What are the secret ingredients to a successful international school? Join three experienced school leaders on their journey to unravel the enigma of international education today. Richard Henry, James Dalziel and James MacDonald host a series of interviews with trailblazers, experts and thought leaders to gain from their experiences and discover the keys to success so that schools can thrive.
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Episode 24: From Classroom to Boardroom: The Changing Face of School Leadership
Épisode 24
lundi 27 octobre 2025 • Durée 33:12
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.
Why international school heads leave roles: Governance challenges, career moves, and culture fit
Core competencies for leaders, especially business acumen and managing board relationships
The difference between principal and head of school roles—more business operations and metrics at the top
Navigating school culture and tone: how leaders can set expectations but must align with existing values
The importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and handling crisis situations
Building trust with staff, parents, and boards by communicating a clear vision and operationalizing change
No one-size-fits-all approach—leadership fit depends on the unique culture and stage of each school
Advice for aspiring heads: Get broad exposure across operations, know your values, embrace difficult decisions, and understand the 'big picture' of school management
Takeaways:
Succession planning should help future leaders see every part of the school, not just academics
Leadership growth starts with deep self-reflection and value alignment
Being a head of school is challenging but highly rewarding—candidates should embrace its complexities
Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com.
Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education.
Episode 23: What factors affect the tenure of school leaders?
Épisode 23
lundi 20 octobre 2025 • Durée 37:19
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 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.
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's Research on International School Leaders Factors Influencing Tenure of International School Heads Governance and Leadership Challenges Professional Development and Competencies for School Heads Networks and Support Systems for School Heads Conclusion and Contact Information
Episode 22: Let's Talk About Succession - Not the Netflix Show
Épisode 22
jeudi 25 septembre 2025 • Durée 35:55
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 psychological aspects of leadership transitions and the financial and reputational costs associated with poor succession planning. Practical insights and examples from their experiences make this episode a valuable resource for educational leaders aiming for a seamless transition and sustained institutional success.
24:02 Professional Development and AI in Education
30:50 Concluding Thoughts and Book Recommendations
Episode 21: What We Thought We Knew and What We've Learned
Épisode 21
lundi 14 avril 2025 • Durée 36:29
"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 educational leadership.
The episode emphasizes the value of staying focused on student learning and the need for school leaders to understand both educational and business aspects to lead effectively.
"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 student and staff wellbeing. Highlights include practical strategies for leaders to improve school culture and wellbeing, differences in generational expectations, and the significance of empathetic communication.
The episode is a valuable resource for educators and leaders committed to fostering a thriving educational environment.
Episode 19: One Big Question, What is Worth Learning? Education must co-evolve with AI.
Épisode 19
mercredi 19 mars 2025 • Durée 47:22
"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 emphasized that his success came from giving up on areas where he struggled rather than maintaining a 'growth mindset.'
Regarding international education, Dr. Zhao praised its progressive nature while acknowledging the pressures faced by international schools. He highlighted how international education defies traditional measurements like PISA scores and represents a valuable cultural experience beyond territorial boundaries.
On the topic of AI in education, Dr. Zhao argued that education hasn't significantly improved despite numerous reforms. He emphasized that using AI in traditional classroom settings won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change their approach. He advocated for personalization in education and redefining learning as 'doing' rather than traditional teaching methods.
Dr. Zhao criticized the current educational system's focus on meritocracy and standardized measurements. He suggested that schools should move away from forcing children to compete and instead embrace personalization and problem-solving. He emphasized the importance of finding problems rather than just solving them in the AI age.
Regarding school leadership, Dr. Zhao advised leaders to focus on their core responsibilities and create opportunities for others to contribute. He emphasized the importance of having a moral mission and thinking philosophically about education's role in shaping civilization's future.
We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot.
