In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Richard Boerner, the superintendent of Graded, the American School of Sao Paulo. They discuss the importance of embracing change in education, the vision for international schools, and innovative practices at Graded, including the Learning Lab. Richard shares insights from a recent global think tank focused on educational innovation and introduces his new venture, TrueFit Talent, aimed at revolutionizing talent acquisition in education. The conversation emphasizes the urgency for schools to adapt and the potential for positive change in the educational landscape.

Takeaways

• Change is most effective when initiated from a position of strength.

• A blue sky vision embodies endless opportunities and realized potential.

• International schools must adapt to meet the needs of tomorrow's learners.

• The Learning Lab at Graded focuses on applying cognitive science to education.

• Evidence of learning is more impactful than traditional assessments.

• Global collaboration can accelerate educational innovation.

• Teacher residency programs can help grow talent within schools.

• The role of teachers is evolving towards being facilitators of learning.

• TrueFit Talent aims to mitigate bias in hiring processes.

• Building strong relationships in education is crucial for future success.

  
  

Soundbites

"One of the most optimal moments to make change"

"What does a blue sky vision of school look like?"

"We owe it to ourselves to think differently"

"We need to be moving much more agilely"

"We should see learning flourish"

"True Fit Talent aims to improve the fit"

"We want to create better fits for everybody"

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Change in Education

03:30 The Blue Sky Vision for Schools

08:20 Innovations at Graded Learning Lab

12:50 Global Collaboration and Think Tanks

19:49 Revolutionizing Talent Acquisition with TrueFit Talent