Explore every episode of the podcast The Well-being Classroom

Can kindness and accountability truly coexist in leadership?

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Joanna Povall, an award-winning international school leader, author, and global education consultant with more than 30 years of experience across the UK, France, and the UAE. Joanna is the Principal of Wales International School in Abu Dhabi, a Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS, and the author of Kind Leadership: Leading Schools with Empathy, Honesty and Impact, which introduces her CHASE leadership framework. She was also named Tes International Principal of the Year 2024 for her work transforming school culture, community engagement, and student outcomes.

In this episode, we explore the critical distinction between being nice and being kind, how negative leadership experiences inspired Joanna to develop the CHASE framework, and why communication, honesty, accountability, self-esteem, and ego management are essential to creating healthy school cultures. We discuss toxic workplaces, the impact leadership has on teacher wellbeing and retention, the misconceptions surrounding kind leadership, and how schools around the world are adopting the CHASE framework to build cultures where people feel valued, supported, and challenged to grow... and much more!

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom!

Get your copy of Kind Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Kind-Leadership-Leading-Schools-Empathy/dp/178583780X

Can one act of kindness change the course of a life?

Today, I'm honoured to welcome Toby Gorniak MBE, culture transformation specialist, keynote speaker, founder of The Gorniak Method™, and recipient of an MBE for over two decades of service to communities and young people. Born into the Roma community in Poland, Toby endured severe racism, violence, and exclusion, including being beaten into a coma at the age of eleven. After arriving in the UK as a teenage refugee, he made a promise to become the person he needed as a child: a good human being.

In this episode, we explore Toby's extraordinary journey from trauma to transformation, the experiences that shaped his belief that every person possesses a unique genius, and the powerful moment that inspired the values at the heart of The Gorniak Method. We discuss why respect, peace, love, unity, and fun should be the foundation of every school and workplace, how authentic human connection can change lives, the importance of discovering the hidden potential in every child, and why culture should be built with people, not for them... and much more! 

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom!

Get to know more about Toby: https://tobygorniakmbe.com

What does authentic, reciprocal networking look like in education, and how can strong communities empower teachers to step into leadership with confidence?

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Ben Hobbis, an Assistant Headteacher at a North London primary school, speaker, and social entrepreneur with a deep passion for developing people and building communities. Ben is also the Founder and CEO of Step Up Network CIC, a growing leadership movement dedicated to helping teachers and school leaders connect, learn, and thrive.

In this episode, we dive into his early career struggles that inspired him to create a supportive space for educators. We discuss the realities of moving beyond surface-level social media connections, the power of coaching and mentoring, and how building genuine professional networks directly benefits students and school communities—and much more!

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom!

Check out Step Up Network: https://stepupnetwork.uk

Strategic Strategy, Real-World Action: Setting Up Staff for the Year Ahead

As we launch into a new academic year, prioritizing staff well-being is essential for building a thriving school environment. In this compilation episode of The Well-being Classroom, we bring together insights from two exceptional leaders to explore both the theory and practice of supporting educator health:

• Dr. Helen Kelly — Author, researcher, former international school principal, and former workplace health and safety lawyer, who breaks down the research-backed "why" behind strategic, data-driven leadership well-being.

• Dr. Mary Pilant — Director of an international school, former UAE Vice Principal, U.S. Navy veteran, and experienced educational leader, who shares the practical "how" of using servant leadership, transparency, and recognition to build trust and boost staff morale on the ground.

Tune in to discover how bridging high-level strategy with real-world practices can transform your school’s culture from day one.

This special compilation episode brings together the core of two standout discussions: Episode 5 featuring Dr. Helen Street and Episode 24 featuring Xavier Woods. Centered on what students really want from teachers, Helen speaks in regard to older, secondary school students with thoughts derived directly from research, whilst Xavier focuses on younger ones by bringing his former students directly onto the podcast to share their experiences. While this compilation highlights the heart of both conversations, there is so much more to listen to on the individual podcast episodes.

Dr. Helen Street brings an academic perspective to Episode 5, with all her thoughts on student motivation and flourishing derived from research. Drawing on her background as an education consultant in applied social psychology and mental health, the published author, co-founder of the Positive Schools initiative, and creator of the 'contextual wellbeing' model bases her advice on evidence-based studies.

In Episode 24, Xavier Woods shares his extensive experience as an educator with nearly 25 years across the U.S. and the Middle East. A two-time Teacher of the Year in Metro Atlanta and a candidate for America’s Favorite Teacher 2026, Xavier is also a painter, music artist, and author of The Powerful Book of Positively Powerful Poems and Keep God 1st and Go to Therapy. Note that all student participation in his episode was conducted with full parental consent in accordance with professional privacy and safeguarding protocols.

