Edvolution Podcast

Purposeful Practice: Leadership & Learning in International Schools (featuring Teresa Tung)

In this episode, we sit down with Teresa Tung, Director of Curricular Programs at Hong Kong International School, for a thoughtful conversation about purpose, systems thinking, sustainability, and what it truly means to create flourishing school communities. Teresa shares her journey from growing up in Taiwan and immigrating to the United States, to becoming an international educator and leader across schools in Asia. Along the way, she reflects on identity, belonging, leadership, and how sustainability education transformed her understanding of the true purpose of schooling. Together, we explore: * How educators can reconnect daily teaching to deeper purpose * Why systems thinking matters for every teacher, not just sustainability educators * The tension between curriculum demands and meaningful learning * The importance of human flourishing, compassion, and wellbeing in schools * What service learning can look like when students are trusted with authentic responsibility * How becoming a parent reshapes our understanding of education * Why young people are capable of far deeper systems thinking than we often assume Check out some of Teresa's favorite resources here: * Compass Education [https://compasseducation.org/about-compass-education-good-teaching-and-learning/] * Amala Education: Education with and for refugee youth [https://www.amalaeducation.org/] * Melbourne Metrics: New Metrics International Schools Program [https://education.unimelb.edu.au/melbourne-metrics/home/new-metrics-international-schools-program] Connect with us for future topics and guests through LinkedIn or edvolution.services@gmail.com!

Global Service with Integrity: Accountability in Travel Experiences (featuring Mike Lee)

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Lee, founder and director of the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), to explore how service learning can move beyond good intentions toward meaningful, measurable impact. Mike's work focuses on making education more accessible while embedding real-world experiences into accredited learning pathways. We dive into what’s often missing in traditional service learning, and how better preparation, structured reflection, and a shift in mindset can transform these experiences for students and communities alike. Learn about Mike's work using the following links: * Centre for Global Citizenship Studies [https://globalcitizenshipstudies.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lee-worldwide/] Reach out to us at edvolution.services@gmail [edvolution.services@gmail].com and tell us what you think!

Learning Through Tension: Why Struggle Matters in Education (featuring Dr. Jay Goodman)

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jay Goodman, consultant with Goodman Learning Partners, to explore what it really takes to implement problem-based learning (PBL) in schools. From his early days teaching in Honduras with Mel, to launching innovative programs in Shanghai and Santiago, Jay shares a powerful journey that challenges how we think about learning, leadership, and school transformation. But this episode isn’t just about PBL. It’s about why so many well-intentioned programs fail… and what schools must build first to make them succeed. To connect with Jay and learn about his work, don't miss this great opportunity on April 20 at 7pm EST: The PBL Pre-Launch Checklist Webinar [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMujXrR1IWJKW1NSqkcIiLbQrxxDYb27EZCDyC3-6UoDhkaQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118108930945064034251].  Looking for more information about Jay's "PBL Roadmap for Innovative Educators" online course? Email Jay at jay@goodmanlearning.com [jay@goodmanlearning.com] or book a call here [https://calendly.com/jay-goodmanlearning/30min].  And connect with us anytime through LinkedIn or edvolution.services@gmail.com!

Learning That Transfers: Bridging Classrooms and the "Real World" (featuring Julie Stern)

This episode explores a big question: how do we prepare young people for a future we can’t predict? We’re joined by bestselling author and education consultant Julie Stern, whose work focuses on helping educators and families empower young people to navigate complexity, think critically, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Julie shares her journey from school leadership to global consulting, and how her work has evolved to focus on one essential goal: helping learning transfer beyond the classroom. We dive into the idea of pattern seeking to help students connect prior knowledge to new and unfamiliar situations. Through real-world examples, Julie illustrates how concepts like ratios, resilience, and systems thinking can help students better understand the world around them and make more informed, ethical decisions. Learn more about Julie's amazing work using these links. * Education to Change the World [https://www.edtochangetheworld.com/] * Conceptual Transfer [https://www.conceptualtransfer.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieharrisstern/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliehstern/]  Connect with us anytime through LinkedIn or edvolution.services@gmail.com!

Teaching for Humanity in Uncertain Times (featuring Cathryn Berger Kaye)

Today’s episode is a little different. As we sat down to record, our team here in the UAE had been navigating difficult days in the region. Like many people around the world, we found ourselves feeling reflective, grateful for our communities, and reminded of why the work we do in education matters so much. So it felt especially meaningful to welcome international education consultant, author, and service learning pioneer Cathryn Berger Kaye to the podcast. Cathy has been shaping the field of service learning for decades, working with educators around the world to connect classroom learning with real-world purpose. She shares how her journey in education led her to champion service learning as a powerful way to connect classrooms with real community needs. We discuss why purpose, listening, and civic engagement matter more than ever, and how meaningful learning happens when students apply their knowledge to the world around them. In this episode, we reference the poem To Be of Use [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57673/to-be-of-use], which reflects on the value of meaningful work and contributing to something larger than ourselves. The poem resonates deeply with the purpose behind service learning and community engagement. Cathy consults in person and virtually with schools around the world. Mel highly recommends her Service Learning Specialist Course [https://service-learning-online-academy.teachable.com/p/cbk-service-academy-certification]! Learn more about Cathy and her work on her website [https://cbkassociates.com/] or reach out to her directly at cathy@cbkassociates.com [cathy@cbkassociates.com]. Connect with us! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Reach out anytime at edvolution.services@gmail.com.