Educator’s Corner
Educator’s Corner is a podcast hosted by Kai Vacher that features conversations with educators around the world. It examines the challenges, opportunities, and issues facing schools and communities. The discussions focus on innovation, redesigning education, and the leadership qualities needed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Guests share insights on helping young people live fulfilling lives.
Afleveringen
What Parents Really Look for in a School: Insider Insights from Selina Boyd
What makes a good school? From a leader’s perspective it may be outstanding inspection reports and exam results. But now that parents can generate a list of comparable schools in seconds, these quality signals aren’t enough.Parents want to know what life at the school is really like and whether it fully meets their children’s needs. But what does that mean in practice?Selina Boyd, International Di
What Makes a Good Headteacher? How to Nurture Aspiring Leaders & Retain Your Best Staff With John Woodberry
What makes a good school leader? How do you know when you’re ready for headship? And how can schools develop their existing talent to grow their own future leaders?With UNESCO predicting a global shortage of 44 million teachers by 2030, schools around the world are seeking new ways to fill vacancies. One increasingly popular approach is to invest in internal staff development and trainee pathways.
Welcome to Educator’s Corner
Welcome to Educator’s Corner—the podcast connecting you with inspiring educators from around the globe.In a world of quick answers, we take the time to stay curious just a little longer. Join us for thoughtful conversations on the biggest issues, challenges, and opportunities shaping our schools and communities today. Perfect for your commute, cook time, or daily walk.Keep the conversation going b
Why Schools Must Now Market to Teachers | Bonus clip
If the global teacher shortage means candidates hold all the cards, why are schools still recruiting like it’s 2010?In this bonus clip from episode 28 of the Educator's Corner podcast, Kai Vacher and his panel of experts turn the recruitment model upside down. If teachers are building powerful personal brands and becoming influencers, schools can no longer rely on their reputation to attract top t
Q&A: What Does Quality Hybrid Schooling Look Like?
What does effective online pedagogy involve? How can hybrid schools deliver quality education in practical subjects like Art and Design? What key lessons can we learn from Higher Education when designing hybrid schools?Following the previous live episode on the Reimagining Secondary Schooling for a Changing World, Kai Vacher and Mark Steed return for a Question Time special. Taking questions you s
Live Special: Reimagining Secondary Schooling for a Changing World
Hybrid schooling is more than just an emergency fix for a rainy day.For many educators and families, online learning still carries the heavy baggage of the pandemic. It was seen as a means of survival rather than a promising new model. But as regional conflicts and extreme weather events force schools to close at short notice, is it time to move beyond the "emergency zoom" and embrace a more sophi
Beyond School Improvement | In Conversation with Professor Deborah Eyre
For nearly half a century, the school improvement model has been the gold standard for educational quality. But in a fast-changing, complex world, is a checklist for general competence enough to prepare students for the future?In this episode, Kai sits down with Professor Deborah Eyre to challenge the traditional inspection paradigm. Together, they explore how schools can shift from a deficit-base
Recruiting In a Teacher’s Market: How Top Schools Attract Top Talent
UNESCO estimates that by 2030, we will need an additional 44 million teachers globally. With teacher recruitment challenges reported in state, private and international schools worldwide, the balance of power is shifting. How can schools attract and retain quality staff in such a challenging market? In this episode, Kai welcomes Leisa Grace Wilson (Teach Middle East), Laura Rigney (Teacher Horizon
Understanding the World’s Most Diverse Education System | In Conversation with Avyakt Sethi
With over 240 million students and 1.5 million schools, India’s education system is arguably the most diverse globally. Shaped by its population, governance, culture, and openness to external models, it is an example of pluralism in action. So what does learning look like across such a vast landscape?In this episode, Kai begins an exploration of the Indian education system with fellow podcaster Av
Why 50% of Secondary School Students Have Stopped Trying and How We Can Fix It | With Jenny Anderson
Why are so many young people disengaged from learning — and what can parents and educators do about it?That’s the question that journalist Jenny Anderson seeks to answer in her book, The Disengaged Teen. Alongside co-author Rebecca Winthrop, Jenny unpicks why so many teenagers have switched off from school and presents evidence-based strategies to help reignite their love of learning. In this epis
Mental Health in Schools: How Can Leaders Support Student and Staff Wellbeing?