How can international schools stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI threats to protect their students' safety and emotional well-being?

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Sian Jorgensen back to The Well-being Classroom for Part 2 of our two-part special within the AI in Education mini-series!

As the Director of Encompass Safeguarding, Sian partners with schools around the world to build confident, capable safeguarding teams and transform how communities respond to complex child protection concerns. Having led safeguarding and therapeutic care across international schools in the UK, Malaysia, and Indonesia—most notably as Lead Counsellor at British School Jakarta—she brings a wealth of practical, hands-on experience to our discussion today.

In this episode, we tackle the dark side of AI in education and the urgent child protection challenges schools are facing today. We discuss the rise of AI nudification apps and deepfakes, the surprising reality of peer-on-peer abuse, and why educators must confront their own biases during investigations. We also unpack the growing trend of AI-driven school extortion scams, explore how teachers themselves are being targeted with voice-cloning technology, examine the impact of social media bans, and highlight practical steps schools must take to update their anti-bullying policies for the digital age—and much more!

How to contact Sian:

📧 sian.jorgensen@encompass-safeguarding.com

🌐 www.encompass-safeguarding.com

How can international schools stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI threats to protect their students' safety and emotional well-being?

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Sian Jorgensen back to The Well-being Classroom for Part 2 of our two-part special within the AI in Education mini-series!

As the Director of Encompass Safeguarding, Sian partners with schools around the world to build confident, capable safeguarding teams and transform how communities respond to complex child protection concerns. Having led safeguarding and therapeutic care across international schools in the UK, Malaysia, and Indonesia—most notably as Lead Counsellor at British School Jakarta—she brings a wealth of practical, hands-on experience to our discussion today.

In this episode, we tackle the dark side of AI in education and the urgent child protection challenges schools are facing today. We discuss the rise of AI nudification apps and deepfakes, the surprising reality of peer-on-peer abuse, and why educators must confront their own biases during investigations. We also unpack the growing trend of AI-driven school extortion scams, explore how teachers themselves are being targeted with voice-cloning technology, examine the impact of social media bans, and highlight practical steps schools must take to update their anti-bullying policies for the digital age—and much more!

How to contact Sian:

📧 sian.jorgensen@encompass-safeguarding.com

🌐 www.encompass-safeguarding.com

What separates leaders who leave a lasting legacy from those who simply stay busy?

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Janine Stratford back to The Well-being Classroom. Janine is the Founder of Coaching Focus, recipient of the 2024 Most Influential Educator Award, and a highly respected leadership coach, career strategist, and consultant.

With 28 years of experience in education, she helps teachers, middle leaders, and school executives achieve meaningful career growth while leading with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Janine is also the author of the highly acclaimed book Leading for Tomorrow Today: School Leadership with Purpose, Alignment and Lasting Impact, which forms the foundation of today’s conversation.

In this episode, we explore why so many leaders become trapped in day-to-day firefighting and how they can shift their focus toward creating lasting impact. We unpack Janine’s practical BRAND Leadership Blueprint, discuss why leaders should focus on managing their attention before their time, examine the difference between activity and value, and explore how educators can build influence, create alignment, make their contributions visible, and develop a leadership legacy that extends far beyond their role. We also discuss career progression, strategic thinking, coaching, continuous growth, and what it truly means to be a leader who adds value to a school—and much more!

Buy Janine Stratford’s new book- Leading for Tomorrow, Today: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Tomorrow-Today-Leadership-Alignment/dp/1923403664

Janine’s website: https://coachingfocus.com.au/about/

In this episode of The Wellbeing Classroom, I sit down with Professor John Hattie, one of the world’s most influential education researchers. His Visible Learning work has shaped evidence-based practice globally and had a profound impact on my own approach to teaching and leadership.

This episode concludes our Adaptive Teaching mini-series and features powerful questions from previous guests, bringing together diverse perspectives in one rich conversation.

Together, we explore adaptive teaching not as a collection of strategies, but as a deeper understanding of how students think, process, and learn. Professor Hattie challenges the common misconception that adaptation is about adjusting tasks for performance, arguing instead that it should focus on developing adaptive learners who can take ownership of their learning.

We discuss the power of metacognition—knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do—and why diagnosis, not just feedback, is often the missing piece in learning. From finding the right level of challenge to creating classrooms where mistakes drive growth, Professor Hattie redefines what effective learning looks like and much more!

