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

Positive Persistance: Purposeful Action with Young Learners (featuring Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury)

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury from the International School of Paris to explore how sustainability, service learning, and student voice can transform school culture. Heather and Daniel share their journeys into international education and describe how their shared passion for environmental stewardship led to the growth of the “Action Cubs,” a student-led initiative empowering young learners to take meaningful action around issues they care about most. From composting systems and urban gardening to food systems education and global sustainability conferences like ChangeNOW, this conversation is filled with practical ideas, inspiring stories, and thoughtful reflections for educators looking to create purposeful, student-centered learning experiences. Together, we discuss: * Building student agency through sustainability and service learning * Creating systems that support meaningful student action * The power of collaboration and finding aligned partners * Urban gardening and food systems education in schools * Bringing real-world sustainability connections into the classroom * How schools can start small and grow authentic sustainability initiatives over time Check out some of Heather and Daniel's favorite resources here: * Compass Education [https://compasseducation.org/] * Climate Fresk [https://climatefresk.org/world/] * Eco-Schools [https://www.ecoschools.global/] * ChangeNOW [https://www.changenow.world/] Connect with us at edvolution.services@gmail.com to share ideas, feedback, or topics you’d like explored in future episodes.

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!