Stress, staffing pressures, and rising student needs mean schools can’t leave mental health to chance. But how do you move from creating policies to embedding awareness across a whole team?In this episode, Kai talks to George Peterkin, a qualified teacher, accredited therapeutic counsellor, and founder of Mind Your Health. George has been delivering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at Briti
How did Minerva Virtual Academy become the UK's fastest growing school? In conversation with Hugh Viney
With 1.28 million students persistently absent from school in the UK, it’s clear that the traditional classroom isn’t the right fit for everyone. But what does that mean for the future of education? For many families, the answer lies online. In this episode, Kai talks to Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy. Starting with just four students in 2021, Minerva now supports over 1,20
Is Kindness the Key to Effective School Leadership? In Conversation with Joanna Povall
What are the qualities of a good school leader? Many people point to traits like confidence, decisiveness and resilience. But could kindness be the real key to bringing the best out in your team?In this episode, Kai talks to Joanna Povall, Principal of Wales International School in Abu Dhabi, to explore why kindness is the sharpest tool a leader has. They discuss:What it means to lead with kindnes
Saving the Ocean, the Planet and Our Future (with Jeroen van de Waal)
What does it mean to find your ikigai, and why might that be the key to saving our planet?In this episode, Kai talks to Jeroen van de Waal, founder of OrcaNation, the BlueBeat Group and The Reef Company. Following a lively keynote session at British School Muscat, Jeroen reflects on his journey from corporate CEO to ocean conservationist and how he's on a mission to reconnect 8 billion people with
Heading Towards Hybrid? With Mark Steed
Could hybrid schools be the answer? Mark Steed returns to the Educator’s Corner podcast to continue the conversation on remote teaching, flexible models, and reimagining the future of schooling.Following their packed session at the COBIS Conference in London, Kai and Mark pick up where they left off. In this episode, they explore how innovative teaching models could help address two major challeng
Is Remote Teaching the Solution to the Global Teacher Shortage? In Conversation with Mark Steed
Could going remote really be the solution to the teacher recruitment crisis? Recent survey findings from Teacher Horizons suggest online teaching is here to stay, but not everyone agrees. Director and Consultant at Steed Education, Mark Steed, rejoins the Educator's Corner podcast to discuss whether remote teaching really is a viable solution to the current teacher shortage. Join us as we discuss:
Beyond the Myths: Your Guide to International Teaching with Laura Rigney
Laura Rigney, Director of School Services at Teacher Horizons, joins Kai to dispel common myths about teaching internationally. Discover the realities of career opportunities, salary expectations, and the diverse experiences available in international schools.In this episode:02:39 Myth 1: International teachers are misfits, missionaries, or mercenaries.06:46 Myth 2: You can't do your ECT year abro
How to Develop Empathy as a Teacher or School Leader | In Conversation with Ed Kirwan
Empathy has been named one of the most important leadership skills. But what does empathy mean? Can it be taught? If so, how can teachers and aspiring leaders develop empathy?In this inspiring conversation, Ed Kirwan, founder and CEO of Empathy Studios and Empathy Week, explains how empathy can break down barriers, boost student engagement, improve behaviour and allow everyone to thrive. Ed shares
Why Have Children Stopped Reading and What Can We Do About It? With Daisy Christodoulou
England's primary school students rank fourth globally in reading proficiency. And yet, reading for pleasure is at its lowest level since 2005. Meanwhile, fewer young people are choosing to study English literature at A Level, and around 50% of UK adults do not read regularly. In this episode, Daisy Christodoulou, Director of Education at No More Marking, sheds light on the reasons behind this
Teach on the Beach?
Is teaching in the United Arab Emirates all about brunches, beaches, and tax-free salaries? In this episode, we delve into the reality of teaching in the UAE with the Editorial Director of Teach Middle East Magazine, Leisa Grace Wilson.Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges of working in one of the fastest-growing international education hubs. We discuss the growing demand for inte
Is it time to phase out GCSEs?
In this episode, we get curious about curriculum redesign and innovation with Will Goldsmith, Headteacher of Bedales School in the UK.Bedales, along with Latymer Upper School, made news headlines in September 2023 for ditching GCSE qualifications.Bedales' 10-year curriculum redesign involves replacing GCSEs with their own Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) to better equip students for the next stage
The AI-proof Skills Our Students Need for the Future | In Conversation with Leo Thompson
AI is currently dominating the conversation in education. But is it the most urgent priority? As fake news infiltrates our social media feeds and deepfakes become evermore convincing, young people need more than AI literacy to navigate the world.That’s a view shared by the OECD, WEF, McKinsey and today’s guest, Leo Thompson. As a teacher, school leader and Edsplorer, Leo is known for his work in h
Why AI Will Never Replace Teachers: In Conversation with Priya Lakhani
Bill Gates recently predicted that AI will replace teachers within 10 years. But is he right? In this episode, we sit down with Priya Lakhani, CEO and founder of Century Tech, to explore what AI really means for the future of education. Join us as we discuss: - The biggest challenges and opportunities of using AI in education - 3 ethical considerations that every school AI policy should embrace -
Educator's Corner Ep 12: Beyond OFSTED, Curriculum Reform and AI
In this episode, we speak with Lord Jim Knight, a prominent figure in education and technology, about moving beyond Ofsted, curriculum reform, and the impact of AI on education.