Welcome to The Wellbeing Classroom.

What if staff wellbeing isn’t about reducing workload—but about how valued people feel at work?

In this episode of The Wellbeing Classroom, I sit down with Dr. Helen Kelly, a leading voice in educator wellbeing and school culture, whose experience as an international school principal, researcher, and former workplace health and safety lawyer brings a powerful and unique lens to one of the most pressing challenges in education today.

Together, we explore her work around recognition, appreciation, and feedback, and why these are often misunderstood in schools. Helen shares how something as simple as feeling genuinely seen can completely shift how staff experience their workload, and why many of the well-intentioned approaches used by leaders—awards, shoutouts, and quick fixes—often miss the mark.

We also explore the importance of understanding individual preferences, as well as the gap between what leaders believe they are doing and how it is actually experienced by staff… and much, much more.

Is human thinking becoming the most valuable currency in the age of AI?

Today, I’m joined by Miguel Rodriguez, founder of MR | ThinkLab, where he designs thinking-focused learning systems and AI-powered tools aimed at developing reasoning, reflection, and decision-making that truly last. His work sits at the intersection of cognitive science, instructional design, and AI, challenging a growing tension in education—where we’re getting better at producing outputs, but not always better at developing real understanding.

In this episode, we explore why so-called “soft skills” aren’t soft at all, why thinking may be the real differentiator in the future, and what it really takes to design learning that goes beyond task completion to build deep, transferable understanding—especially in classrooms where scaling that kind of thinking for every student is a real challenge… and much more!

Get in touch with Miguel:

mrthinklab.com

Personal linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelrodriguez86/

MR | ThinkLab linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mr-thinklab/?viewAsMember=true

MR | ThnkLab facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575462880163

MR 1 ThinkLab instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrthinklab/

#Education #Leadership #AIinEducation #FutureOfLearning #CriticalThinking #Metacognition #EdTech #SchoolLeadership #LearningDesign

What really drives meaningful and lasting teacher growth in international schools?

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Addie Christian, a seasoned educator and principal at an IB International School in China. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Christian has dedicated her career to designing strategic frameworks and cultivating leadership capacity that drives meaningful organizational change.

In this episode, we start our conversation by looking back at her transformative time as an instructional coach. We explore how her early inspiration from sports coaching shaped her core leadership belief: that true, sustainable change requires a collaborative group effort rather than a top-down mandate. We dive deep into the nuance of her career, from navigating the high-stakes environment of international education in India to leading in Beijing.

Most importantly, we examine the vital intersection between professional growth and staff health. We’ll dive deep into why trust and relationships are the essential foundation for any successful school transformation, how to navigate the challenges of instructional coaching across different cultural contexts, the role of PLCs in empowering teacher-leaders to own their practice—and much more!

Welcome to the Well-being Classroom

How can primary school leaders look past the noise and build adaptable, stakeholder-driven digital policies that confidently prepare their classrooms for the future?

Today, I’m joined by Tom Millinchip, a Deputy Head of Primary, curriculum and policy specialist, and a passionate leader in leveraging technology for evidence-based learning environments. With 15 years of primary education experience across the UK and internationally, Tom is a prominent voice in the ed-tech space. He is the founder of AI Ready Bahamas and the author of an upcoming AI book specifically designed for primary educators. Tom specializes in building true community ownership—fostering deep buy-in from teachers, parents, and students alike to ensure a successful digital transition.

In this episode of our special mini-series, we dive into Tom's practical approach to building a comprehensive, dual-layered AI policy framework. We discuss how he used AI to pull together different global benchmarks to build a solid foundation, his strategies for creating a jargon-free companion guide that teachers can digest easily, and how to maintain an active, evolving policy that school leaders can easily update as the technology shifts—and much more!

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

Link to Tom’s Substack: https://tommillinchip.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

How is the process of IB accreditation already being transformed into a genuine service that drives active growth and future-ready school communities?

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Ildiko Murray, an experienced Head of School in China with over 25 years of international educational leadership. Following her doctoral studies, she was engaged by the IB as a Subject Matter Expert to help create and develop some of the training protocols and practices that are actively reshaping how schools undergo accreditation around the globe today.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the world of school accreditation. We dive into why context must always be king, how schools are shifting from a mindset of "dramaturgical compliance" to authentic self-reflection, and how we must look to the future by leveraging strategic leadership, AI, and global citizenship to proactively guide our schools forward... and much more!

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

Why is it that even the most brilliant educational initiatives often fail to take root in our schools?

