
Advertise on podcast: The International Schools Podcast
Rating
5from
This podcast has
100 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
theinternationalschoolspodcastExplicit
No
Date created
2019/06/21
Latest episode
2026/10/18
Average duration
59 min.
Release period
15 days
Description
Hosted by John Mikton and Dan Taylor. Every two weeks we discuss all aspects of technology and life in International Schools.
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Check latest episodes from The International Schools Podcast podcast
190 - Why Is Meaningful Change in Schools So Difficult?
2026/10/18
This conversation explores why meaningful change in schools is so difficult in a world shaped by AI, climate change, and growing uncertainty. It asks what schools need to change, what they should protect, and what must remain deeply human. Lee Fertig is Head of School at The Nueva School in the San Francisco Bay Area and has nearly 40 years of experience in education across several countries. Jeff Lippman is Director of Halcyon London International School and an experienced international school leader focused on student-centered learning, wellbeing, leadership, and meaningful change.
About Jeff Lippman
Jeff Lippman is the Director of Halcyon London International School and an experienced international school leader who has worked across the United States, France, Spain, and Brazil. Over his career, he has served in a range of senior leadership roles, including as the founding Head of School at Avenues Silicon Valley.
Jeff is passionate about rethinking what school can look like for students and teachers. His work focuses on student-centered learning, wellbeing, leadership development, and helping schools turn innovative ideas into meaningful and sustainable change. He also works with school leaders through coaching, consulting, and professional learning.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-lippman-35b68676/
About Lee Fertig
Lee Fertig is the Head of The Nueva School in the San Francisco Bay Area and an experienced educator with nearly 40 years in teaching and school leadership.
His career has taken him across the United States and international schools in Ethiopia, Brazil, Spain, and Belgium, including leadership roles at the International School of Brussels, Graded School in São Paulo, and the American School of Barcelona. Lee also works with the Principals’ Training Center and supports schools around the world in areas such as governance, innovation, student support, fundraising, and continuous school improvement.
He is passionate about helping schools grow, adapt, and create better learning experiences for students.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leefertig/
Resources
https://www.halcyonschool.com/about-us/directors-welcome
Halcyon Strategic Framework - https://www.canva.com/design/DAHMEEgZcNs/l3tUVOAA2F-VoZGoUflvcw/view?utm_content=DAHMEEgZcNs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcdb9fe1767
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/01/trends-shaping-education-2025_3069cbd2.html
https://jeffreylippman.substack.com/
https://medium.com/@jefflippman
https://www.nuevaschool.org/about/leadership
https://www.nuevaschool.org/about/strategic-framework
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-digital-education-outlook-2026_062a7394-en.html
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
189 - Research in the Age of AI
2026/10/02
What happens when AI can search, summarise, and think with us?
About Heather Caveney
Heather is an experienced educator and librarian with more than 20 years of experience across public, private, boarding, and international schools. She has worked with students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the United States, Mongolia, and Türkiye.
She is currently Head Librarian at the American Collegiate Institute in İzmir, Türkiye, and also works as a School Library Consultant. Her work focuses on research and information literacy, digital literacy, academic integrity, and helping students and teachers think critically about online information and AI-generated content.
Heather holds a Master’s degree in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University and is passionate about helping students become thoughtful, independent, and confident researchers.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-j-caveney-aa2b6257/
About Wouter Laleman
Wouter Laleman has been working as an international school librarian for about 30 years in libraries and schools in Belgium, Oman, Japan, Malaysia and Madagascar.
He is currently Head Librarian and Data Protection Officer at the International School of Brussels, where he also leads work around digital media and libraries.
He is a founding member of collaborative reading and literature initiatives including the European Iris Award and Bookbowl and Sakura Medal in Japan. His work brings together reading, research, digital literacy, privacy, and the ever changing role of libraries in schools.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wouter-laleman-11277851/
Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/company/caveney-consulting/
https://www.aci.k12.tr/en/
https://www.isb.be/
https://sites.google.com/isb.be/irisaward/bookbowl
The CARE Approach by Leo S. Lo
NotebookLM for Schools, webinar by Eric Curts, EdTech Specialist of Control Alt Achieve
Research:
Your Brain on ChatGPT, research by Nataliya Kosmyna et al.