Episode 18: The Mental Health Crisis in Schools: A Call for Change
Épisode 18
jeudi 13 mars 2025 • Durée 35:32
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 the New Metrics International Schools program, a collaborative initiative launched by CIS and Melbourne Metrics to support international schools who are interested in harnessing the power of assessment, recognition and credentialing to change the grammar of schooling and celebrate a broader picture of our young people's competencies and successes.
Current Education System Crisis: Schools are experiencing high rates of student anxiety, mental health issues, and teacher shortages, indicating a fundamental problem with traditional educational approaches.
Assessment Transformation: High-stakes exams are ineffective at measuring students' true capabilities, focusing solely on content knowledge instead of critical skills like ethical behavior, communication, and collaboration.
Agency as Key Competency: Melbourne Metrics emphasizes developing student agency, shifting from viewing students as consumers of teaching to producers of their own learning.
Authentic Learning: Schools should break down barriers between classrooms and the real world, providing students with authentic audiences and meaningful learning experiences.
Collaborative Approach: Melbourne Metrics works in partnership with schools, education departments, and organizations to co-create better assessment and recognition tools.
Episode 17: Navigating International Education: Insights from Adelaide to Ulaanbaatar
Épisode 17
mercredi 29 janvier 2025 • Durée 28:06
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.
International Education Journey: Deidre's career evolved from teaching typing in small Australian country schools to leading international schools in Mongolia, Philippines, and Bali
Educational Philosophy: Strong belief in preparing students for life, not just university, by developing transferable skills and helping students discover their passions
Community and Wellbeing: Highlighted the increased focus on holistic community wellness, especially post-COVID, involving students, staff, and parents
Challenging Success Metrics: Critiqued the overemphasis on numerical scores and university entrance requirements as limited measures of student potential
Leadership Advice: Encouraged young leaders to be proactive, volunteer, gain diverse experiences, and be open to new challenges
Coaching Perspective: Advocated for executive coaching as a critical support mechanism for school leaders to unlock their potential
Future Vision: Imagined schools as places where students genuinely enjoy learning and are equipped with skills to navigate an evolving world
Episode 16: The Evolution of Literacy: Supporting Teachers Through Transitions
Épisode 16
mardi 17 décembre 2024 • Durée 34:31
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 down with Erin Kent, the visionary founder of Erin Kent Consulting. With a rich background in international education, Erin's insights span from her time with Teach for America to leading a global consulting group dedicated to educational excellence. This discussion dives deep into the transformative shifts occurring in literacy instruction and the broader educational landscape, particularly within international schools.
Key Highlights:
The International School Advantage: Erin emphasizes the unique freedoms international schools possess, enabling them to craft tailored missions and curricula that closely reflect the needs of their diverse communities. This flexibility presents exciting opportunities for innovation in educational practices.
Literacy in a Post-Pandemic World: The conversation explores the pressing need for data-driven decision-making in literacy instruction. Erin discusses how educators are now focusing on foundational skills, scaffolding complex texts, and implementing more effective assessment methods to enhance student learning outcomes.
Leadership's Crucial Role: Effective leadership is fundamental during times of educational change. Erin highlights the necessity for school leaders to engage in professional learning actively. Their presence and support are vital for driving successful transformations within their institutions.
Valuing Multilingualism: As linguistic diversity becomes increasingly recognized as a valuable asset in international schools, Erin advocates for an asset-based approach to bilingual and multilingual learners. This perspective enriches the educational experience and fosters a more inclusive environment.
Episode 15: Exploring the Landscape of International Education
Épisode 15
lundi 25 novembre 2024 • Durée 48:05
"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 and leaders in international settings. She recounts her own journey in education, starting from her unique upbringing in Hollywood, California, to her extensive career across various international schools. The discussion covers her perspectives on the evolving landscape of education, the significance of teacher professional development, and the critical role of leadership in enhancing student outcomes.
Listeners will gain insights into Bambi's personal philosophy on education, her experiences working in over 150 different schools, and her approach to addressing the complexities of curriculum leadership, governance, and instructional strategies. The episode serves as both an inspiration for aspiring educators and a call to action for established leaders to prioritize ongoing learning and collaboration within their institutions.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that not only celebrates the accomplishments of education leaders like Bambi Betts but also provides listeners with actionable ideas to enhance their own educational practices in an increasingly interconnected world.