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back Becca Silver. At the time of releasing this episode, Becca’s new book- The Resistance Solution has been released, please see the link in the description. In our previous episode, we diagnosed the source of resistance; today, we’re focussing on the concept of ‘buy-in’

We’ll be diving deep into Becca’s new framework to understand why shifting from "compliance" to "ownership" is the key to sustainable transformation. We’ll also explore why the word "should" is a red flag for leaders and how to move past a culture of permission-seeking—and much more!

Welcome back to The Well-being Classroom.

Link to Becca Silvers new book- amzn.to/4tWELQC.

Here is more information, if you would like to get in touch with Becca:

Website

Coaching the Whole Educator Podcast

LinkedIn

The Resistance Playbook

How can the high-pressure world of FIFA officiating help us redefine leadership, empathy, and belonging within our school communities?

Today, I am joined by Kevin Stoltenkamp, the Head of Referees for the Oceania Football Confederation. Since 2016, Kevin has led officiating across 13 member countries under the FIFA umbrella. Beyond his work on the pitch, Kevin is a deeply experienced educator who understands the powerful parallels between managing a global sports organization and nurturing a positive school environment.

In this episode, we explore the human side of leadership. We’ll discuss the "imposter syndrome" that can strike even the most experienced professionals, the vital role of capacity building in diverse regions, and how the lessons Kevin has learned from the whistle can help us lead with more purpose, empathy, and clarity—and much more!

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

This episode kicks off a special limited series exploring the role of AI in education—specifically how these emerging technologies can be harnessed to drive positive school cultures and support student well-being across the entire school community.

How can we move beyond traditional industrial models of schooling to equip students with the agency they need to navigate a rapidly changing world?

Today, I’m joined by George Greskovitz, the CEO of Laikan and a dedicated educational innovator with over 15 years of experience. George co-founded the Milestone Institute in Budapest, where he pioneered mentoring and curriculum models that foster true student agency. He is currently developing Laikan, an AI-powered navigation application designed to make high-quality career orientation and academic advising accessible and impactful for students in every school, regardless of their background.

We’ll dive into the intersection of technology and holistic student support, exploring the shift from static "matching" models to what George calls "lifelong navigation." We discuss how Laikan can prompt deep student reflection, the importance of keeping a "human in the loop" to ensure psychological safety, how schools can use interactive dashboards to adapt their offerings to student aspirations, and much more!

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

Links to learn more...

- www.laikan.app

How do we bridge the gap between deep, personal healing and the fast-paced environment of the modern classroom?

Today, I’m joined by Xavier Woods, a primary school teacher with over two decades of professional experience across the U.S. and the Middle East, including time spent as a leader and educator in Abu Dhabi. A two-time Teacher of the Year in Metro Atlanta, Xavier is also an established author with a brand-new book, Keep God 1st and Go to Therapy, coming very soon. He is incredibly passionate about building positive relationships and is always ready to face the challenges of education with a sense of positivity and growth.

That’s what we’re exploring today with Xavier Woods—how the journey of therapy isn't just a personal one, but a tool that can transform how we lead, teach, and connect with our students every single day.

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

How can we move beyond the constant cycle of "fighting fires" and instead lead with a sense of intentional, focused calm?

Today, I’m joined by Patrick Cozier, a Headteacher at a secondary school in London. With nearly 20 years of experience in headship and a career spanning roles from classroom teaching to senior leadership, Patrick is a respected mentor, speaker, and the author of the highly acclaimed book, Calm Leadership.

In this episode, we dive deep into the core principles of leading with calm. We explore the "affirmative rationale" for building self-belief, the importance of dismantling the "success pedestal", and why radical honesty—choosing the "worst truth" over the "best lie"—is a leader’s most powerful tool for building trust. We also discuss practical strategies for managing overwhelm and much more!

Link to buy book: https://www.amazon.com/Calm-Leadership-Staying-grounded-staying/dp/178583746X

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom....

How could we move beyond planning lessons for the "middle" and instead use assessment as a dynamic tool to meet every learner's needs in real-time?

Today, I’m joined by Rajaa Laghrissi, an experienced English language teacher originally from Morocco and currently based in the UAE. With over 20 years of experience in secondary education, Rajaa is an innovative educator and a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics. She is deeply passionate about adaptive teaching, student engagement, and developing students’ critical thinking and communication skills.

This episode concludes our special mini-series on adaptive teaching by focusing on what Rajaa describes as the "fuel" of the entire process: Formative Assessment. We dive deep into the Assessment for Learning (AfL) mindset, exploring how it acts as a continuous cycle of checking for understanding that allows teachers to "pivot" instruction the moment a gap is identified—and much more!