“Experimental evidence of the effects of large language models versus web search on depth of learning” by Melumad and Yo Hun.
“A new direction for students in an AI world: Prosper, prepare, protect” Report by Burns et al, of the Brookings Institute.
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
188 - Rediscovering Audrey Amiss
2026/09/21
Two educators, their aunt Audrey, and the story of her life and art they are helping others discover.
About Steve Weatherel
Steve has worked in several international schools in the last forty years and in many different roles. These days he's living in the Netherlands trying to make it as a writer, with projects such as Intense Colours, the blog about his aunt, the artist Audrey Amiss.
Instagram: @audrey_amiss
About Kate Weatherell
Kate is a Mathematics teacher in London. After a long career in food as a chef, caterer, author and food stylist, she made the move into teaching.
Resources
intensecolours.substack.com
audreyamiss.com
https://wellcomecollection.org/stories/audrey-and-her-family
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7IIyKh4lpY
Typist Artist Pirate King Film
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
187 - More Than One Route
2026/09/06
How international schools can offer more than one post-16 pathway and help students choose the route that suits them best. It also explores what this means in practice for families, teachers, school leaders, and students planning for university and beyond.
About Sarah O'Regan
Sarah O'Regan is the Principal CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, she has been part of the school’s journey for almost 15 years, including as a founding member of the community. She also serves as a GEMS Wellington Brand Ambassador, supporting collaboration, leadership development, and the sharing of best practice across the Wellington family of schools.
Her leadership focuses on helping every child flourish through academic excellence, strong pastoral care, innovation, and personalised learning. She is passionate about creating flexible pathways and inclusive school communities that prepare young people with the confidence, character, resilience, and skills they need for the future.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-o-regan-a054461b7/
About James Rostron
James is Whole School Vice Principal for Curriculum and Assessment at GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai. With more than a decade of senior leadership experience, he has helped shape the school’s curriculum, assessment, academic pathways, and wider academic strategy.
He is particularly interested in personalised learning and creating flexible pathways that give students greater choice, including both International Baccalaureate and A Level options. James is passionate about curriculum innovation, effective school leadership, and designing learning experiences that prepare young people to thrive in a complex and connected world.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rostron-79622959/
About Nicola Huggett
Nicola Huggett is the Executive Principal and CEO. An experienced educator and school leader, she studied at Oxford University before beginning her career in advertising and later moving into teaching. She went on to serve as Principal of two highly regarded schools in the UK before joining GEMS Education to lead Wellington International School in Dubai.
She is passionate about ambitious, well-rounded education that helps students grow in confidence, character, knowledge, and skills. Her leadership is closely aligned with the school’s values of integrity, empathy, and fortitude, with a strong focus on preparing young people for both academic success and life beyond school.
https://www.wellingtoninternationalschool.com/About-Us/Our-Team/Executive-Team/Nicola-Huggett
About Robert Curry
Robert is Vice Principal at GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, where he has been part of the school community for more than 13 years. During that time, he has supported the school’s growth and played a key role in developing its IBDP, IBCP, and A Level pathways, as well as leading timetabling, examinations, and data management.
Originally a Physics teacher and a graduate of Durham University, Robert has 15 years of experience in education and 11 years in leadership. He is particularly interested in future-ready education, evidence-informed school improvement, and creating high-performing schools where academic excellence, innovation, and student wellbeing go hand in hand.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-curry-31b058119/
Resources
https://www.wellingtoninternationalschool.com/
https://www.gemswellingtonacademy-dso.com/en/
https://www.gemseducation.com/en/
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
186 - The Next Turn: Work, AI, and Human Expectations
2026/08/21
This episode explores Jeff Utecht’s new book, The Next Turn, and his thinking on AI, leadership, and the changing nature of work. We discuss what schools can learn from this shift, especially around judgment, trust, human responsibility, and what still needs to remain deeply human.
