Episodes

  • How to navigate national educational standards in the UAE? [FBF]
    Sep 20 2024

    Dive into a thought-provoking episode with David Gerber, a pioneering educator in the UAE, as we explore how progressive schools can thrive within the constraints of national requirements. Recorded against the backdrop of the innovative Fairgreen school located in the Sustainable City of Dubai, this conversation uncovers the strategies and mindset shifts necessary to transform perceived barriers into opportunities for educational excellence.

    Discover how Fairgreen navigates the UAE's stringent educational standards while committing to a holistic approach that includes environmental and emotional sustainability. David shares insights on balancing the quantitative demands of inspections with the qualitative aspects of education, such as student well-being and transdisciplinary skills, which are crucial for the 21st century.

    Learn about the unique model of Fairgreen, which exemplifies how schools can align with national goals for innovation and societal betterment without sacrificing their core mission. This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and policymakers looking to reconcile the push for high academic standards with the need for a more comprehensive, inquiry-based, and sustainable approach to learning.

    #Education #UAE #ProgressiveSchools #NationalStandards #InnovativeEducation #SustainableCity #Dubai #FairgreenSchool #EducationalExcellence #HolisticEducation #EnvironmentalSustainability #EmotionalSustainability #21stCenturySkills #StudentWellbeing #TransdisciplinarySkills #EducationalInnovation #SchoolLeadership #EducationPolicy #Educators #Administrators #Policymakers #InquiryBasedLearning #AcademicStandards #EducationalStrategies #DavidGerber #EducationPodcast

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    22 mins
  • What makes a school sustainable? Lessons from Green School Bali [FBF]
    Sep 13 2024

    Dive into an inspiring episode of the School Leaders Project podcast featuring Sal Gordon, the visionary head of teaching and learning at Green School Bali. Set in the lush jungles of Indonesia, this episode explores the groundbreaking educational approach that sets Green School apart as a beacon of the global education revolution. Sal shares his journey from a conventional teaching career to embracing a model that challenges the norms, emphasizing sustainability, experiential learning, and global citizenship.

    Discover how Green School Bali is redefining education through its wall-less bamboo classrooms and a curriculum that integrates sustainability with every subject, fostering joyous learning while addressing the pressing needs of our planet. From building bridges as practical math lessons to cultivating values and skills for a sustainable future, this conversation sheds light on how education can empower students to be proactive, optimistic changemakers.

    Learn about the unique challenges and successes of implementing such a visionary educational model, and how Green School Bali balances academic rigor with the development of personal and communal values aimed at creating a sustainable and hopeful future for all.

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    15 mins
  • How to Lead an Independent School with Peter Baron
    Sep 12 2024

    Join us as we dive deep into the world of independent school leadership with Peter Baron, an expert in the field with years of experience and innovative solutions.

    We explore several crucial themes:

    1. The Evolution of Independent Schools:

    • Discover how independent schools have adapted over the years and the pressing need for innovation in their business models.
    • Understand the importance of having a flexible and entrepreneurial mindset in school leadership.

    2. Current Challenges and Solutions:

    • Learn about the challenges independent schools face today, such as hiring and retaining staff, and how these issues signal deeper systemic problems.
    • Hear Peter’s insights on the brokenness of the current independent school business model and the emerging trends that demand change.

    3.Tips for New Heads:

    • Get practical tips on optimizing existing resources and revenue streams to create more sustainable school operations.
    • Explore the importance of conducting a SWOT analysis to understand your school’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
    • Understand the value of becoming an institutional historian and leveraging data to drive decisions.

    4. Building a Community of Innovators:

    • Discover how Peter's platform, Moonshot OS, helps school leaders develop crucial business and entrepreneurial skills.
    • Learn about the eight competencies Peter has identified as essential for effective school leadership, ranging from strategy and change management to financial acumen.


    Peter Baron is a seasoned professional in the independent school sector with a passion for solving complex educational challenges. He has served in various capacities, including software firms and associations, and currently leads Moonshot OS, a platform dedicated to equipping school leaders with essential business and entrepreneurial skills.