How can we move beyond "sanitizing" the student experience and instead build the genuine resilience required to navigate a complex and often isolating digital world?

Today, I’m joined by Alejandro Zepeda, a distinguished educational leader with a global career spanning more than 25 years. Alejandro has served in senior leadership and principal roles across Mexico, Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Kazakhstan, bringing a deep international perspective to school culture and student development. For over two decades, he has also been a prominent consultant and leader for the International Baccalaureate, specializing in program evaluation and systemic teacher training.

In this episode, we explore the evolving definition of school well-being and the critical "resilience gap" facing students today. We dive into the shift from physical to emotional safety, the impact of technology as a tool for social avoidance, the vital importance of being a "safest referent" for every learner, and much more.

How can school leaders move past the frustration of "pushback" and instead tap into the genuine motivation and mindset of every educator on their team?

Today, I’m joined by Becca Silver, a Resistance Specialist and Instructional Coach who brings a high-energy, transformational approach to leadership development. A former educator and executive coach, Becca is the founder of The Whole Educator and the creator of the Human Centered Academy. Her work is dedicated to fostering teacher buy-in, reducing resistance to change, and—crucially—increasing teacher retention in an increasingly demanding profession.

Becca specializes in the "human" side of school improvement, helping leaders impact the underlying motivations that drive teacher effectiveness and resilience. In this episode, we dive into her Catalyst Mindsets framework—exploring the five key beliefs of ownership, belonging, growth, success, and values—, and much more!

Welcome to the Well-being Classroom

Here is more information, if you would like to get in touch with Becca:

Website

Coaching the Whole Educator Podcast

LinkedIn

The Resistance Playbook

Sign up for the newsletter to get notified when Becca’s upcoming book "The Resistance Solution: Why Educators Resist Change and What They Need Instead" gets released!

How can we move away from pre-determining student potential and instead design "challenge-first" learning that is accessible to everyone?

Today, I’m joined by Rachel Ball, a Professional Development Specialist at Steplab and a former Assistant Principal for Teaching, Learning, and CPD. With 22 years of experience as a passionate History teacher and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teachers, Rachel is an international speaker and a co-editor of What is History Teaching, Now? (2023). She is also the co-author of the recent release, The Scaffolding Effect (2025), part of the Teacher CPD Academy series.

This episode continues our special mini-series focused on the power of Adaptive Teaching. We’ll dive into the nuances of effective scaffolding, exploring how to move beyond rigid worksheets toward responsive strategies—like teacher modeling and strategic checks for understanding—that maintain high aspirations for every learner in the classroom.

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

Visit StepLab: https://steplab.co/global/

How can we move beyond the dread of "hard conversations" and instead use every interaction as an opportunity to build relational trust?

Today, I’m joined by Brenda Martin, a distinguished educational leader whose career spans over three decades of transformative impact. Brenda brings a wealth of experience as a principal in both New Zealand and international settings, where she has been recognized as a visionary innovator and a champion of collaborative leadership.She is particularly known for her resilience in leading a startup school in China through the complexities of a global pandemic, where she fostered a culture of transparency and excellence during incredibly challenging times.

In this episode, we explore the essential shift from "hard" to "quality" conversations. We dive into the "Ladder of Inference," the power of being both strong and curious, the importance of building resilience in leadership, and much more.

#QualityConversations #RelationalTrust #CrucialConversations #EffectiveCommunication #PsychologicalSafety #EducationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SchoolCulture #GrowthMindset #TheWellbeingClassroom

How can we shift the focus in our schools from simply following a curriculum to truly championing the inclusion of every neurodivergent and disabled individual?

Today I am joined by Lori Boll, the Executive Director of SENIA International. Lori has over twenty-five years of teaching experience across the globe, from Riyadh to Bangkok, and has been a driving force in establishing programs for students with higher support needs. Her commitment to this work is deeply personal, inspired by her son’s diagnosis in 2003, and it led her to co-author a book on building collective efficacy within special education teams.

In this conversation, we trace the history of SENIA from its start in Beijing over twenty years ago to its current status as a global non-profit. Lori explains the disability inclusion standards she helped create and the five key domains schools can use to audit their own practices, ranging from leadership and facilities to identification and parent relationships . We also discuss how to address staff fears by sharing stories that shift heartsets and why Universal Design for Learning is the essential starting point for any leader looking to integrate inclusion authentically.

