The International Schools Podcast

Helping absent students stay part of learning.

About Simone Isaacs

Simone Isaacs is the Director of Customer Success at No Isolation, where she works closely with schools across Europe to support the implementation of AV1, which is a telepresence robot. AV1 is a solution designed to maintain learning and belonging during student absence. With 28 years of experience in schools and alternative provisions, from classroom teacher to headteacher then working strategically in the local authority   Simone now focuses on helping schools develop structured, student-centred approaches to continuity, wellbeing, belonging and reintegration.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-isaacs-ifip-81366454/

About Carina Schmitz

Carina Schmitz works as Global Marketing Manager at No Isolation, the company behind AV1, a telepresence solution that helps children with long-term illness or school non-attendance stay connected to school and classmates. With an international background in marketing and communications, she works across European markets at the intersection of education, technology, and social impact. Carina is passionate about inclusive education and believes participation should never depend on physical presence.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-schmitz-muc/

Resources

AV1 for International Schools: https://www.noisolation.com/av1/av1-for-international-schools

No Isolation (Company Website): https://www.noisolation.com 

AV1 is a telepresence robot designed specifically for education. It helps international schools support students who are unable to attend in person due to illness, medical treatment, anxiety, relocation, or temporary distance. By enabling students to remain present in the classroom, both academically and socially, AV1 supports continuity of learning, wellbeing, and belonging until they are ready to return to campus. 

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org

Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com

Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube

Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Why schools need data that helps every child be seen, heard, and belong.

About Paul Swanson

Paul is the Director of Innovation and Institutional Research at Atlanta International School. Drawing on experience as a teacher, coach, and school leader in international schools around the world, he is passionate about helping schools use data and technology to better understand the whole child and support meaningful learning.

Paul Swanson on Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teacherpaul/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-talks-podcast/ 

About Matthew Savage

Formerly an international school Principal, and with 23 years of school leadership experience in the UK and internationally, Matthew is the founding director of The Mona Lisa Effect, whose mission is to help ensure that every single student - without exception, condition or compromise – be seen, be heard, be known and belong. Through his speaking, writing, coaching, mentoring and thought partnership, he supports schools worldwide in the intersecting fields of leadership and governance, data and assessment, and inclusion, wellbeing and belonging. Matthew is a CIS Affiliated Consultant, an Affiliate Member of SENIA International, a board member at international schools in Europe and West Africa, and a member of both the Advisory Council for Parents Alliance for Inclusion, and the ‘Circle of Influence’ at the Global Equality Collective. He lives on the Isle of Skye.

Matthew Savage on Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonalisaeffect/  

Resources

https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-talks-podcast/ 
https://monalisaeffect.me/ 

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org

Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com

Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube

Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Stories, identity, and belonging through student podcasting.

About Jess Bauldry

Jess Bauldry is a British/Luxembourgish writer who has worked for regional and national news outlets for the last 20 years. She currently splits her time between editing Silicon Luxembourg and Forbes Luxembourg, running educational workshops and doing standup comedy.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-bauldry/

About Vessela Vencheva

Vessela Vencheva is a cultural manager and producer, media professional with diverse experience and long-time communication expert, with focus on intercultural dialogue and international communication.

Moved to Luxembourg in 2017, currently she is running the cultural association Openscreen asbl. Vessela has initiated and organized various educational projects in the past and has taken different roles in radios and television.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vessela-vencheva/ 

About Nick Todorov

Nick is a Bulgarian digital marketing specialist who has called Luxembourg home for over a decade. His background includes extensive experience in radio and television, which fuels his passion for sound, recording and audio technology. He contributes technical support to the Earglasses project.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolatodorov/ 

Resources

www.jessbauldry.eu   

https://www.linkedin.com/company/earglasses/ 

https://earglassespodcast.substack.com 

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org

Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com

Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Everyone’s Invited: Creating Safer School Cultures

Survivor voices, education, and the responsibility to change.

About Alex Somers

Alex is the Head of Education at Everyone’s Invited, where she has played a key role in developing and leading the charity’s education programme since its launch in September 2022. Alex leads educational sessions in schools, colleges, and universities across the UK, engaging directly with young people to raise awareness and challenge rape culture with empathy, compassion and understanding. She also leads the charity’s collaboration with local authorities, managing a growing network. In addition, she oversees the Community Champions programme, empowering students to become advocates for change in their own school communities.

Everyone’s Invited on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everyone-s-invited/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyonesinvited/

Resources

https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/ 
https://everyonesinvited.substack.com/ 
https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/EI_REPORT_2024_2025.pdfz
https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/primary/read 

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org

Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com

Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube

Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Transforming schools through ethical, large-scale Al integration and collaborative learning.

About Jamie Toner

Jamie is an education technology and innovation leader with experience across K-12 and Higher Education in the UK, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. As Director of Technology and Innovation at Singapore American School, he leads digital transformation, AI integration, and the development of forward-looking learning ecosystems.  Previously Founding Director of Digital Learning and Information Services at Harrow International School Shenzhen, Jamie has driven major projects in digital strategy and information services. Named on the recent CILIP 125 List of future leaders and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he researches and presents internationally on digital leadership and knowledge sharing. He is currently in the final stages of his PhD at the University of Sheffield on how legitimacy and epistemic authority are unevenly constructed and sustained within international schools.

Jamie Toner on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-toner-611b2478/ 

About Claire Simms

Claire is an experienced international educator and digital learning leader with over 25 years in schools across Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore. She is currently Assistant Principal - Innovation and Technology at St. Joseph’s Institution International School where she leads initiatives that enhance teaching and learning through technology. Since joining SJI International in 2016, Claire has held key leadership roles including Head of IPC and Head of Grade, helping to shape both curriculum and digital strategy. A Google Trainer, Coach, Innovator, and GEG Leader, Apple Learning Coach, and Seesaw Educator Lead, she regularly presents across the APAC region on digital learning and leadership. Claire holds a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Sunderland and is currently completing her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

Claire Simms on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/claire-simms-13679643 

Resources

https://www.sas.edu.sg/ 
https://www.sji-international.com.sg/ 

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org

Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com

Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube

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