    #IndependentSchools #EducationalLeadership #InnovationInEducation #SchoolBusinessModel #PeterBaron #MoonshotOS #LeadershipTips #EntrepreneurialMindset #SchoolOptimization


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    35 mins
  • What is visible thinking? | Insights from Dr. Ron Ritchhart [FBF]
    Sep 6 2024

    Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Ron Ritchhart, a renowned researcher from Harvard and a pioneer in transforming schools into cultures of thinking. In this episode, Dr. Ritchhart shares his insights on how we can develop our students into powerful learners and thinkers by fostering a culture where thinking is made visible. Discover why teaching beyond the test and cultivating thinking dispositions are crucial for educational transformation and how visible thinking routines can empower both teachers and students. Learn how to assess dispositions effectively, promote inquiry-based learning, and build a supportive community of critical thinkers. Whether you are a teacher seeking to enhance your classroom, a school leader aspiring to foster a culture of thinking, or an educator passionate about student empowerment and professional development, this episode offers practical strategies and profound insights into making thinking visible and cultivating learner agency in education.

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    39 mins
  • What is Competency-Based Education: Tips and Strategies for Leaders with Rose Colby
    Sep 4 2024

    In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Competency-Based Education (CBE) with Rose Colby, a pioneering leader in the field. Over the last 17 years, Rose has guided schools across the nation in shifting from traditional education models to more innovative, personalized approaches that prioritize mastery and deeper learning.

    We explore the evolution of CBE and discuss how designing learning pathways that include competencies, performance assessments, and competency-based grading can create a more equitable and effective educational experience. Whether you're a school leader, an educator, or just curious about how CBE can reshape the future of education, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

    #CompetencyBasedEducation #CBE #SchoolLeadership #EducationalInnovation #PersonalizedLearning #DeeperLearning #LearningPathways #RoseColby #CompetencyGrading

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    1 hr
  • How to get students to ask better questions? [FBF]
    Aug 30 2024

    In this episode, we dive into an insightful conversation with Trevor McKenzie about his latest book, which introduces 10 high-impact question routines designed to help students become more proficient and curious questioners. Trevor shares the inspiration behind his new book and discusses how these routines can transform classrooms by fostering deeper inquiry and critical thinking. We also explore the importance of student-driven learning, the role of questions in shaping educational experiences, and how educators can implement these strategies effectively.

    #InquiryMindset #ThinkingRoutines #FormativeAssessment #StudentQuestions

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    41 mins
  • How to Increase Enrollment in Independent Schools with Brendan Schneider
    Aug 28 2024

    In this insightful episode, join us as we explore effective marketing techniques for independent schools aiming to increase enrollment. We'll dive into how demographic shifts, COVID-19 impacts, and tuition costs influence prospective families' decisions. Learn about integrating marketing communications, leveraging digital marketing, and the importance of SEO in making your school's website a powerful tool to attract students. Discover actionable strategies to enhance customer experience and why storytelling should be at the heart of your marketing efforts. Don't miss these valuable tips to transform your school's enrollment strategy!

    What You'll Learn:

    • How to adapt to changing demographics and their effects on school enrollment.
    • Strategies to effectively integrate marketing and admissions to boost enrollment.
    • The impact of COVID-19 on school marketing and how to adjust.
    • Essential SEO tips to enhance your school's online visibility.
    • Best practices for improving website conversions and customer experience.
    • The power of storytelling in distinguishing your school from the competition.

    Subscribe for more expert insights on school marketing strategies and how to apply them successfully!

    #SchoolMarketing #IndependentSchools #EnrollmentStrategies #EducationSector #DigitalMarketing #SEO #Storytelling #CustomerExperience #InboundMarketing #COVID19Impact #SchoolEnrollment #EducationMarketing


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    49 mins
  • How Future Schools Embrace Humanity and Belonging [FBF]
    Aug 23 2024

    Listen in as Louka Parry brings a fresh perspective on building a 'fully human' education ecosystem. In this episode, he explores the crucial role of purpose-driven learning, social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies, and cognitive agility in empowering students. Louka shares how to honor diverse cultural practices while cultivating the essential skills needed for today's rapidly changing world. Discover practical strategies to build student agency, support cognitive growth, and create a thriving learning community.
    #FullyHumanEducation #StudentAgency #PurposeDrivenLearning #SELStrategies

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    40 mins