Coaching and Mentoring for School Leaders
Helping school leaders think clearly and lead well through complexity and change.

Stepping into school leadership, whether for the first time, into a more senior role, or during a difficult period, can bring excitement, uncertainty, and responsibility. In international schools, this can be even more complex because of different cultures, changing expectations, and fast-moving contexts.

I work with school leaders at different stages of their journey. This includes aspiring leaders, leaders moving into new roles, and experienced leaders facing change, difficult decisions, or complex challenges.

Coaching offers a focused and confidential space to think clearly, explore different perspectives, and develop your own way forward. My role is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and use practical frameworks to support reflection and decision-making. When useful, I may also share relevant experience, ideas, and resources.

How I Support

Leadership Coaching and Mentoring
A trusted space to reflect, strengthen decision-making, and work through real leadership challenges.

Transition and Leadership Support
Practical support for new roles, relationships, responsibilities, and periods of change.

Complex Challenges and Change
Support to understand difficult situations, consider different perspectives, and find a clear way forward.

Digital Fluency and Ethical AI
Support to make thoughtful decisions about technology and AI, guided by values, wellbeing, learning, and community impact.

Values-Based Leadership
Support to stay connected to your beliefs, your school’s mission, and what matters most.

Each leader and school context is different. My coaching meets you where you are, with empathy, respect, and a focus on helping you lead with confidence, care, and integrity.

An initial conversation offers a chance to explore what is on your mind and what support may be helpful. Further coaching or mentoring can then be considered if it would be useful..

Contact

References:

This past year I had the privilege of working with John as my coach. It was my first year in administration, and having an experienced voice made a real difference as I found my footing.
The moment that mattered most came when my principal, who was also a friend, suddenly passed away and I was thrust into the role with little warning. Overnight I had a new set of relationships to manage, and John helped me navigate them while being a steady sounding board for my ideas and my struggles.
Our sessions were always well planned and gave us time to talk through the readings he had shared, but he was just as willing to set the plan aside when something more pressing came up. We worked together across the full school year, meeting once a month, and as a new administrator I didn’t yet have the foresight to know what I’d need to work through three or four months down the road. He did.
With his experience, I’d say John is right for any administrator, but especially someone new to international schools or new to administration. The real reason I recommend him, though, comes down to something simpler: he listens, and he values the relationship we built.
Todd Reichlmayr Interim Secondary Principal at International School of Riga

John has been working with our team at Keystone Academy for two years. He brings incredible depth of knowledge and experience to his coaching. His leadership in technology connected topics, his vast knowledge of different schools, school systems and cultures as well as his professional and focused coaching style have been of incredible benefit to our team. John has been working with our middle and divisional leadership teams to provide customized leadership growth and feedback outside of normal school review systems. Every Keystone leader who has worked with John, without exception, has reported back that it was a positive and productive experience. All of my team members have requested another year to work with John and are excited to continue growth on their personalized pathways. John is also flexible in terms of school’s needs. I was seeking coaching for our team with full confidentiality for those working with him. He was able to synthesize and generalize feedback from across the team to help guide me in optimizing my work without compromising this integrity and confidentiality. I enthusiastically recommend John without any reservations. Working with John is an absolute win for any teacher, leader, or school.
Taryn Loveman Assistant Head of School Keystone Academy

My coaching sessions with John were invaluable as I took on my new role as Digital Learning Coordinator. He has a wealth of experience and information, both his own and from the many other tech leaders and schools he has worked with. He helped me to define and regularly adjust my priorities and to stay positive in the face of challenges. I will definitely look for opportunities to work more with John as I know that he will have a keen insight into whatever is happening in the world of tech education.
Colette Jay Secondary Teacher Librarian | K-12 Digital Learning Coordinator International School of Toulouse

I have had the privilege of knowing John through his podcast, the International Schools Podcast. Since our initial encounter, John has become a beacon of support and wisdom in my professional journey.
As an experienced EdTech expert and leader, John’s vast knowledge and experience in the field are evident. He has a unique ability to distill complex concepts and make them easily understandable, a testament to his exceptional mentoring and coaching abilities. Beyond his professional competencies, what sets John apart is his steadfast commitment to supporting underrepresented groups, particularly women and minorities, in educational setups. He backs up his beliefs with palpable actions, supporting people like me and fostering an environment of inclusivity and support. John’s support always encourages me to follow the path that best aligns with my individual goals and values. His unwavering belief in my potential has been a source of strength during both my professional highs and lows. His combination of EdTech expertise, commitment to inclusivity, and a genuine, supportive nature make him an exceptional mentor and coach.
Cora Yang Director of Digital Learning American International School Chennai | Co-Founder of Alignment Edu

I had the pleasure of working with John while he served as my technology leadership coach. Over the course of a few months, notably highlighted by the Covid crisis, John coached me as I transitioned into the Director of Technology position at the International School of Panama. John is a true educational leader. He is knowledgeable, humble, passionate and welcoming. His greatest strength is his ability to listen and dissect what you are saying into clear and articulate action items. I can’t thank John enough for the time I was able to spend with him and I look forward to future collaboration.
Bill Hatcher Director of Technology The International School of Panama

John is an outstanding leader, mentor and coach. His knowledge of the tech space is extensive and he works tirelessly to build the capacity of others. In regards to his pedagogical and curriculum understanding, John leads by example within his own school and beyond. Whether it is connecting tech professionals globally, producing fabulous podcasts or supporting schools with their understanding of technology, he has it all covered. Personally, I have gained so much insight about my own professional learning journey from him. I wholeheartedly recommend his expertise.
Aisha Kristiansen– Head of Innovation and Technology Kardinia International College

When I was ready to make the next steps into the role of IT Coordinator John has been pivotal in working with me to help me see my strengths and build my confidence to find my aptitude and abilities in this role. John has supported me, a space for reflection and vision for my new role and the possibilities beyond. Working with John as my coach through the initial transition into this role has provided me a place to lean into and recognize my strengths through his coaching.
I highly recommend John’s work to anyone looking to navigate the EdTech landscape. John can meet anyone where they are and guide them to meet their potential and build on their strengths. He can help fill in the gaps of knowledge and support individuals to trust themselves and know that they can do it.
Lara Porter IT Coordinator Nagoya International School

Since 2021, I have had the privilege of working with John as a consultant through Faria Education Group. Our collaboration has encompassed both informal and formal formats, such as regular meetings and public, online events.……In his capacity as a coach and mentor, John blends congeniality with depth, striking a healthy balance between critical friendship and nurturing guidance. Our sessions leave a lasting impression, resonating long after they conclude. For instance, in one session, he offered invaluable insight that enriched our own reflective processes, alongside practical, results-oriented advice. The defining trait that comes to mind foremost is John’s ability to replay my thoughts into digestible pieces, helping me to articulate my intended meaning. Along with his deep experience in international education, the company has benefited tremendously from his partnership. Meanwhile, my professional career has benefited specifically from his knack for connecting my ideas to broader intellectual frameworks. John’s unique blend of skills and experience makes him an invaluable asset, and I wholeheartedly recommend him as a coach or mentor.
Adam Morris Product Director, Integrations at Faria Education Group