SENIA Website: https://www.seniainternational.org/

Today, I’m joined by Xavier Woods, an educator with nearly 25 years of experience across the U.S. and the Middle East. A two-time Teacher of the Year in Metro Atlanta, Xavier was recently selected for the America’s Favorite Teacher 2026 competition. Beyond the classroom, he is a painter, music artist, and author of The Powerful Book of Positively Powerful Poems, with his new book, Keep God 1st and Go to Therapy, arriving soon.

In a special departure from our usual format, we are bringing the students themselves directly to the microphone. Together, we dive into Xavier’s "Learning Studio" to explore the heartbeat of the modern classroom. We’ll hint at the impact of teacher "stage presence," the power of flexible environment choices, the "well-being wizardry" required to help every learner thrive, and much more.

Note: Student participation in this episode was conducted with full parental consent and in accordance with professional privacy and safeguarding protocols.

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

How can school leaders bridge the gap between high-level research and the daily reality of the classroom to drive sustainable improvement?

Today, I am joined by Chad Ransom, the co-founder of Compass EDvantage and a specialist in school improvement with a PhD in Educational Leadership. Chad has consulted with over 150 school districts across the US and internationally, helping schools move from "underperforming" status to achieving prestigious National Blue Ribbon recognition. A former principal and national faculty member for ASCD, he has dedicated his career to strengthening leadership capacity and improving outcomes for all students, with a particular expertise in supporting multilingual learners.

In this episode, we explore the Adult MTSS framework for professional development and the critical role of collective efficacy in successful Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). We’ll discuss why the "name" of an initiative often travels better than the "practice" and how leaders can become "chief reminding officers" to help their teams see the evidence of their success.

To learn more about the good work of Chad Ransom and Compass EDvantage, visit the website: www.compassEDvantage.com

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

How can we empower every student to move beyond simply following instructions and instead take true ownership of their own learning journey?

Today, I’m joined by Liz Keable, a former high school biology teacher and independent success coach. Liz is an expert in the field of metacognition, having supported hundreds of students—including those facing significant learning barriers—to achieve academic progress through profound changes in their thinking. Currently, she shares her insights through a weekly LinkedIn newsletter followed by over 10,000 educators and is in the process of writing a book on transforming lives through these strategies.

This episode is the second in our mini-series on adaptive teaching. We’ll be taking a deep dive into metacognition, moving past the abstract definition of "thinking about thinking" to explore how we can naturalize these habits in the classroom to create independent, resilient learners.

Metacognition in Practice newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/metacognition-in-practice-6933076332687888384/

How can school leaders move beyond "tick-box" administration to foster classrooms where adaptive teaching truly flourishes?

Today, I’m joined by Shayan Siddiqui, founder of Evelora International and a leadership expert with executive credentials from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. As a former Head of School and IB Examiner, Shayan now serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, supporting leaders in building sustainable impact.

In this second episode of our Adaptive Teaching mini-series, we explore why leaders must prioritize student clarity over the "pace" of a lesson. We discuss the pitfalls of "parachute leadership" and how to transform feedback into psychological coaching that empowers teachers to meet every learner’s needs.

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

How can we stop treating the arts as an elective "extra" and instead bake that creative spirit right into the core of our students' literacy and identity?

Today, I’m joined by Xavier Woods for a milestone 20th episode of the show. Xavier is a highly accomplished primary school teacher with over 21 years of experience in diverse communities across the United States. He is a true polymath—a painter, a music artist, and the author of The Powerful Book of Positively Powerful Poems. He’s currently teaching in elementary school, where he’s focused on empowering the next generation of creative leaders through innovative curriculum and some really exciting student opportunities.

This episode is actually a special return to a conversation that felt too vital to leave alone. We’re diving into Xavier’s "Learning Studio" concept and exploring how his own journey—from pushing through creative blocks to sharing his music with his class—helps build an ecosystem where every kid feels like they’re part of something that truly matters.

How could we move beyond "retrofitting" lessons and instead design learning that is accessible to everyone from the very start?

In this episode of The Well-being Classroom, Samantha McFarlane from NASEN joins us to discuss "Inclusion by Design." We explore how to move away from traditional differentiation and toward adaptive teaching, ensuring every student reaches high-aspiration goals through intentional, flexible support.

Key Takeaways:

• Adaptive Teaching via the "Five-a-Day": Discover how to use the "five-a-day" framework—including explicit instructions and scaffolding—as the foundation for effective adaptive teaching.
• Proactive Design: How the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework removes barriers to progress before they even arise.
• High Aspirations for All: Shifting the focus so all students work toward the same objectives via varied, adaptive paths.

