In this insightful episode of The International Classroom Podcast, host Alex Gray speaks with renowned reading specialist Kristy Jones about evidence-based approaches to improving reading skills, rekindling a love of reading, and understanding the science behind literacy development.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Science of Reading: Kristy explains the "Big Five" components—Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension—and how they form the foundation of effective reading instruction.

• Early Identification & Intervention: Discover why early recognition of reading challenges is crucial, including how educators and parents can differentiate between general struggles and specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD.

• Engaging Reluctant Readers: Practical tips to foster enjoyment and motivation in reading, including innovative strategies parents can implement at home.

• Role of Secondary Teachers: A vital conversation about why reading skills matter beyond primary school, highlighting the significance of literacy across all educational phases.

• The Future of Reading Instruction & AI: Kristy shares insights into the potential and current limitations of AI-based reading tools, emphasizing a balanced, hybrid approach to integrating technology in reading programs.

Resources Mentioned:

• Epic Digital Library

• Nessie Learning App

Connect with Kristy Jones:

• Website: The Reading Specialists

• LinkedIn: Kristy Jones

Who Should Listen:Educators across all stages, parents seeking practical literacy advice, and school leaders interested in evidence-based reading strategies.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The International Classroom Podcast and leave us a review to support our continued conversations about global education, leadership, and learning!

Follow The International Classroom Podcast:

• Website

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

Join Alex on this captivating episode of The International Classroom Podcast, as he reconnects with Simon Blower, the inspiring co-founder of Pobble. Simon, a former classroom teacher and deputy head, shares his journey from educator to EdTech innovator, driven by his passion for making writing accessible and exciting for every child.Episode Highlights:Simon's Journey: Hear Simon discuss his transition from the classroom to becoming an EdTech founder, motivated by the desire to tackle the challenges of teaching writing and reduce the overwhelming paperwork that distracts from meaningful learning.Exploring Pobble: Simon walks us through Pobble’s innovative platform designed to inspire creativity and support writing development through visually captivating prompts, ready-made writing activities, and interactive features to help both teachers and students.AI and EdTech Integration: Discover how Pobble is embracing AI technology to further enhance image quality, differentiate activities instantly, and ensure that content is adaptive, accessible, and engaging for all learners.Practical Classroom Implementation: Simon offers practical tips on seamlessly integrating Pobble into various educational contexts, whether in primary classrooms or secondary schools, highlighting its flexibility, ease of use, and strong alignment with English National Curriculum objectives.Impact and Evidence: Gain insight into the measurable impact Pobble has demonstrated, from saving teacher planning time to significantly boosting student engagement and writing output, supported by collaborations with prestigious institutions like Innovate UK, Microsoft Accelerator, and the BBC's 500 Words competition.Future Plans: Simon shares exciting updates about Pobble’s future, including language translation, deeper platform integration with Google Classroom, and enhancements to user experience, ensuring it remains accessible and beneficial to educators globally.Key Takeaway:Simon emphasises Pobble’s core mission—to inspire every child, especially reluctant writers, by providing engaging visual prompts and structured activities that transform their writing experience and confidence.Connect with Simon and Pobble:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonblowerpobble/Website: https://www.pobble.com/Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The International Classroom Podcast. Subscribe to stay updated with inspiring conversations and innovative educational strategies from around the globe!

What if the way we do school is no longer working?

In this special crossover episode of The International Classroom and Run Your Life Podcast, Alex Gray is joined by global educator and coach Andy Vasily to explore a powerful question:
👉 Are schools still fit for purpose in 2025?

Together, we unpack some of education’s most urgent challenges — and opportunities for change.

🧠 Topics include:

• Learning loss vs learning gains since COVID
• The myth of “one-size-fits-all” PD
• Why school culture is built on trust, not titles
• Cognitive diversity in leadership teams
• Reimagining assessment and student success
• Parenting, failure, and the future of agency in schools

This is an honest, unscripted conversation between two passionate educators, asking: What needs to change — and how do we make it happen?

🎙 Listen now and join us in rethinking what learning could (and should) look like.