Bio
Bambi Betts has been working in the international education world for over three decades. She is the director of the Principals' Training Center for International School Leadership (PTC) and founder of additional training centers for international teachers, teacher leaders, counselors and governance members. Bambi has been actively involved with the PTC since its inception as a course developer, trainer, and co-trainer for the Essential Skills courses.
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Dr. Morrison discusses his move to Tokyo, his leadership roles in Japan, and his transition to Hong Kong.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sue has over 30 years' experience in teaching, educational leadership, counselling, coaching, conflict resolution, professional supervision, training and workplace health and wellbeing design. She has presented workshops on her wellbeing design concepts at state, national and international conferences.
Sue has been a guest on several podcasts, including the 'Pioneers of Positive Education', 'Flourishing at Schools' podcast series and the 'Wonders of Wellbeing'. Having led the strategic design, project planning and implementation of a whole school wellbeing framework at a large independent school,
Sue brings a wealth of experience to her consultancy business, Transformative Schools. Her mission is to help schools drive positive and transformational change through the integration of the science of wellbeing into whole school systems.
00:02:38Introduction to Dr. Yong Zhao and His Background
Richard Henry introduced Dr. Zhao as a foundation distinguished professor at the University of Kansas, highlighting his extensive career including positions at the University of Oregon and Michigan State University. His background includes founding various educational centers and publishing over 100 articles and nearly 40 books.
00:05:58Personal Educational Journey
Dr. Zhao shared his unique path into education, starting in rural Sichuan during the Cultural Revolution. He emphasized how being 'bad at farming' led him to education, challenging conventional wisdom about growth mindset.
00:09:50State of International Education
Dr. Zhao discussed the current state of international education, praising its progressive nature while acknowledging the pressures faced by international schools. He highlighted how international education represents a style that defies traditional measurements.
00:13:11AI's Role in Education Transformation
Dr. Zhao emphasized that education hasn't significantly improved despite reforms, arguing that AI won't transform education unless schools fundamentally change their approach to teaching and learning.
00:39:38Rethinking Educational Leadership
Dr. Zhao advised school leaders to focus on their core responsibilities and create opportunities for others to contribute. He emphasized the importance of having a moral mission and thinking philosophically about education's role.
Bio
Dr. Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. He has held several prominent positions, including Presidential Chair, Associate Dean, and Director of the Institute for Global and Online Education at the University of Oregon, and University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where he founded the Center for Teaching and Technology and served as executive director of both the Confucius Institute and the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Education and a fellow of the International Academy of Education.
Dr. Zhao has received numerous awards, such as the Early Career Award from AERA, the Outstanding Public Educator award from the Horace Mann League, the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Education Publishers, the ACEL Nganakarrawa Award, and the AECT 2022 Outstanding Digital Learning Artifact Award and AECT Distinguished Development Award. His work often explores the implications of globalization and technology on education.
An accomplished author, Dr. Zhao has published over 100 articles and nearly 40 books. Throughout his nearly four-decade-long career, he has led several large-scale research projects, directed research and practice centers, designed schools, curricula, and textbooks, and developed software systems for learning and professional purposes. His collaborations span teachers, schools, professional organizations, businesses, and governments across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and Europe.
Originally from Sichuan Province, China, Dr. Zhao earned his B.A. in English Language Education from the Sichuan Institute of Foreign Languages in 1986. After six years of teaching English in China, he moved to the United States as a visiting scholar at Linfield College in 1992. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a master's degree in Education in 1994 and a Ph.D. in 1996. Dr. Zhao joined the faculty at Michigan State University in 1996 after serving as the Language Center Coordinator at Willamette University and a language specialist at Hamilton College.
Holistic Development: The goal is to help young people thrive by developing competencies that extend beyond traditional academic metrics.
