The International Schools Podcast

Join us for a conversation with Heather and Tim as we explore the intersection of digital skills and technology use at home and school, and how this dynamic impacts parents, educators, and students. With varying levels of comfort with technology, both parents and teachers face the challenge of adapting to constant updates and the growing influence of AI. How can schools support teachers at all stages of digital readiness to create purposeful learning experiences? And how can families and schools collaborate to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth? Heather and Tim share insights from their work in an international school setting.

About Heather Barnard

I'm a mom of two teens and a newly turned 20 year old, and an educator with over 21 years of experience, including 14 years internationally and 10 years in 1:1 device schools. As a certified digital wellness educator, I help schools, parents and teens navigate the challenges of screen time, social media, and gaming by fostering positive habits and media literacy. Through my work with schools and companies like Sersha.ai, I aim to create healthier digital environments for families and schools. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family, baking, or enjoying a good rom-com.

Heather Barnard on Social Media

Instagram: @techhealthyfamilies 
Website: www.techhealthyfamilies.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbarnard/  

About Tim Evans

Tim is the Learning Technologies & Data Coordinator at the American International School of Guangzhou, China. Holding a Masters in Educational Technology, Tim brings a wealth of expertise to his role, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. He is passionate about using technology in the classroom to enhance the whole teaching and learning experience. Originally from Wales, UK, Tim has led digital change in his home country and internationally in Spain, in Hong Kong, and most recently the UAE. 

Tim Evans on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-evans-26247792/
Twitter: https://x.com/edTechEvans 

Resources

PEW Research https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/internet-technology/user-demographics/age-generations-tech/

Sonia Livingstone
https://www.lse.ac.uk/business/consulting/experts/sonia-livingstone  

Anne Collier and Net Family News
https://www.netfamilynews.org/about/anne-colliers-bio  

Common Sense Education
https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship 

Common Sense + Seesaw
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10yf5W9SzvoRnJeldqunbCayOxErPY9DrohGo4f4NNB8/edit?usp=sharing 

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

Welcome back to The International Schools Podcast! In this special episode, hosts Dan Taylor and John Mikton share their reflections on 2025 and offer insights for the year ahead.

Join us for this conversation on the vital issue of Online Child Protection, spotlighting the leadership and efforts of key figures from the Council of International Schools (CIS). Jane Larson, Executive Director of CIS, alongside Dan Furness, Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing at CIS, are at the forefront of this work, shaping policies and providing guidance to international schools. We also hear from Leila Holmyard, Global Safeguarding Consultant, researcher and current Safeguarding Lead at Frankfurt International School, who shares practical insights from her PhD research and experience. Together, they address the current challenges in safeguarding children online, tips for prevention and response, and how school leaders can create safer digital environments within their communities.

About Jane Larsson
Executive Director, CIS

Jane Larsson has led the Council of International Schools (CIS) as Executive Director since her appointment in 2010. Over the past 25 years, Jane has led the international education community with a focus on the development of collaborative partnerships to enable and support educational exchange and the development of international and intercultural perspective. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Jane was Direc­tor of International Partnerships with the Visiting International Faculty Program (VIF) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she led outreach to promote international educational exchange, establishing relationships with minis­tries of education, universities, internation­al schools and educational associations. 

She began her career in international education as the Director of Educational Staffing and Publications for International Schools Services (ISS) providing recruitment services and resources to international schools. Jane lends her voice to key topics shaping the future of international education, those which enable school and university communities to provide socially responsible leadership as they continually develop their programs. She currently serves as Chair of the International Taskforce on Child Protection and on the Board of Directors of the International Commission Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA).