---------------------------------------------------------------------Sponsored by Lumio by SMARTTransform your teaching with Lumio – the ultimate interactive learning tool for engaging, collaborative, and impactful lessons. Whether you’re teaching in-person or remotely, Lumio brings your classroom to life with AI-powered resources, real-time collaboration, and gamified learning experiences.Try Lumio for free today

👉 https://suite.smarttech-prod.com/

Connect with Andy VasilyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-vasily-07b551157/Run Your Life Podcast: https://runyourlifeshowwithandyvasily.buzzsprout.com/Follow The International Classroom Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcast

#education #leadership #futureoflearning #edtech #professionaldevelopment #cognitivediversity #schoolculture #AndyVasily #AlexGray #TheInternationalClassroom #RunYourLifePodcast

Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) truly supporting students, or is it missing the mark? In this episode, Tanya Rajani challenges the traditional approach to SEL and explores how a human-centered, culturally responsive model can make a real difference. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The biggest flaws in traditional SEL frameworks ✔️ Why context and culture matter in emotional learning ✔️ The role of educators, schools, and parents in well-being ✔️ How the School of Humanity is innovating SEL with a flourishing curriculum If you're an educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights to reshape how we approach student well-being. Don't miss it!

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Sponsored by Lumio by SMARTTransform your teaching with Lumio – the ultimate interactive learning tool for engaging, collaborative, and impactful lessons. Whether you’re teaching in-person or remotely, Lumio brings your classroom to life with AI-powered resources, real-time collaboration, and gamified learning experiences.Try Lumio for free today 👉 https://suite.smarttech-prod.com/

Connect with Tanya RajaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyarajani/School of Humanity: https://sofhumanity.com/Follow The International Classroom Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcastSubscribe & hit the bell so you never miss an episode! #SEL #Education #WellBeing #SocialEmotionalLearning #EdTech #TheInternationalClassroom #Podcast

In this AIDucation25 Special episode, join Dan Fitzpatrick, acclaimed author, educator, and global thought leader, as he explores the transformative impact of AI on education.

Dive into practical strategies for integrating AI into classrooms, rethinking teacher roles, and fostering skills students need for an unpredictable future. From grassroots innovation to systemic change, Dan discusses powerful ideas such as the EdOP initiative and the critical balance between knowledge and skills development. Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation that reimagines how education systems can—and should—evolve in the age of artificial intelligence.

This episode is part of the exclusive AIDucation25 series, bringing you cutting-edge insights at the intersection of AI and education.

Key discussion points:

• AI advancements and their classroom impact
• Innovative approaches like EdOP for systemic educational change
• Preparing students for AI-driven career landscapes
• Practical classroom strategies leveraging AI tools

Tune in now to future-proof your educational approach with Dan Fitzpatrick.

Discover why empathy is the #1 skill your classroom needs right now! In this powerful episode of The International Classroom Podcast, Alex sits down with Ed Kirwan, founder of Empathy Studios and Empathy Week—initiatives that have positively impacted over 1.3 million students worldwide.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why empathy is more than a "soft skill"—it's the foundation of effective learning.✅ Practical strategies to build empathy in your students today.✅ How powerful storytelling can instantly transform classroom culture.✅ Real-world case studies of empathy significantly improving student engagement and behaviour.

Special Guest:Ed Kirwan, Founder of Empathy Studios & Empathy Week, former science teacher, and global advocate for empathy in education.

🎯 Who Should Watch: Teachers, educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about creating happier, more successful learning environments.

🖥️ Watch now to learn how to foster empathy and transform your teaching:

Get involved with Empathy Week:🌍 https://www.empathy-week.com🌟 https://www.empathystudios.com

Follow Ed Kirwan:🔗 LinkedIn: Ed Kirwan

🎙️ Connect with The International Classroom Podcast:Follow us on LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | YouTube

🚀 Subscribe now to never miss an episode and revolutionize your teaching practice!

#Education #Empathy #TeachingTips #ClassroomManagement #EmpathyWeek #TeacherTips #StudentEngagement #TeachingStrategies #SocialEmotionalLearning

What happens when an education leader steps back to reflect on the system they’ve dedicated their life to? In this episode, we sit down with David Ardley, a trailblazer in international education, to explore the future of learning, leadership, and innovation in schools.

Key Topics Covered:
✅ The power of career breaks and what they reveal about the education system
✅ Innovation vs. tradition – how schools can balance progress with structure
✅ The future of AI in education – what’s hype and what’s real?
✅ True inclusion – what it really looks like in the classroom
✅ The biggest challenges facing school leaders and how to overcome them
✅ Why the human element in education is more important than ever

🔥 If you're a teacher, school leader, policymaker, or education innovator, this episode is a must-watch!

This episode is proudly sponsored by SMART Technologies!

SMART Technologies is revolutionising interactive learning with Lumio, the all-in-one digital learning tool designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration.

