What Matters: Agency, Action, and the Human Side of Learning with Summer Howarth

    In this episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin Hardman sits down with Summer Howarth, founder and director of The Eventful Learning Company and a leading voice in student agency and educational innovation. Summer shares why meaningful participation requires more than good intentions. Drawing from her experience designing events and learning experiences across international schools and education systems, she explains how clarity of purpose, authentic roles, and thoughtful structure shape whether students lean in or quietly disengage. Together, they explore what it takes to design for agency, how to avoid performative practices, and why the human side of learning must remain central in an increasingly complex education landscape. A must-listen for school leaders, event designers, and educators committed to designing experiences that truly matter.

    31 min
  2. Leading Through the Unknown: Trust, Data, and the Future of Learning Technologies with Tim Evans

    FEB 9

    Leading Through the Unknown: Trust, Data, and the Future of Learning Technologies with Tim Evans

    In this episode of Education Vanguard, host Justin Hardman is joined by Tim Evans, Learning Technologies and Data Coordinator at the American School of Guangzhou. Together, they explore how trust, community understanding, and meaningful data use shape successful EdTech adoption. Tim shares insights on moving beyond dashboards, supporting teachers through AI driven change, and why alignment with school vision and mission matters more than tools themselves. The conversation also unpacks the disruptive nature of AI, sustainable innovation, and the evolving role of educators in an uncertain future. A must listen for school leaders, EdTech coordinators, and educators navigating innovation with clarity and purpose.

    26 min
  3. Beyond the Office: Leading Schools with Purpose and Heart with Dr. Helen Wright

    FEB 2

    Beyond the Office: Leading Schools with Purpose and Heart with Dr. Helen Wright

    In this episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin and co-host Howard Stribbell welcome Dr. Helen Wright, a globally respected education leader, executive coach, and board advisor with over three decades of experience in international education. Dr. Wright shares her journey from teacher to headship, offering honest reflections on leadership transitions, imposter syndrome, and the realities of carrying responsibility at the top. The conversation also explores women in leadership, recruitment and governance relationships, and why global competence is essential for today’s learners. A thoughtful and grounded discussion for educators, school leaders, and boards seeking to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose.

    43 min
  4. Reimagining Screen Time Through Creativity and Connection with Rob LoCascio

    JAN 26

    Reimagining Screen Time Through Creativity and Connection with Rob LoCascio

    In this episode of Education Vanguard, host Justin Hardman is joined by Rob LoCascio, American entrepreneur and founder and former CEO of LivePerson. Known for pioneering web-based chat, Rob now turns his attention to a new challenge: how children experience technology in an AI-driven world. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, Rob discusses the impact of devices on children’s behaviour, the risks of addictive design, and why purpose-built technology for creativity and connection matters. The conversation explores the role of parents, the importance of shared experiences, and how AI can be designed as a tool for good rather than passive consumption. A thoughtful listen for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone reflecting on the future of learning, technology, and childhood.

    18 min
  5. Supporting Language Development Across Every Classroom, with Ceci Gomez-Galvez

    JAN 19

    Supporting Language Development Across Every Classroom, with Ceci Gomez-Galvez

    In this episode of Education Vanguard, host Justin is joined by Ceci Gomez-Galvez, a multilingual education leader and advocate for translanguaging pedagogy, culturally responsive practice, and equitable access for multilingual learners. Ceci reflects on her journey into teaching at a young age in Guatemala, how her bilingual identity shaped her work, and why schools must move beyond the idea that more exposure to a single target language leads to better learning. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about multilingual learners, explore the relationship between language and culture, and share practical examples of how language development can be supported across all subjects. The conversation also touches on collaboration, consulting, and how AI tools can support multilingual learners when used thoughtfully. A valuable listen for school leaders, language specialists, and educators committed to inclusive, identity-affirming learning environments.

    47 min

  6. JAN 12

    Building Sustainable School Cultures Through Leadership, Balance, and Wellness With Nick Haywood and Dr. Anne Wenstrom | Hosted by Carlos Galvez and Sarah Cole

    In this double-feature episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin Hardman brings listeners two powerful conversations recorded live at the PHASE Asia Pacific Conference 2025. In the first conversation, PHASE Committee Chair Carlos Galvez sits down with Rising Star keynote speaker Nick Haywood. Nick reflects on his journey from outdoor education to working with elite sporting teams and schools, sharing insights on leadership, balance, connection, and why educators don’t need to be “bad” to get better. The second conversation features PHASE Committee Member Sarah Cole in discussion with Dr. Anne Wenstrom, Rising Star speaker and Wellness Coordinator at Singapore American School. Dr. Wenstrom explores how schools can build comprehensive, sustainable cultures of wellbeing by connecting students, educators, families, and organizations through practical, community-driven approaches. A hopeful and grounded episode for educators and school leaders seeking meaningful ways to embed wellness, leadership, and balance into school culture.

    29 min
  7. Early Years, Wellness, and the Future of Learning with Helen Batteley & Tricia Friedman

    12/16/2025

    Early Years, Wellness, and the Future of Learning with Helen Batteley & Tricia Friedman

    In this Education Vanguard episode, host Justin Hardman introduces a special PHASE takeover recorded live at the PHASE Conference in Singapore. First, Will Patz speaks with Helen Batteley, an internationally renowned consultant in early childhood physical education and movement play, about physical literacy, play, and building strong foundations through developmentally appropriate practice. Then Thomas Matthews sits down with Tricia Friedman to explore the future of education in an AI-shaped world. Tricia challenges schools to look beyond plagiarism concerns and consider the deeper impact of AI on relationships, well-being, and community, while encouraging leaders to imagine more human, collaborative models of learning. A must-listen for educators and school leaders who want practical insight into early years development and a clearer lens on what AI means for the heart of schooling: people and connection.

    25 min
  8. Whole School Wellbeing Starts with Play: A School of Play Conversation

    12/09/2025

    Whole School Wellbeing Starts with Play: A School of Play Conversation

    In this Education Vanguard episode, host Kerstin Bender talks with Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell from School of Play, live from PHASE Conference. Together, they explore how play can move from the gym to the whole school, shaping culture, relationships, and wellbeing for staff, students, and families. Dale and Paul share stories from international schools, from whole staff keynotes and leadership work to parent evenings that turn into deeply human moments. They discuss why teachers need to look after themselves first, how play can be accessible for introverts as well as high energy educators, and why staff wellbeing programs are no longer optional. If you are looking for practical, human centred ways to build connection in your school and shift wellbeing from a PE responsibility to a whole school commitment, this conversation is for you. A great listen for PE teachers, school leaders, counsellors, and anyone who cares about thriving school communities.

    25 min
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About

The Education Vanguard is on a mission to seek out and discover interesting educators building, changing and improving the way we deliver education. Insightful questions, a casual atmosphere, and frank discussion help this show deliver value.

Information

  • Creator
    21C Learning
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Education Vanguard
  • Show Website
    The Education Vanguard