• Authentic Engagement: Utilizing flexible grouping and accessibility technology (like dictation tools) to help every learner thrive.

How can leaders move from simply managing the daily "people complexity" of schools to truly thriving under the pressure?

Welcome back to The Well-being Classroom. Today, I’m rejoined by Fran Reddan, an accomplished Executive Coach and Board Director with the Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority. Having spent fifteen years as a school principal, Fran now uses her deep expertise in emotional intelligence and leadership development to help educators revitalise both their organisations and their own professional well-being.

Here is a link to Fran's website: https://www.franreddanconsulting.com/

In today’s episode, we dive into the five major triggers of leadership stress. We’ll explore practical "1% shifts," the science of performance-enhancing thoughts, and how to build personal rituals that protect your mental space.

Welcome back to The Well-being Classroom.

What does it truly take to build a leadership brand in education that's anchored in well-being?

Today, I'm joined by Janine Stratford, an acclaimed leadership coach, career strategist, and was awarded by Australian website- The Educator as 2024 Most Influential Educator. With years of experience guiding educational leaders, Janine specialises in turning skilled teachers into confident, strategic leaders. She’s also writing a book on leadership in education—focused on helping leaders get out of the weeds and into big-picture, strategic thinking.

And today, the tables have turned: Janine will be interviewing me about the story behind this podcast, the role of wellbeing in leadership, and how educators can build their personal brand. We’ll also dive into the “why” behind The Well-being Classroom—including how it connects to the wellbeing programmes I’ve helped create at my school, like Inspiring Insights and Inspiring Minds, which are designed to support students' social, emotional, and academic growth.

Janine Stratford's website: https://coachingfocus.com.au and a link to the Monday Motivation: https://coachingfocus.simplero.com/page/654378-monday-motivation-sign-me-up

Welcome to The Well-being Classroom.

Welcome back to the Well-being Classroom! Today, I’m honored to host Dr. Helen Kelly, an author, consultant, and former international school leader. Dr. Kelly brings a unique perspective, dedicating over a decade to researching educator well-being.

Drawing on her legal background and experience leading schools, Dr. Kelly focuses on helping organisations make staff well-being strategic, practical, and sustainable. She is the author of School Leaders Matter: Preventing Burnout, Managing Stress and Improving Wellbeing.

Today, we're discussing key strategies for leaders to improve staff well-being and workplace culture. Welcome to the Well-being Classroom, Dr. Helen Kelly!

Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=School+Leaders+Matter%3A+Preventing+Burnout%2C+Managing+Stress+and+Improving+Wellbeing.&crid=1KDFE5253IVGN&sprefix=%2Caps%2C290&ref=nb_sb_noss

Today, we're honored to host Fran Reddan, a distinguished Board Director, Principal Consultant, and Executive Coach. Fran brings vast experience, having been a successful principal for nearly fifteen years and serving on the board of education regulators.

Fran now specialises in supporting leaders in the education sector, advising on strategy, innovation, and leadership. Her expertise includes revitalising schools and driving growth, even establishing an Enterprise Academy that received Innovation Awards.

Today, we're discussing the power of external coaching, focusing on key takeaways about accountability, impact, and navigating a leadership career. Welcome to the Well-being Classroom…

Fran Reddan Consulting: https://www.franreddanconsulting.com/

Welcome to the podcast! Today, we're joined by Divesh Bathija, co-founder of UnMath School. With a decade of dedication to transforming mathematics education, Divesh has helped over 60,000 students and 12,000 educators embrace a new way of learning. He uses a unique approach that goes beyond conventional methods, using real-world applications to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. His innovative programs like "Cricket Math" and "Math in the City" have been adopted by 350 schools across India and beyond. Today, we'll be discussing well-being in mathematics and how to overcome the fear of the subject. Welcome to the Well-being Classroom, Divesh!

Want to get in touch or get to know more about Divesh? Here are some links:

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/divesh-bathija/ Email : db@unmathschool.com Company Website : www.unmathschool.com Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@unmathschool TedTalk on Mathematics: https://youtu.be/Mn5-Wh225Ww?si=EvuEB2RyIZxApdbq

Welcome to the podcast! Today, I’m joined by Imanat Ali, an experienced EFL lecturer with a career spanning since 2010. Beyond his work as a course coordinator and trainer, Imanat is dedicated to philanthropy, serving as the president of an educational organization, and the founder of a non-profit school system. He is also a motivational speaker, traveler, and writer, on a life's mission to add value to human lives and inspire others with his passion for humanity and selflessness.

