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SPARKING GENIUS PODCAST

About the Podcast

Since the founding of the first Dwight School in 1872, our mission to ignite the spark of genius in every child has not wavered - nor has our pioneering attitude. But as the world changes with each passing day, so does the field of education. As we look ahead to the coming years and the many ways that learning innovations can continue to be integrated into systems of education, there is so much to look forward to. On Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew sits down with education leaders and innovative thinkers to explore what the future of education holds. We dive into the most cutting-edge topics, and hear firsthand how new strategies and fresh perspectives can inspire and enlighten students like never before. So join us as the Dwight Schools Global Network takes the next step forward in our long history of leading the way in education — all while discovering incredible advancements that will benefit the next generations of students. This is Sparking Genius.

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Meet Our Host

Dianne Drew, Head of School and Global Education Director

Dianne Drew, an internationally acclaimed educator from Melbourne, Australia, has been at the forefront of innovative global education for over three decades. As Head of School at Dwight New York and Global Education Director for the Dwight Schools network, Ms. Drew has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering a world-class, internationally-minded learning environment.

With a career spanning continents, Ms. Drew has contributed her expertise to both public and private educational institutions in Australia, Asia, and the United States. Her leadership extends beyond Dwight's New York campus, as she oversees the academic needs of the global network of Dwight Schools, including schools in London, Seoul, Shanghai, Dubai, Hanoi, and the pioneering Dwight Global Online School.

Ms. Drew's impact on international education is far-reaching. She served as an elected member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Heads Council from 2014 to 2021, including a term as Chair from 2018 to 2021. During this period, she was also a member of the IB Board of Governors, contributing to strategic leadership and advising on crucial educational issues. Additionally, she was an active IB workshop leader, site evaluator, and consultant, sharing her expertise with educators worldwide. Beyond her IB roles, Ms. Drew has served as Vice President for the Guild of IB Schools of the Northeast (GIBS), an organization comprising over 100 public, private, and parochial schools. In 2024 she was invited to join Columbia University's Pre-College Program Advisory Board. These positions further underscore her commitment to fostering collaboration and excellence in education across diverse institutions.

Ms. Drew is also the host of the acclaimed podcast, Sparking Genius, where she engages with education leaders and innovative thinkers to explore the future of education. This podcast has become a leading platform for discussing cutting-edge topics in education, from the integration of AI in classrooms to social-emotional learning and intergenerational collaboration. By hosting Sparking Genius, Ms. Drew extends her influence beyond the Dwight network, offering insights and perspectives that resonate with educators, parents, and anyone interested in shaping the future of education. Under her guidance, Dwight School has become a beacon of innovative education, implementing a holistic approach to nurture students' cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. Ms. Drew empowers students and faculty to explore their interests through inquiry-based learning, fostering principled, open-minded risk-takers who are prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

With her vast experience, innovative approach, and unwavering dedication to global education, Dianne Drew continues to inspire and lead the international school community towards a future of boundless learning and cross-cultural understanding.