The International Schools Podcast

theinternationalschoolspodcast

Hosted by John Mikton and Dan Taylor. Every two weeks we discuss all aspects of technology and life in International Schools.

  1. FEB 7

    172 - Creating Safer School Cultures with Alexandra Somers, Head of Education at Everyone’s Invited

    Everyone’s Invited: Creating Safer School Cultures Survivor voices, education, and the responsibility to change. About Alex Somers Alex is the Head of Education at Everyone’s Invited, where she has played a key role in developing and leading the charity’s education programme since its launch in September 2022. Alex leads educational sessions in schools, colleges, and universities across the UK, engaging directly with young people to raise awareness and challenge rape culture with empathy, compassion and understanding. She also leads the charity’s collaboration with local authorities, managing a growing network. In addition, she oversees the Community Champions programme, empowering students to become advocates for change in their own school communities. Everyone’s Invited on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everyone-s-invited/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyonesinvited/ Resources https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/  https://everyonesinvited.substack.com/  https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/EI_REPORT_2024_2025.pdfz https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/primary/read  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

    56 min
  2. JAN 23

    171 - Scaling AI with Purpose: Leading Change Across a School Community

    Transforming schools through ethical, large-scale Al integration and collaborative learning. About Jamie Toner Jamie is an education technology and innovation leader with experience across K-12 and Higher Education in the UK, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. As Director of Technology and Innovation at Singapore American School, he leads digital transformation, AI integration, and the development of forward-looking learning ecosystems.  Previously Founding Director of Digital Learning and Information Services at Harrow International School Shenzhen, Jamie has driven major projects in digital strategy and information services. Named on the recent CILIP 125 List of future leaders and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he researches and presents internationally on digital leadership and knowledge sharing. He is currently in the final stages of his PhD at the University of Sheffield on how legitimacy and epistemic authority are unevenly constructed and sustained within international schools. Jamie Toner on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-toner-611b2478/  About Claire Simms Claire is an experienced international educator and digital learning leader with over 25 years in schools across Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore. She is currently Assistant Principal - Innovation and Technology at St. Joseph’s Institution International School where she leads initiatives that enhance teaching and learning through technology. Since joining SJI International in 2016, Claire has held key leadership roles including Head of IPC and Head of Grade, helping to shape both curriculum and digital strategy. A Google Trainer, Coach, Innovator, and GEG Leader, Apple Learning Coach, and Seesaw Educator Lead, she regularly presents across the APAC region on digital learning and leadership. Claire holds a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Sunderland and is currently completing her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Claire Simms on Social Media LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/claire-simms-13679643  Resources https://www.sas.edu.sg/  https://www.sji-international.com.sg/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Workspace Audit by AppsEDU Find and Fix Security Gaps in Your Google Workspace at https://workspaceaudit.com/  Get a complete, automated overview of your security posture. Our read-only scanner identifies misconfigurations and provides actionable steps to harden your environment. We also help you STAY secure. With our automated monitoring functionality you schedule daily, weekly or monthly scans, allowing you to fix issues before they become a problem. Get started for free with no obligation, your first scan is on us! https://workspaceaudit.com/