Future of Education: There's a growing shift towards concept-based, project-based learning that connects education more meaningfully to real-world experiences.
Bio
Dr Ellen Heyting is a passionate and experienced educator, researcher, and facilitator who works at Melbourne Metrics within the Faculty of Education at The University of Melbourne. She has over a decade of teaching and leadership experience in K-12 IB World Schools in Melbourne, Beijing, Singapore and Helsinki. Her PhD explored the power of fostering a sense of belonging amongst students from marginalised backgrounds in international schools as a way to boost academic success.
Ellen's ongoing research interests include international school teacher identity, the assessment of complex competencies, and measuring 'hard to measure' constructs (like belonging and agency). She is an expert in instructional leadership and coaching, having designed and delivered professional learning across the globe.
Currently, Ellen is spearheading the New Metrics International Schools program, a collaborative initiative launched by CIS and Melbourne Metrics to support international schools who are interested in harnessing the power of assessment, recognition and credentialing to change the grammar of schooling and celebrate a broader picture of our young people's competencies and successes. Ellen believes that education can be a force to unite people for peace, justice, and a sustainable future, and strives to empower teachers and learners to place agency at the heart of learning.
Deidre Fischer is a seasoned educational leader and executive leadership coach with extensive experience in International Baccalaureate (IB) education. As a former Head of IB Schools, she is trained to facilitate the IB Leadership series of workshops, demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence.
In addition to her extensive head of school experience, she has set up her own education consulting company, works half-time for the Council of International Schools (www.cois.org) as a School Support and Evaluation Officer and volunteered time for the EARCOS Board of Trustees (www.earcos.org), Basketball South Australia Commission (www.basketballsa.com.au) and Rotary International.
Deidre's consultancy business offers a range of services, including executive leadership coaching, leadership and management training workshops, and professional learning sessions, both face-to-face and online. In her practice, Deidre emphasizes the importance of modeling the attributes of the IB Learner Profile, striving to be principled, open-minded, and reflective in her approach.
Recognized as an exemplary transformational leader, Deidre is mission-driven and strategically focused on fostering innovative practices among school leaders.
Personalized Learning Strategies: This episode also touches on the growing emphasis on equitable access to personalized learning paths. Erin underscores the significance of accommodating diverse learner needs to foster a more inclusive educational landscape.
Strategic Change Management: Successful innovation in education requires thoughtful implementation. Erin provides insights on how schools can support teachers through transitions by ensuring they have adequate time, resources, training, and support.
Embracing Continuous Learning: Throughout her journey, Erin emphasizes the importance of adaptability and a growth mindset, encouraging educators to embrace challenges and pursue continuous learning as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education.
Join us for this inspiring conversation with Erin Kent as she shares her wealth of knowledge on the future of international education, leadership, and literacy. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply interested in educational innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your understanding of the current educational climate.
Bio
Erin Kent is the founder of EKC (Erin Kent Consulting), a global literacy consulting group dedicated to serving international schools. Erin leads a team of over 50 literacy experts who partner with hundreds of international school communities worldwide, providing customized support in reading and writing instruction across 7 languages. Everything EKC offers—onsite and online consulting, an evolving subscription service, regional conferences, and bespoke text sets—is thoughtfully designed with international schools in mind. Before founding EKC, Erin taught in urban, independent, and international schools, eventually becoming a literacy coach and PK-12 Director of Teaching and Learning in Shanghai.
She has served as director, principal and teacher in international schools for over 30 years and been a consultant in over 150 international schools, conducting professional development sessions on a wide range of topics related to the effective international school, including assessment, curriculum leadership, teacher leader strategies, instructional strategies, faculty evaluation, and governance.
Bambi also serves on the governing board of 2 international schools in Haiti and Cambodia, is a founding member of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH) and serves as the president of the Overseas Schools Assistance Corp. (OSAC) non-profit which offers online news and recruitment services to international schools through The International Educator (TIE).