About Jeff Utecht
Jeff Utecht is an educator, consultant, author, and speaker who has spent many years helping schools and leaders think differently about learning and technology. He has worked with more than 75,000 educators around the world and consulted with over 200 school districts.
Jeff’s work focuses on how schools and organisations respond to change, especially with the rise of generative AI. His book Human Still Required is written for school leaders and explores how AI is changing education, while reminding us that trust, judgment, culture, and human connection still matter deeply.
He is also the author of The Next Turn, which looks at how AI and different generations in the workplace are reshaping leadership and the future of work. Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, Jeff helps leaders think carefully about what should remain human in a fast-changing world.
Website: https://www.jeffutecht.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffutecht/
Resources
https://nextturnleadership.site/
https://humanstillrequired.com/media/press-kit.html
https://pod.shiftingschools.com/
https://www.shiftingschools.com/
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
185 - Out of Autopilot
2026/08/08
A conversation with Samuel Holston and Kirun Goy of BrainTools Lab and Podcast on simple brain tools for focus, learning, and better decisions at school and at work.
About Kirun Goy
Kirun works at the intersection of leadership, cognitive science, and intentional living. He helps people think more clearly, lead more effectively, and move out of autopilot.
Over the past 14 years, Kirun has delivered more than 1,600 workshops and keynotes for leaders around the world. His work focuses on practical leadership skills such as staying clear under pressure, building emotional intelligence, and learning how to learn.
He is the host of the BrainTools Podcast, which has reached more than 62,000 people in 100 countries. He is also a Senior Leadership Facilitator for Harvard Business Impact, where he supports leaders in large organisations to navigate change with more clarity and intention. He’s also the author of “The Imperfect Learner”.
Whether speaking to a large audience or leading a smaller workshop, Kirun’s style is practical, relatable, and focused on giving people tools they can use straight away.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirungoy/
Website: https://www.kirungoy.com/
About Samuel Holston
Samuel Holston works at the intersection of education, technology, and learning.
Sam has worked at the intersection of technology, AI, cognitive science, education and learning for the last decade. He’s run SEL camps reaching thousands of students, delivered cognitive-science based workshops to schools and built learning products used by over 100,000 students and teachers.
He’s co-host of the BrainTools podcast, where he shares practical neuroscience and helps people understand how their brain works. He is also the co-founder of BrainTools Labs, who created science-backed resources, products and tools to help schools teach the human skill skills AI can’t replace.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-holston/?skipRedirect=true
About BrainTools Lab
BrainTools Lab is a science-backed educational tools company founded by Kirun Goy and Samuel Holston. Its flagship product, ATL Lab, is designed for IB (International Baccalaureate) schools and helps students develop the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills - thinking, communication, research, self-management, and social skills - that underpin deep, transferable learning.
What We Do
ATL Skills Lab — A curriculum-aligned programme for MYP schools that teaches, tracks, and develops ATL skills using neuroscience-informed tools and workshops. Designed to give MYP coordinators and teachers a structured, evidence-based way to embed skill development across subjects.
BrainTools at School Podcast — Hosted by Samuel, the podcast explores how cognitive science, AI, and practical pedagogy intersect, with a focus on what this means for teachers, coordinators, and school leaders. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Key Numbers
80,000+ students reached
5,000+ teachers trained
300+ schools served
1,600+ workshops and keynotes delivered (Kirun)
62,000+ podcast listeners in 100 countries
Links
BrainTools Lab: https://www.braintoolslab.com
Kirun Goy: https://www.kirungoy.com
BrainTools at School Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/braintools-at-schools/id1815817672
Samuel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-holston/
Kirun on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirungoy/
BrainTools Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/braintools-lab/posts/?feedView=all
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
184 - Joining the Dots in Student Wellbeing
2026/07/24
A conversation with Brooke Fezler, M.A. in Counseling, Co-Founder and Co-Director of ISCA, on how schools can move from separate wellbeing efforts to a clear, connected system of support.