📲 What is Lumio?
✅ Create interactive lessons in minutes
✅ Seamlessly integrate with Google, Microsoft, and existing classroom tools
✅ Gamify learning with engaging, student-driven activities
✅ Boost participation with real-time feedback and formative assessments

💡 Try Lumio FREE today! → https://www.smarttech.com/lumio

📌 Subscribe for more insights on education leadership, AI in schools, and innovative teaching strategies.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

#EducationLeadership #AIinEducation #FutureOfLearning #SchoolInnovation #TeachingStrategies #InclusiveEducation #Lumio #SMARTTechnologies

Join me for a dynamic conversation recorded live at the AIDucation25 conference in Bucharest. We delve into the heart of innovation with Ben Whitaker, "The Ideas Guy," as he shares his powerful framework for fostering creativity and strategic thinking in education and entrepreneurship. Ben, a former sociology teacher turned innovation expert, provides actionable insights inspired by figures like Maya Angelou, Steve Jobs, and Joe Rogan. This episode explores practical strategies for educators and innovators navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, addressing:✅ Building a Culture of Innovation: Discover the key pillars for creating an environment where fresh ideas flourish. Learn how to apply sociological principles to your team or classroom.✅ The Ideas Framework: Ben unpacks his proven framework (as detailed in his book, The Ideas Guide) for generating and implementing impactful ideas. He addresses potential criticisms and explains how to use the framework effectively.✅ Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: Are we becoming too reliant on digital tools? Ben argues that technology, when used intentionally, can boost creativity, offering a compelling analogy involving... air fryers!✅ Authenticity in the Digital Age: Struggling to balance a genuine online presence with personal well-being? Ben offers powerful advice on avoiding burnout and staying true to your values while building a personal brand (especially on platforms like LinkedIn).✅ Learning from Failure: Inspired by Matthew Syed's "Black Box Thinking," we discuss how to view setbacks as valuable learning opportunities within the idea generation process.✅ Strategic Paralysis: Overwhelmed by planning and struggling to take action? Ben introduces VJ Govindarajan's "Three Box Solution" to help you move from strategic vision to execution.✅ The Ideas Cards & Journal: Get a sneak peek at Ben's practical resources, including his "Ideas Cards" (education and general reflection versions) and his prompt journal, designed to spark creative thinking.✅ Giveaway We have some amazing prizes from Ben, for educators in the Middle East.Timestamps:00:27 - Building a Culture of Innovation04:30 - The Ideas Cards & Journal06:30 - Authenticity in the Digital Age16:42 - The Ideas Framework13:42 - Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: 18:33 - Learning from Failure23:36 - Strategic Paralysis26:25 - Who Influenced Ben Whitaker the Most?28:50 - Giveaway

The 5-Minute Parenting Hack to Raise Resilient & Confident Kids | Nadim Saad on SEL & Wellbeing

Parenting and teaching don’t come with a manual… or do they? 🤔

In this episode of The International Classroom Podcast, bestselling author and parenting expert Nadim Saad shares a simple 5-minute daily habit that helps children develop emotional resilience, confidence, and self-regulation. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and real-world experience, Nadim breaks down how social-emotional learning (SEL) can transform families, schools, and student well-being.

🚀 Watch now to learn:
✅ How to raise resilient kids without overwhelming them
✅ The science of emotions and why suppressing feelings makes things worse
✅ Why schools need SEL in the curriculum (and how to integrate it in just 5 minutes)
✅ The 10 powers that give kids agency, confidence, and better mental health
✅ How teachers can use simple SEL tools to create a thriving classroom environment

📖 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
🔹 The Happy Confident Company Website
🔹 Nadim Saad’s Books on Amazon
🔹 The Feel It SEL Cards

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on education, AI, and teaching strategies!

💬 What’s one SEL strategy you use in your classroom or at home? Drop it in the comments below!

As AI transforms education, how can schools integrate it ethically and effectively? In this episode of The International Classroom Podcast, host Alex sits down with Susan Morrissey, an education innovation strategist, to explore the critical challenges and opportunities AI presents in schools, universities, and beyond.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:
✅ The rise of AI in education – How institutions can adapt and innovate
✅ Ethical AI implementation – The risks of data privacy, bias, and student security
✅ AI vs. human intelligence – How to strike the perfect balance
✅ Future-proofing education – What leaders, educators, and policymakers need to know
✅ The global AI race – How China and the U.S. are shaping the future of AI-driven learning

🎧 Why Listen?

• If you're an educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode provides essential insights into how AI is reshaping classrooms.
• Learn real-world strategies for upskilling teachers and protecting student data in an AI-driven world.
• Understand why AI literacy is non-negotiable for future success.

🔗 Listen Now & Stay Ahead 👉 [Insert Link]

📌 Subscribe & Follow for More:
🔔 Never miss an episode! Follow The International Classroom Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for weekly deep dives into AI, EdTech, and the future of learning.

#AIinEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #EdTech #EducationInnovation #FutureOfLearning #AIIntegration #EthicalAI #Podcast