Lord Knight, former Minister of State for Schools and member of Gordon Brown's cabinet, is currently non-executive chair of several organisations including E-Act, Century Tech, STEM Learning and COBIS. He shares his journe
4 Simple Ways to Support Staff Wellbeing in Schools | In Conversation with Mark Leppard
Teacher wellbeing is central to student success, which is why it’s a key priority for many school leaders. But with limited time and resources, how can we make a real difference to staff wellbeing?Mark Leppard MBE, Headmaster at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi, joins us to explore 4 practical ways to support staff wellbeing in schools. Tune in to discover:- One simple protocol that ca
Why the International School Sector Is Experiencing Rapid Growth | With Grainne O'Reilly
The international school sector has seen an impressive 8.5% growth over the past five years. According to ISC Research, 1,097 new schools have opened since 2019, and the market serves a total of 7.4 million students worldwide. In this episode, we are joined by seasoned leadership consultant Grainne O'Reilly to explore the factors fuelling this rapid expansion of the international schools secto
How to Use Data to Boost Student Wellbeing and Belonging | In Conversation with Matthew Savage
How can schools improve student wellbeing and inclusivity? In this episode of the Educator’s Corner podcast, I am joined by Matthew Savage, an educational consultant and creator of the "Mona Lisa Effect," to explore this question. Matthew shares: - The importance of data in measuring what truly matters in education.- How leaders can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environ
The Global Teacher Recruitment Crisis: 12 Innovative Solutions to Recruit Great Educators (Part 2)
The global teacher shortage is hitting UK schools particularly hard. According to a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, 46% of secondary schools had at least one vacant position in the last academic year. British international schools are also struggling to recruit specialist secondary teachers.So, how can we solve the teacher shortage? Can innovation save us?In Part 2 of the Global Tea
Educator's Corner Ep 7: Team Coaching: What It Is, What It Is Not, and How It Can Combat Burnout
Team Coaching: What It Is, What It Is Not, and How It Can Combat Burnout
In Episode 7 of the Educator's Corner podcast, Linda Berlot discusses team coaching with host Kai Vacher, highlighting its transformative impact and role as an antidote for burnout.
Key Points:
Understanding the essence of team coaching and its distinction from 1:1 coaching.
Exploring the purpose and significance of team
The Global Teacher Recruitment Crisis: Looming Challenge or Opportunity for Innovation? (Part 1)
Join industry trailblazer and thought leader Mark Steed and me as we delve into one of the most pressing challenges facing international education today: the teacher recruitment crisis. The global teacher shortage is often likened to a "grey rhino", an imminent threat that has been looming for several years but is now poised to strike with devastating impact. Throughout this episode, we
How Coaching Boosts Learning Outcomes and Creates a Positive School Culture | With Nicholas McKie
Some educators think coaching is fluffy, ineffective and impractical. Yet, research says otherwise. According to the International Coaching Federation, organisations that create coaching cultures are more likely to recruit and retain high-performing staff and increase employee engagement. That’s why today’s guest, Nicholas McKie, believes that schools could benefit from embracing a coaching cultur
Educator’s Corner Ep 4: AI the story so far…
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Educator's Corner podcast. In this solo episode I offer a summary of what I’ve been learning since the first ‘Educators Corner’ Podcast at the start of this term back in September.
I’ll do this by sharing our AI strategy at British School Muscat and British School Salalah for the rest of the academic year.
In the podcast I reference ‘The Coming Wave’ by Mustafa Suleyman
How Can We Use AI Responsibly and Securely in Education? In Conversation with Philippa Wraithmell
Do the benefits of using AI in schools outweigh the risks? What guardrails should we put in place to ensure we’re using AI responsibly?In this episode of the Educator’s Corner podcast, Kai explores these questions with Phillipa Wraithmell, Assistant Principal at Rashid and Latifa School, Dubai, and author of The Digital Ecosystem. They discuss:- How leaders can support their colleagues and student
9 Practical Ways Teachers Can Use AI in the Classroom: In conversation with Dan Fitzpatrick
Since the launch of ChatGPT, schools and teachers everywhere have been pondering how, when and even whether to use AI in the classroom. Is it safe to use with students? Should we encourage or punish the use of generative AI tools? And will this technology replace teachers?In this episode of The Educator’s Corner podcast, Kai is joined by educational pioneer and keynote speaker Dan Fitzpatrick, als
The Challenges, Opportunities and Dangers of Using AI in Education | In Conversation with Cat Place
I’m delighted to share with you the first episode of the ‘Educator’s Corner’ podcast: the show that brings you conversations with educators from all over the world; conversations where we stay curious for a little longer about the issues, challenges and opportunities which we are facing in our schools and our communities.This week on the Educator’s Corner podcast, I’ll be discussing leadership, su
