In this episode of Education Vanguard, host Justin is joined by Ceci Gomez-Galvez, a multilingual education leader and advocate for translanguaging pedagogy, culturally responsive practice, and equitable access for multilingual learners.

Ceci reflects on her journey into teaching at a young age in Guatemala, how her bilingual identity shaped her work, and why schools must move beyond the idea that more exposure to a single target language leads to better learning.

Together, they unpack common misconceptions about multilingual learners, explore the relationship between language and culture, and share practical examples of how language development can be supported across all subjects. The conversation also touches on collaboration, consulting, and how AI tools can support multilingual learners when used thoughtfully.

A valuable listen for school leaders, language specialists, and educators committed to inclusive, identity-affirming learning environments.

In this double-feature episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin Hardman brings listeners two powerful conversations recorded live at the PHASE Asia Pacific Conference 2025.

In the first conversation, PHASE Committee Chair Carlos Galvez sits down with Rising Star keynote speaker Nick Haywood. Nick reflects on his journey from outdoor education to working with elite sporting teams and schools, sharing insights on leadership, balance, connection, and why educators don’t need to be “bad” to get better.

The second conversation features PHASE Committee Member Sarah Cole in discussion with Dr. Anne Wenstrom, Rising Star speaker and Wellness Coordinator at Singapore American School. Dr. Wenstrom explores how schools can build comprehensive, sustainable cultures of wellbeing by connecting students, educators, families, and organizations through practical, community-driven approaches.

A hopeful and grounded episode for educators and school leaders seeking meaningful ways to embed wellness, leadership, and balance into school culture.

In this Education Vanguard episode, host Justin Hardman introduces a special PHASE takeover recorded live at the PHASE Conference in Singapore. First, Will Patz speaks with Helen Batteley, an internationally renowned consultant in early childhood physical education and movement play, about physical literacy, play, and building strong foundations through developmentally appropriate practice.

Then Thomas Matthews sits down with Tricia Friedman to explore the future of education in an AI-shaped world. Tricia challenges schools to look beyond plagiarism concerns and consider the deeper impact of AI on relationships, well-being, and community, while encouraging leaders to imagine more human, collaborative models of learning.

A must-listen for educators and school leaders who want practical insight into early years development and a clearer lens on what AI means for the heart of schooling: people and connection.

In this Education Vanguard episode, host Kerstin Bender talks with Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell from School of Play, live from PHASE Conference. Together, they explore how play can move from the gym to the whole school, shaping culture, relationships, and wellbeing for staff, students, and families.

Dale and Paul share stories from international schools, from whole staff keynotes and leadership work to parent evenings that turn into deeply human moments. They discuss why teachers need to look after themselves first, how play can be accessible for introverts as well as high energy educators, and why staff wellbeing programs are no longer optional.

If you are looking for practical, human centred ways to build connection in your school and shift wellbeing from a PE responsibility to a whole school commitment, this conversation is for you. A great listen for PE teachers, school leaders, counsellors, and anyone who cares about thriving school communities.

In this episode of the Education Vanguard, Dr. Howard Stribbell sits down with Diana Hume McDowell from East West Prevention, a substance misuse prevention organization working with international schools. Diana shares her deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery, and how it shaped her mission to help young people make safer, healthier choices.

Together, they explore the unique risk factors for third culture kids, the pressures of high achieving international school environments, and why stigma and silence around addiction still hold so much power. Diana and Howard discuss how schools can move beyond “just say no” by teaching concrete harm reduction strategies, building trusted adult relationships, and equipping parents with tools for many small, everyday conversations.

This episode is a must listen for school leaders, counselors, wellbeing teams, and parents who want to approach student substance use and mental health with honesty, compassion, and practical skill building.

🎙️Leading with Clarity, Conscience, and Community: Rethinking School Leadership with Thomas Midbo & Howard Stribbell


In this Education Vanguard episode, Justin speaks with Howard Stribbell and Thomas Midbo about the real work of school leadership today, inspired by their white paper “Leading with Clarity, Conscience and Community.”

They discuss distributed leadership, self care, clear feedback, intercultural dynamics, and the everyday habits that reveal whether a school is truly healthy.

A practical conversation for leaders at any stage of their journey.

🎙️ Beyond the Code: How AI Is Redefining Creativity and Learning with Douglas Kiang

In this episode, host Justin speaks with Douglas Kiang, Computer Science teacher at Menlo School in Silicon Valley, about how AI is transforming the classroom experience.

From empowering students to create with language instead of code, to redefining makerspaces and rethinking assessment, Douglas shares how educators can stay in control of the “bus” while letting AI help drive creativity and innovation.

A must-listen for educators, tech coordinators, and school leaders exploring how to balance ethics, creativity, and technology in modern learning.

🎙️ Michael Boll’s Journey Through Podcasting and Advocacy
Host Justin Hardman welcomes Michael Boll, former EV host and long-time 21C collaborator, for a candid conversation about podcasting, inclusion, and community building. Michael reflects on launching an autism podcast in the early 2000s to learn from experts and support his son, the unexpected power of interviews to create lasting connections, and the evolution of inclusive education through SENIA. They also touch on founding a school, practical podcast advice, and choosing projects that advance impact for the special needs community.
A thoughtful listen for educators, leaders, and anyone who cares about belonging and the human side of learning.

🎙️ The Best Guardrail Is Your Relationship: Digital Parenting with Patrick Green
Host Justin talks with educator and consultant Patrick Green about practical, research-informed strategies for digital parenting. They discuss why the best “filter” is a strong parent-child relationship, making online-life conversations routine at home, and how rules should flex as kids mature. Patrick shares ways to differentiate screen time by activity, set sensible boundaries like phone-free bedrooms, curate content, and partner with schools on digital wellness. A helpful listen for busy parents and school communities seeking balanced, humane approaches to tech.

🎙️ Leadership Growth Mindset: From Doing to Leading with Tico Oms
In this episode of the Education Vanguard Show, Justin and co-host Benjamin Sheridan speak with Tico Oms, leadership coach and consultant, about what it truly takes to grow from individual contributor to impactful leader.

Tico draws from his corporate and educational leadership experiences to explore self-awareness, leadership range, managing up, and the balance between confidence and empathy. He also unpacks how coaching and reflection can help leaders find their authentic style while navigating real-world pressures.

A must-listen for aspiring and emerging school leaders looking to grow their influence, confidence, and impact.

📌 Lead To Succeed Summit Pre-conference mentioned in this podcast:
Leadership Development Program – For New & Aspiring Leaders
https://leadtosucceed.community/21cl/leadership-development-program/