About Brooke Fezler
Brooke Fezler is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of International School Counselor Association (ISCA) and has spent more than twenty years supporting student well-being in international schools across the world. She has worked at international schools in Indonesia, Argentina, France, Brazil, and Spain. Her work at ISCA focuses on building preventative, schoolwide counseling programs, with a strong emphasis on SEL, life skills, and support systems for students, teachers, and families. Brooke is also the co-developer and co-researcher of the International Model for School Counseling Programs, published in 2011 and 2022.
Based in Barcelona, Brooke continues to support international school counselors and educators through training, consulting, teaching, writing, and speaking.
Brooke Fezler on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-fezler-235058a1/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-school-counselor-association
Resources
Website: https://iscainfo.com/
ISCA Model: https://iscainfo.com/the-model/
ISCA Student Standards: https://iscainfo.com/student-standards/
Learning Progression: https://iscainfo.com/learning-progression/
SEL Toolkit: https://iscainfo.com/sel-toolkit/
ISCA Blogs: https://iscainfo.com/blogs/
https://iscainfo.com/professional-ethical-standards/
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.appsedu.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
183 - When AI Starts Thinking for Us
2026/07/10
A conversation with Timothy Cook (Director, The Cognitive Privacy Project & Connected Classroom | Psychology Today Columnist, The Algorithmic Mind) on exploiting how AI may be changing the way children think, learn, and grow.
About Timothy Cook
Timothy Cook, M.Ed., is an international educator, AI researcher, and Director of the Cognitive Privacy Project. With more than a decade of teaching experience across four countries, he studies how AI and algorithmic systems are reshaping children’s thinking, learning, identity, and development. Timothy is also the founder of Connected Classroom and writes The Algorithmic Mind for Psychology Today, where he explores the impact of AI on cognition, creativity, student agency, and well-being. His current work focuses on cognitive privacy: the idea that children’s attention, judgment, reasoning, motivation, and developing sense of self need protection as AI becomes increasingly embedded in schools and society. In his recent writing, he argues that many young people are already sensing a contradiction: they are told AI may weaken learning, while also being told they must use it to prepare for the future.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-cook-092713138/
Resources
connectedclassroom.org
cognitiveprivacyproject.org
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-algorithmic-mind
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
182 - Beyond English Fluency: Seeing the whole Multilingual Learned
2026/06/30
A conversation with Aylin Erengul Gregg and Ana Arana on supporting multilingual learners without mistaking English fluency for ability.
About Aylin Erengul Gregg
Aylin Erengul Gregg is an English Language Acquisition specialist with a passion for supporting multilingual learners in accessing meaningful and equitable education. Having taught in diverse international school settings, she brings a global perspective to language acquisition, identity, and classroom practice. Her work with students from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds is grounded in the belief that language learning should affirm rather than assimilate. She is the creator of the LEAVES Approach, which focuses on language, exposure, acquisition, validation, engagement, and scaffolding as a way to support multilingual learners and help educators become more language-aware in their practice. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Aylin continues to work with multilingual learners, supporting them to feel seen, capable, and confident as they develop English.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylin-erengul-gregg-ma-tesol-w-app-ling-10b56915/
About Ana Arana
Ana Arana is an advocate for multilingual learners who challenges the assumption that language proficiency equals intelligence. With a Master's from the University of Exeter and over a decade of experience in IB schools, she builds classrooms where students' strengths are recognised, their voices are heard, and their academic potential isn't mistaken for their English fluency. Her approach is collaborative. She works alongside colleagues to ensure language learning is part of everyday learning, not a separate activity. This advocacy extends to every student conversation, team meeting, and classroom decision. Her driving motivation is simple: to help multilingual learners build confidence, fully access the curriculum, and thrive academically and personally.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msanaarana/
Resources
https://www.leaveseal.com/
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
181 - The Future of the IB Diploma
2026/06/14
From digital assessment to systems transformation, what's changing, and what it matters.
