Educationalist, parent, author, CEO and Director of the International School Rheintal and founding Director of the International Leadership Academy, BSN, The Hague. Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and Fellow of the RSA.
In 2006 I made my first foray into international education, as I headed to the States. Optimistic, but slightly terrified, I boldly strode into the unknown. Maybe shuffled is a better description, as I was slightly weighed down by books. Books. I love books; heavy, weighty, weathered or worn. I love them all, and I keep … More New Year’s Resolution; Less Books?
Liz Free (@LizAmfree) with Dan Worth (@DanWorth), Senior Editor, TES – released 24th November 2020 In the latest edition of the Tes International podcast we chat with Liz Free, the director and CEO of International School Rheintal in Switzerland. She discusses the challenge that international schools have faced this year, given that their usual routes to connecting with … More TES Podcast: Why maintaining international networks matters
For school leaders looking for new staff, is there a particular persona suited to teaching abroad? International educator Liz Free gives her opinion (first published in the Times Education Supplement 11th September 2020) How often do we hear about the perks that come with working internationally? Beautiful locations, amazing packages, tax-free allowances, annual flights, and … More What to look for when recruiting international teachers
It’s September 2020. Many in our global community have been through a transition; whether directly affected by COVID-19, moving to new roles, being repatriated or being on lockdown and separated from family and friends. Whether old or young, the world has faced unprecedented levels of life change. Directly correlated to life change is physical wellness. … More Moving Through a Global Pandemic (‘International School Leader’ Magazine)
These have been unusual times; a year unprecedented in so many ways. This period of stillness and reflection as we move through the summer offers an opportunity to take stock, reflect and plan for the future. I prepared this session in June for #UKEdChat, with filming and presentation support from my daughter, as we were … More Becoming an International School Teacher #GlobalProfession
A version of this was originally published in the ‘Tes Magazine’ on 27 March 2020 and the ILA ‘Rethinking Education‘ blog on 23 April 2020 I originally wrote this piece in January 2020. Little did I know then about how the world would change so fast and the significance and volume of decision making that our school … More Decisions, Decisions… How can school leaders become better decision-makers?
This article first appeared in International School Magazine January 2020 Issue and was subsequently published on the ‘Rethinking Education’ International Leadership Academy Blog My eight-year-old daughter has discovered the potential of Alexa in all her glory! It appears that ‘True Colours’ (the Joshua Radin version, interestingly) and ‘Where have all the flowers Gone?’ are the hits … More Where Have all the Teachers Gone?
Article written by Claudia Civinini, TES, 09 December 2019 – Interview with Liz free A quarter of teachers in the UK, Ireland, US and Australia would have to move abroad to teach in international schools each year up to 2029 to meet the sector’s growing demand, an expert has warned. Liz Free, founding director of the … More One in four teachers “needed overseas by 2029” International schools’ growth plans face setbacks unless a million English-speaking teachers can be found, expert warns
It is THE question that cuts to the core of what we believe as teachers and school leaders. Just as Hamlet faced core moments of ethical quandary, so do we as educationalists. And it is in these moments of adversity, of challenging financial times, that the decisions we make about appropriate funding (in all its … More To PD or not to PD? That’s the Question…
What is great leadership in 2019? Leadership looks exactly the same today as it always has; or does it? I was recently asked by Independent Education Today ‘What does great school leadership look like in 2019?’ Well, I would argue that in many ways it looks the same as it always has been, but with a few very visible … More Great Leaders Inspire Greatness in Others: Leadership in 2019