    56 min
  3. JAN 10

    170 - Sophie & Scott: Beyond the Noise Reimagining Global Citizenship in Schools

    Preparing students not just to face the world they inherit, but to transform it for the better. About Scott Jamieson Scott is the Global Collaboration Lead,  Facilitator, Coach, Empathy to Impact Host and Producer, Co-Director of Future Now: Student Leadership. Scott Jamieson is a facilitator with Inspire Citizens, where he works with international schools to deepen global citizenship and sustainable learning. He began his career teaching math in Thailand and went on to teach in schools across Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Beijing. After a life-changing accident, Scott returned to the classroom as a teacher and learning support specialist before moving into his current role supporting educators worldwide. His focus is on making learning purposeful, inclusive, and connected to real-world challenges. Scott Jamieson on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jamieson-1046912b1/  About Sophie Peccaud Sophie is a Partnership Specialist with Inspire Citizens, working to connect schools around the world with meaningful opportunities in global citizenship and service learning. With a background in business and international experience spanning Latin America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond, Sophie has been involved in projects from sustainable tourism in the Amazon to storytelling initiatives on global citizenship. Her focus now is on building collaborations that help schools integrate sustainability, purpose, and real-world impact into education. Sophie Peccaud on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-peccaud-92b9691a6/?originalSubdomain=ph  Resources https://inspirecitizens.org/ourteam  https://inspirecitizens.org/global-citizenship-certificate-program Inspire Citizens Student Leadership Brochure https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yNgKJy8P4LEQWTQNHWakKcef6zKbGZ7z/view?usp=drivesdk  https://inspirecitizens.org/vignettes https://inspirecitizens.org/empathy-to-impact-podcast About  https://inspirecitizens.org/ourteam  Work https://inspirecitizens.org/global-citizenship-certificate-program  https://inspirecitizens.org/inspire-students Connect  https://inspirecitizens.org/inspired-conversations Learn https://inspirecitizens.org/e2i25 https://inspirecitizens.org/community-engagement Stories https://inspirecitizens.org/vignettes https://inspirecitizens.org/empathy-to-impact-podcast John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Workspace Audit by AppsEDU Find and Fix Security Gaps in Your Google Workspace at https://workspaceaudit.com/  Get a complete, automated overview of your security posture. Our read-only scanner identifies misconfigurations and provides actionable steps to harden your environment. We also help you STAY secure. With our automated monitoring functionality you schedule daily, weekly or monthly scans, allowing you to fix issues before they become a problem. Get started for free with no obligation, your first scan is on us! https://workspaceaudit.com/

    1h 9m
  4. 12/12/2025

    169 - From Classrooms to Creativity Labs: Rethinking What's Possible in Schools

    Exploring innovation where education meets entrepreneurship. About Durga Suresh-Menon Durga Suresh-Menon, Ph.D., is Head of School at New England Innovation Academy. An energizing, dynamic and growth-minded educator with a record of inclusive leadership and passionate storytelling, Dr. Suresh-Menon joins NEIA with over two decades of collaborative higher-education experience, academic program development and a unique understanding of what makes students successful. She has a rich background in higher education, leadership, curriculum development, and academic excellence. Before joining NEIA, she served as Dean of the School of Computing and Data Science and Dean of Graduate Education at Wentworth Institute of Technology, as well as an Associate Professor, where she led efforts to implement progressive learning strategies and interdisciplinary curriculum that promoted innovation and global awareness. She is recognized for her work fostering a culture of growth, development and innovation, ensuring that a STEAM curriculum remains aligned with the ever-evolving technological landscape and industry demands. Fluent in multiple languages, Dr. Suresh-Menon loves to connect with tech-minded students and parents from all backgrounds, and brings a global perspective and collaborative spirit to NEIA’s academic community. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.neia/ Twitter: https://x.com/helloneia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloNEIA/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/durga-suresh-menon/ About John Camp (he goes by Camp) Camp has been teaching in independent schools for over 25 years. His experience includes English and writing classes as well as interdisciplinary courses such as “The Art and Physics of Time Travel.” At St. Mark’s School, which bestowed him with The Trustees Chair and the Kidder Faculty Prize, Camp served as the Director of Experiential Learning and Associate Director of The Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning. A pair of his pedagogical mantras include “I aim to teach what cannot be Googled” and “I expect you to work hard, so I work hard.” He has a B.A. English/Creative Writing from Middlebury College and M.A.L.S. from Dartmouth College. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.neia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloNEIA/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campsm/ Resources https://neiacademy.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-england-innovation-academy/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

    58 min
  5. 12/02/2025

    168 - Confident Voices, Connected Communities

    How communication and connection shape our professional lives. About Helen von Dadelszen Helen von Dadelszen is a public speaking and voice coach who works with researchers, healthcare professionals and humanitarian staff to help them share their work clearly and confidently. Through her company, Present Potential Sàrl, she provides coaching in speaking, presenting, and interviews, with a focus on supporting non-native English speakers and those working in complex fields. She also facilitates creative team-building projects with Collaborative Art and is the author of Courageous Action. Her background includes performance, teaching, HR and international NGO work. Website: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/site/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen/ About Mandy Bronsil Mandy Bronsil is a facilitator, coach, and speaker who works with individuals and teams on professional growth and collaboration. She leads MasterMinds, a peer community designed to support accountability and shared learning, and has more than 15 years’ experience running workshops and events. Mandy also teaches career development at Swiss universities and business schools and has worked with leadership teams on talent management and communication strategies. Her background in hospitality management includes international experience in Spain, Ireland, and China, and she has shared her entrepreneurial journey in a TEDx talk. Website: https://www.b-inspired.ch/home  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandybronsil/  Resources https://courageousaction.ch/ https://academy.presentpotential.ch/resources John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