About Dr. Jenny Gillett
Dr. Jenny Gillett is a Senior Expert in the International Baccalaureate’s Education Innovation team, based in The Hague. She has worked with the IB for more than 15 years across curriculum and assessment, including leading reviews of the Diploma Programme philosophy, history, global politics and Theory of Knowledge. Her work has included curriculum development, assessment design, and supporting wider developments across IB programmes.
Before joining the IB, Jennifer taught at Oakham School and Bedford School in the UK. She brings a strong mix of classroom experience, curriculum leadership, and assessment expertise, making her well placed to discuss how assessment, curriculum, and international education are evolving.
Dr. Jenny Gillett on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gillett-87a19b22/
Resources
https://ibo.org/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/collaborative-review-of-the-dp-and-cp/systems-transformation/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/collaborative-review-of-the-dp-and-cp/
https://www.mulgrave.com/senior-schoolgrades-10-12/ib-systems-transformation
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
180 - Beyond the label
2026/05/30
Supporting gifted students with care and clarity.
About Dr. Michael Cascianelli
Dr Michael Cascianelli is Head of Secondary Years, Diploma Programme at the International Baccalaureate, and a University of Cambridge-trained researcher, school leader, and author specialising in Gifted Education. His doctoral research pioneered the first implementation of a Schoolwide Enrichment Model in Italy, translating Renzulli's scholarship into a bilingual international school context and establishing a replicable framework for gifted provision across cultures.
He is co-author of Understanding Giftedness: A Guide for Parents and Educators (Routledge), a practitioner-focused resource equipping educators and families with evidence-based strategies for identifying and nurturing high-potential learners. With leadership experience spanning schools in Europe, Asia, and the United States, Dr Cascianelli is a passionate advocate for systemic, research-informed approaches to talent development in international education.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcascianelli/
About Marijin Bergsma
Marijn Bergsma is the founder of BrightPath, an enrichment and gifted education consultancy working with international schools to close the readiness gap, the distance between a child's potential and their capacity to act on it. Having attended international schools across three continents, he knows firsthand what the readiness gap looks like and what it costs. As a father of three gifted kids, he sees it up close every day.
Before BrightPath, Marijn spent fifteen years founding and leading companies across Africa, Asia, and Europe, raising millions in funding and building teams from the ground up. Today he brings that same hands-on, whole-person approach to gifted education, working directly with students as an enrichment class educator in the Netherlands, while supporting school leaders and teachers to close the readiness gap across their schools.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijn-bergsma/, https://www.linkedin.com/services/page/0a873633a74693a3b5/
Resources
National Center for Research on Gifted Education
https://ies.ed.gov/use-work/awards/national-center-research-gifted-education-0?ID=4406
Understanding Giftedness: A guide for parents and educators - 1st Edit
https://www.routledge.com/Understanding-Giftedness-A-guide-for-parents-and-educators/Zanetti-Gualdi-Cascianelli/p/book/9781138321175
Exploring Giftedness: Implementing and Re-designing a Schoolwide Enrichment Model
https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/items/bcafe684-4f0a-4bda-a94c-debe7b9d9e3f
Adapting to Giftedness
https://consiliumeducation.com/itm/2026/04/29/adapting-to-giftedness/
What’s Going on With Gifted Education?
https://today.uconn.edu/2026/01/whats-going-on-with-gifted-education/
BrightPath Education
http://www.brightpath.nl
National Center for Research on Gifted Education
https://ncrge.uconn.edu/
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
179 - Beyond AI Literacy
2026/05/18
What schools must understand now as AI reshapes learning, leadership, and decision-making.
About Corey Layne Crouch
Corey is the Chief Program Officer at AI for Education and a former high school English teacher, a founding public charter school principal, and edtech executive. With over 20 years of experience leading innovation in school design focused on equity and access, she now specializes in helping educational institutions strategically and responsibly integrate generative AI.
