Shane challenges the common assumption that all teachers must be primarily motivated by their love of children. Drawing from research and personal reflection at the Festival of Education, he explores the diverse motivations that actually drive educators - from technical craft enthusiasts to social justice warriors to stability seekers. Using the 2007 Watt and Richardson "FIT-Choice Scale" study, Shane identifies six different types of motivated teachers and explains why understanding these differences is crucial for effective school leadership.

The episode explores how different teacher motivations impact recruitment, retention, and strategic staff deployment. Shane argues that recognising this diversity allows leaders to better support their teams, align opportunities with individual motivations, and move beyond the simplistic myth that good teachers are only driven by love of children. The discussion includes practical implications for how schools can leverage the natural diversity of motivations within their teams to create more effective and sustainable change.

Have a conversation with one teacher this week. Ask them what really motivates them - not what should motivate them, but what actually does. Listen carefully and consider how you might align future opportunities with their genuine motivations.

• "Putting Staff First: A Blueprint for Revitalising Our Schools" by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley
• "Change Starts Here: What if Everything Your School Needed Was Right in Front of You?" by Shane Leaning and Efraim Lerner

Study: Watt, H. M. G., & Richardson, P. W. (2007). Motivational Factors Influencing Teaching as a Career Choice: Development and Validation of the FIT-Choice Scale. The Journal of Experimental Education, 75(3), 167-202.

The International Curriculum Association: Learn more

Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensive

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.

You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shane Leaning sits down with John Taylor, Director of Learning, Teaching and Innovation at Cranleigh School and one of the principal architects of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). They explore how a small pilot programme exploring science ethics has evolved into a globally recognised qualification with over 50,000 students annually. John shares insights into project-based learning at scale, how universities now offer grade discounts for EPQ students, and why this qualification is particularly valuable for international schools and multilingual learners.

Shane and John discuss the practical challenges of supporting teachers in transitioning from content delivery to mentorship roles, how to assess diverse project outcomes fairly, and John's concept of "minovation" - incremental innovation that creates lasting educational change. This conversation offers valuable insights for school leaders considering project-based learning initiatives and demonstrates how inquiry-based approaches can work effectively within existing qualification systems whilst developing critical thinking skills and student autonomy.

Links to Learn More:

• Pearson Edexcel Extended Project Qualification
• Cranleigh School
• John Taylor on LinkedIn
• UCAS EPQ Qualification Information

The International Curriculum Association: Learn more

Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensive

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.

You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shane sits down with Drew Perkins, President Director of ThoughtStretcher Education and host of the ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast. Drew brings a refreshing perspective on how we can navigate the often polarised world of education discourse, from the direct instruction versus inquiry debate to the broader challenge of maintaining nuanced thinking in our schools.

Drew shares his approach to engaging in online education conversations with curiosity rather than certainty, and explains his concept of "reality-based communities" grounded in what he calls enlightenment liberal principles. Whether you're a school leader trying to cut through the noise or an educator looking to model better dialogue, this conversation offers practical wisdom for staying grounded whilst remaining open to learning.

• ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast - Drew's weekly education podcast
• Paul Kirschner Panel Discussion: "The Knowledge Revival, Curriculum For Deep Thinking" - Recent episode exploring direct instruction vs inquiry learning
• Jonathan Rauch's "Kindly Inquisitors" - Book on knowledge and free speech
• Jonathan Rauch's "The Constitution of Knowledge" - Exploring how we determine truth in modern society
• ThoughtStretcher Education - Drew's organisation website
• ThoughtStretchers Community - Educational discussion community

The International Curriculum Association: Learn more

Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensive

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.

You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.