    1 hr
  6. 11/21/2025

    167 - School Leadership in the Age of AI: Lessons and Reflections

    Reflections from international school leaders on ethics, practice, and what the future may hold. About Warren Apel Warren is the Director of Technology at The American School in Japan, co-founder of the edtech startups Scholastico and Ecoballot, and Global Project Coordinator for the World Digital Schools Project. With over 20 years of experience in international education, he has served at schools in Japan, India, Egypt, and the Netherlands. Warren is a Google for Education Certified Innovator, Apple Distinguished Educator, and National Board Certified Teacher. A frequent presenter at NESA, EARCOS, ECIS, ISTE, Google, and Apple education events, he brings expertise in AI in education, K–12 cybersecurity, technology integration, data analysis, and teacher training. His mission is to improve learning through the purposeful and well-managed use of technology. Warren Apel on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenapel/  School Website: https://www.asij.ac.jp/ About Greg Clinton Greg Clinton is the Head of School at the American International School Chennai. Before this role, he served as Director of Technologies and Research & Development at AISC and has taught literature and philosophy in schools and universities across Peru, India, Sudan, Japan, and the United States, including Stony Brook University and Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Lima. Greg is the co-founder of IB Score Reports, an educational data service used by over 200 schools worldwide. He holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and a PhD in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies. Greg is also a founding member of the global AI in Education Collaborative and leads the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) digital school project. Greg Clinton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-clinton/  School Website: https://www.aischennai.org/ Resources If you’re interested in tracking trends of which AI models are gaining popularity, this report from Andreessen Horowitz is excellent. https://a16z.com/100-gen-ai-apps-5/ Podcast episode with author David Yeager (People I Mostly Admire ep 160 How to Help Kids Succeed) (web link) It gets into how non-cognitive skills—like self-regulation, agency, and focus—are foundational to student success. It explores why simply limiting screen time or enforcing rules isn’t enough, and instead emphasizes building environments that foster long-term habits and motivation. His book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier unpacks this even more.  It’s not hard to make the connection between top-down rules about screen time and top-down rules about using AI. If parents or teachers want kids to obey the rules, we need to give kids agency and involve them in setting their own boundaries. Ryan Tannenbaum The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don't, by Julia Galef John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

    1h 5m
  7. 11/14/2025

    166 - Beyond the Score: Insights from Melbourne Metrics

    About Ellen Heyting Ellen Heyting is a passionate educator, researcher, and facilitator based at Melbourne Metrics within the Faculty of Education at The University of Melbourne. With over a decade of K–12 teaching and leadership experience in IB World Schools across Melbourne, Beijing, Singapore, and Helsinki, she brings a global lens to her work on teacher identity, instructional leadership, and assessment innovation. Ellen holds a PhD in Education and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She leads projects focused on international networks, credentialing, and the development of complex competencies, and has delivered professional learning across school systems and sectors. Driven by a belief in education as a force for peace and justice, Ellen is committed to empowering teachers and learners to develop the competencies they need to thrive at school and beyond. Ellen Heyting on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-heyting-phd-ab558a280/   Twitter: https://x.com/melbmetrics?lang=en  Resources https://education.unimelb.edu.au/melbourne-metrics    https://education.unimelb.edu.au/melbourne-metrics/home/new-metrics-international-schools-program John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

    53 min
  8. 10/11/2025

    165 - Adam Binksmith from Sage: Thinking Forward

    Tools, insights, and conversations to help us make better decisions about the future. About Adam Binksmith Adam Binksmith is the Director of Sage, a nonprofit building tools to help people make sense of the future. His work spans AI explainers at AI Digest, and forecasting platforms like Fatebook and Quantified Intuitions. With a background in computer science, philosophy, and rationality research, Adam’s focus is on helping individuals and communities improve decision-making through better forecasting, representation, and reasoning. A former researcher at Clearer Thinking and PhD student at the University of St Andrews, Adam now leads projects exploring how technology can support thoughtful action and reduce global risk. He lives in Oxford, UK. Adam Binksmith on Social Media https://x.com/aidigest_   https://x.com/adambinksmith   https://www.linkedin.com/company/sage-future/posts/?feedView=all   https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-binks/   Resources https://theaidigest.org/  https://sage-future.org/ John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

    51 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by John Mikton and Dan Taylor. Every two weeks we discuss all aspects of technology and life in International Schools.