Hosts this week: Matt Ross, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
In this episode of The International Teacher Staffroom, we talk about the trials and tribulations of middle leadership. Joined by one of our favourites, Matt Ross.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please write to us here.
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What to check out:
Matt: Drive by Steven Pinker
Jacob: Hilarious A1 video clip
Aimée: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker– human-centered approach to gathering
The Coaching Habit – Michael Bungay Stanier
Hosts this week: Dunja Chamberlain, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
In this episode of The International Teacher Staffroom, we explore the ongoing pursuit of meaningful professional growth with Dunja Chamberlain, the founder and CEO of Innovating Teachers Academy.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please write to us here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Dunja's organisation: Innovating Teachers Academy (ITA)
Jacob: SIOP Model
Aimée: Harvard Graduate School of Education
Hosts this week: Mike Van Leewin, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
Have you lost that lovin' feelin' for your international teaching role? Mike, Aimée, and Jacob offer advice, or at least try to help, three educators who are struggling with progression, motivation, and collegial relationships.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please write to us here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Aimée:
Jim Knight: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/
Harkness Method: https://www.thehagueschool.org/what-is-the-harkness-method
Aimée's coaching: aimee.skidmore@teachsparkcoaching.com
Jacob:
Visible Thinking https://pz.harvard.edu/projects/visible-thinking
🏆 International Teacher Show Awards 2025
In this special awards episode, Jacob and Aimée are joined by
Ashley Bryant and Wolfgang Soeldner to celebrate the tools, trends, and teachers that defined international education in 2025 — the good, the bad, and the jargon. From favorite tech to the flops we’d rather forget, it’s a lighthearted look back at the year in schools.
(All nominees are listed in no particular order)
💻 EdTech Platform of the Year
Canva, ChatGPT, Itslearning, Looker Studio
🌀 Worst Jargon of the Year
Androgogy, heutagogy, engagement (as complying), burnout, AI is cheating, Transdisciplinary, Solutionizing, Empowered Agency from Vertical Alignment
🤖 AI Person of the Year
Michelle Kassorla
🖥️ Hardware of the Year
MacBook with an M chip, Remarkable, Ipevo document camera, Chromebook
📚 Best Professional Development of the Year
Quizziz Tech Coach and Media Specialist Ed Camp
Technology Readiness Council European Summit
YES Bootcamp with Nat Vardabasso & Tom Schimmer
🧨 Worst Initiative of the Year
Live Data, AI bans, misunderstood direct instruction, A not well-planned initiative
🎧 Education Podcast of the Year
Cult of Pedagogy
🏆 International School MVP
Technology Readiness Council Community
Jacob Rosch & Aimée Skidmore
Hosts this week: Emily Murphy, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
All teachers struggle with classroom management. In this episode, we do our best to support and offer suggestions to three desperate teachers.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please write to us here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Aimée: What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker and me aimee.skidmore@teachsparkcoaching.com
Emily: Miles Madison: effectiveclassrooms.org
Jacob: Emily's podcast: Learning Explorations
Hosts this week: Julie Knight, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
Three writers wonder if they should start their own thing - become a consultant, create an AI edtech tool or start their own school. Julia, who loves a side hustle, shared her wealth of experience in edupreneurship.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please write to us here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Julia: https://www.whentheadultschange.com/
Aimée: for the writers of these letters specifically I would check out Natalie Vardabasso and Tom Schimmer on LinkedIn.
Jacob: Get on Linkedin!
Hosts this week: Christopher Clyde Green, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
Episode: Three teachers are facing problems with AI and are seeking advice. Christopher helped us advise teachers on chatbots, using AI as a classroom resource, and helping students develop writing skills in the age of AI.
Mailbox: If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please write to us here: International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Christopher: Synthesis maths tutor, Google Lens, AI in Education Podcast
Aimée: Mike Kentz, Michelle Kassorla, Ph.D.
Jacob: ISTE AI
Hosts this week: Shane Leaning, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
Three writers have questions about whether they should stay or go. Shane Leaning helped us offer some advice on how these listeners could move schools and, more importantly, whether they should.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please write to us here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Shane: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/
Jacob: https://www.shaneleaning.com/podcast
Aimée: Find a career coach or instructional coach if you're stuck!
Hosts this week: Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
Three writers have questions about leadership! Thank goodness we had Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini, an experienced practitioner and trainer, to help us navigate these tricky leadership situations.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss please write to us here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Aimée:
Nancy:
Unhinged Collaboration Podcast
The International Schools Podcast
Jacob: ECIS website
Hosts this week: John Mikton, Aimée Skidmore and Jacob Rosch
In this episode, we answer three listener letters about teacher recognition—how to feel valued, foster acknowledgement, and build a culture of appreciation. Plus, we recommend quick, impactful educational research for busy teachers.
If you're experiencing a challenging situation at your international school and need advice, please write to the show here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
What to check out:
Aimée: Leon Furze AI Assessment Scale
John: https://elicit.com/
Jacob: https://www.christenseninstitute.org/theory/jobs-to-be-done/
In our first episode, we do our best to give advice to teachers facing challenges after moving to a new international school.
If you're experiencing a challenging situation at your international school and need advice, please write to the show here.
International Teacher Staffroom mailbox
Hosts this week: Aimée Skidmore, Mike Van Leeuwen and Jacob Rosch