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

About Leila Holmyard
Safeguarding Lead, Frankfurt International School

Leila Holmyard has extensive professional experience in safeguarding and child protection in international schools. She is a safeguarding consultant for a number of international schools and organisations, including the United World Colleges, Council of International Schools and Faria Education Group, as well as being Safeguarding Lead at Frankfurt International School. Leila has worked with international schools across the world and conducted her PhD research on safeguarding in international schools in Europe, Asia and Africa. She is also a volunteer for the International Task Force on Child Protection, WomenEd Germany, and the ISS Diversity Collaborative. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-holmyard-04767995/   

About Dan Furness
Head of Safeguarding and Well-being, CIS

Dan Furness joined CIS in September 2023. Dan’s primary responsibility as Head of Safeguarding and Well-being is to support the CIS membership community as it identifies and addresses child protection and student well-being challenges. This includes designing and delivering professional learning opportunities such as the Foundation and Deep Dive workshops in Child Protection and Safeguarding. Dan is available to support schools to strengthen their culture and systems, developing resources to educate and promote effective practices, and providing thought leadership and partnership across the international education sector.

Prior to joining CIS, Dan worked in international schools in South Africa, South Korea, Germany and the Netherlands leading boarding, student support and safeguarding. Dan has also worked as an independent consultant in safeguarding and has a history of supporting staff professional development over a range of safeguarding-related areas including the following: child protection and safeguarding; safer handling and restraint; restorative justice and shared concern; response to intervention (a tiered approach to school support); and inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism. He has also provided supervision for other DSLs and school counsellors.

Dan is a qualified counsellor and social worker, with an undergraduate degree and masters in social work from the University of Bath, and a second masters in educational leadership and management from the University of Buckingham.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-furness/?originalSubdomain=nl  

Resources

• https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/resources
• https://www.icmec.org/icmec-resources/
• https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/resources
• https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/sextortion/
• https://www.childnet.com/safer-internet-day/
• https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/ 
• https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-reporting/report-remove/ 
• Generative AI: A whole school approach to safeguarding children

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.appsedu.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

A conversation with Merve from Common Sense Education sharing the important work they do in education, helping parents, schools, and educators with digital citizenship. Globally reaching over 90,000 schools and 1.2 million students. We get to learn about the organization’s history, its current focus and insights into the evolving digital landscape. Together we explore the context of international schools and the growing reliance on digital devices for both students and teachers. What are some of the observations, learnings, and strategies to consider and share with schools through the lens of Common Sense Education

About Merve Lapus

Merve is a Results-driven education strategist with a track record of expanding reach and impact in K12 learning environments. As Vice President of Outreach & Engagement at Common Sense Education, he's led initiatives that have reached over 90,000 schools and supported 1.2 million educators. This includes overseeing a regional team driving community engagement, access, and professional development across school community stakeholders including school adoption, district implementation, parent/family engagement, strategic marketing, and community development. 

Merve has over 23 years of experience driving education technology initiatives across school programs, and building educator confidence through professional learning, and strategic implementation. Merve also sits on a number of steering committees addressing school climate and state policy initiatives, and currently sits on the Marketing and Communications Board for the University of San Francisco (USF), The Alameda Health Foundation Board, and the Executive Board for the Children’s Creativity Museum of San Francisco. 

Merve Lapus on Social Media

Twitter: twitter.com/molapus 

Resources

https://www.commonsense.org  

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.appsedu.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

We have a unique chance to speak with Kathleen and her digital twin, Katbot. Together, we’ll explore how Katbot was created and what it’s like to have a digital twin, including the lessons learned, challenges faced, and opportunities discovered. As chatbots become more common in our everyday lives, Kathleen and Katbot are the perfect guides to help us understand how humans and AI can work and learn together. What are the implications for educators and school in an international school context.

About Kathleen Naglee

Kathleen Naglee is an award-winning leader of innovative educational and strategic foresight practices. Author. Keynote and motivational speaker. Experienced International School Director and Board Chair, Former Commissioner for NEASC. Educational consultant. Executive Coach. Diversity & Inclusion Leader. Podcaster.

LinkedIn: Kathleen Naglee
X: @KNaglee

Resources
www.unhingedcollaboration.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