Today, we will be exploring the impactful work he is doing in the Kashmir region of Pakistan with micro-scholarships. Welcome to the Well-being Classroom.

Welcome to the podcast! Today, I’m incredibly excited to be joined by John Woodberry, the founder of Red Dragon Education, an organization dedicated to helping international schools by addressing critical areas like teacher training, recruitment, and leadership development. With over 25 years of experience in education across Asia, John is an expert in connecting policy, strategy, and people to drive meaningful change. He's passionate about driving educational innovation and has a deep understanding of what schools, teachers, and universities truly need to succeed.

Today, we'll be discussing career progression through the vital lens of well-being. Welcome to the well-being classroom….

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Rachel Lu, a visionary in game and experience design. Rachel creates immersive programs that engage participants in creative problem-solving, storytelling, and strategic thinking. With her expertise, she equips students and educators with tools to foster engagement, collaboration, and meaningful learning. We'll be diving into why games are such an important tool for student well-being, exploring how her innovative approaches cultivate dynamic environments where ideas flourish and skills develop. Welcome to The Well-being Classroom…

Welcome back to The Well-being Classroom for Part 2 of our vital conversation with Alyssa Temple. Last time, Alyssa shared profound understanding of the subtle yet significant impact of affluent neglect on student well-being. With her extensive background in supporting young people and training practitioners on crucial issues like mental health and safeguarding, Alyssa brings a wealth of practical knowledge. Today, we're building on that foundation, diving deeper into how the challenge of affluent neglect intersects with neurodivergent needs like ADHD and dyslexia. Alyssa will equip us with further strategies for educators and school leaders to provide holistic support, navigate difficult parent conversations, and foster true connection for every student

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Alyssa Temple. With over 20 years of experience, first as a Specialist Harm Reduction Youth Worker and later as a Counsellor, Alyssa has trained hundreds of practitioners on tricky issues like mental health, safeguarding, and peer-on-peer abuse. She currently works in an international school, continues to provide clinical supervision, and coordinates the Southeast Asia School Counselling Network, which holds annual conferences. We'll be diving into her extensive insights into affluent neglect and its often-hidden impact on young people's emotional lives. Welcome to The Well-being Classroom…

Today, we welcome Gareth Steed, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for inclusive learning. He currently leads the counseling department at an international school. We'll discuss how to truly support student well-being by moving beyond debunked VARK styles to key research-based strategies, with Gareth sharing his valuable insights. Welcome to The Well-being Classroom…”

In episode 7 we're joined by Sania Green-Reynolds, a visionary educator, bestselling author, and the founder of Lit Education & Publishing and the AI-Powered Literacy Collective. With her deep commitment to blending innovation with culturally responsive practices, Sania champions AI-integrated, literacy-rich classrooms. We'll be diving into the powerful connection between well-being and reading, exploring it through the lens of character development and value-based education. Welcome to The Well-being Classroom…

Masters in Education, 14 years experience in leadership and inclusion. Multiple curriculums and an expert of the culture of the gulf region. Currently leading inclusion in her setting, Soraya has developed 5 effective ingredients for a successful school.

Today, we're joined by Dr. Helen Street, an education consultant with a background in applied social psychology and mental health. Known for her influential work on student wellbeing and motivation, including the 'contextual wellbeing' model, Helen is also a published author and co founder of the Positive Schools initiative.

by Sian Jorgensen, a seasoned child protection expert and founder of Encompass Safeguarding, a consultancy dedicated to providing safeguarding and child protection training to international schools and families. With 20 years of experience investigating abuse and supporting families internationally, she's here to discuss the latest developments in child protection and offer practical guidance.

Encompass Safeguarding: https://www.encompass-safeguarding.com

George Cowie has dedicated his career to creating access and inclusion for disadvantaged learners. As the Director of Learning Support Asia, and with published research on autism and dyslexia, he's here to share practical tips for effectively working with our most vulnerable children, those with special educational needs or disabilities.

Dr. Pilant specializes in cultivating collaborative and innovative learning environments. We'll be diving into her practical strategies for enhancing staff well-being, focusing on communication, servant leadership, and effective staff recognition.

Welcome to the very first episode of the wellbeing classroom! Xavier is a dedicated elementary teacher, published author, and educational leader with over 20 years of experience shaping classrooms across the US and the Middle East. 

Link to Xavier's published book, A Powerful Book of Positively Passionate Poems to Push People to Pursue... https://a.co/d/fN9YR0N