As a strategy leader and practitioner, Corey has partnered with institutions worldwide ranging from independent international schools and large public districts to colleges, universities, and education nonprofits to navigate the complex landscape of generative AI in education. She provides strategic consulting on AI policy and adoption roadmap development, grounding her work in the realities of competing institutional priorities and the fast-paced evolution of emerging technologies. A frequent keynote speaker, panelist, and workshop presenter, Corey addresses both the transformative opportunities and critical risks AI presents. Through engaging and provocative professional learning experiences, she equips leaders, educators, and students with AI literacy leading to safe, ethical and effective use.
She holds an MBA from Rice University and a BA from Rowan University.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-crouch/
Resources
https://www.aiforeducation.io/
https://www.aiforeducation.io/the-see-framework-for-generative-ai-literacy
https://www.aiforeducation.io/ai-course
https://www.aiforeducation.io/ai-literacy-training
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
178 - Agentic AI: Game Changer or Too Soon?
2026/05/03
A balanced conversation on smarter workflows, human judgment, and what comes next.
About Adam Morris
Adam Morris is the Product Director, Integrations at Faria Education Group, where he leads a development team for ManageBac and OpenApply. With experience as a teacher, school leader, technology director, and software engineer, he brings a practical, school-centred approach to solving challenges in international education.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-morris-08905a20/
Website: https://mistermorris.com
About William Faure
William Faure is the Founder of Resonant Information Systems, a firm dedicated to bridging the gap between heterogeneous systems and tackling the real-world complexities of modern education. Whether architecting granular tools or enterprise-scale platforms, he strives to ensure that administrative systems support - rather than hinder - the core mission of teaching and learning while elevating the technological status quo. He blends deep technical proficiency as a Senior Software Engineer with a no-nonsense understanding of institutional operations, forged through two decades of evolution as a mathematics teacher, school leader, and former CIO of Taipei European School.
Resources
https://guide.fariaedu.com/leading-technology-change
https://faria.org/
https://resonant.tw/
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
177 - From the classroom: Enhancing Learning with AI
2026/04/18
How teachers and students are using AI at school and beyond.
About John Dolman
John Dolman is a Media Studies teacher at Ponteland Community High School. He holds an MEd in Educational Leadership and Practitioner Enquiry and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Newcastle University.
He has worked in schools in the UK, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, teaching English and Media and holding leadership roles including Head of Languages and Cultures and Raising Achievement Deputy. His responsibilities have included curriculum development, teacher training and mentoring, data analysis, and performance management.
He is interested in using AI and generative AI in practical ways to support teaching and learning. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, practises martial arts, and cares about the environment and his local community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dolman-3836b8251/
Resources
https://theaienglishteacher.wordpress.com/
https://activelyintelligent.org/about
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
176 - Who's Really Choosing? A conversation with James Brusseau, PhD
2026/04/04
How hidden AI recommendations shape our decisions and identity.
About Prof. James Brusseau, PhD
James Brusseau, PhD is a Professor of Philosophy at Pace University in New York City, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate students. He has taught philosophy for more than 14 years in Mexico, Europe, and the United States, including at California State University–Fullerton before joining Pace in 2008. His teaching specialties include continental philosophy, the history of philosophy, and ethics. He is the author of seven books on philosophy and ethics, including Dignity, Pleasures, Vulgarity (2017), Business Ethics Workshop (2011), and Decadence of the French Nietzsche (2004).
In recent years, his work has focused on AI ethics, especially transparency and the “black box” problem in algorithmic decision-making. He studies how recommendation systems shape what we see and choose, and what that means for fairness, privacy, freedom, authenticity, and human creativity.
Prof. James Brusseau, PhD on Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-brusseau/
https://online.pace.edu/undergraduate-programs/bs-professional-communication-studies/faculty/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://philpeople.org/profiles/james-brusseau
Resources
The Dilemma Between Euphoria and Freedom in Recommendation Algorithms
https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.11465
The AI Human Condition is a Dilemma between Authenticity and Freedom
https://philarchive.org/rec/BRUTAH-4
Ethics of identity in the time of big data
https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/9624
https://philarchive.org/rec/BRUITD-2
Introduction to Data Ethics
AI Human Impact: Toward a Model for Ethical Investing in AI-Intensive Companies
https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.07703
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
Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com
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
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