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Meet our Steering Group

Meet the experts driving excellence in education through our Steering Group for Outstanding Schools.

Paul Magnuson, PhD Professional Learning

Paul Magnuson, PhD

Professional Learning
Magnuson EdStudio / Leysin American School / Moreland University
 
Paul is director of the research institute at Leysin American School and an instructor for Moreland University. He is the founder of Sandcastle, a virtual network of communities of practice composed of educators from around the world. The leitmotif across all three roles is action research as professional development.
Glaucia Rosas

Glaucia Rosas

Co-Founder and Director
EduTech Alliance
 

With over 10 years of experience in leading digital learning projects and school management, they have developed the expertise to help schools integrate technology effectively and efficiently, while supporting learners in developing the skills and competencies needed to succeed.

Their mission is to foster a supportive and collaborative community of educators, leaders, and edtech companies, enabling them to share insights and best practices. They are committed to providing these communities with the tools and guidance required to design and implement innovative learning experiences. As part of this mission, they regularly conduct interviews with key industry leaders, which are shared on The EduTec Alliance YouTube channel.

Tracy Moxley

Tracy Moxley

Executive Director of Schools
New Century Education
 
 

Tracy Moxley is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience across UK, US, and international schools. Tracy specialises in educational innovation, pedagogies, school improvement, and teacher professional development. She has led three pioneering schools in the UAE and launched the region’s first KG-High school charter schools. Tracy spearheaded the IB’s global cloud-based DP program, developed hybrid diploma courses, and conducted research with Harvard Graduate School of Education Project Zero on innovative pedagogy and teacher action research. A contributor to Harvard’s Inquiry-Driven Innovation, Tracy promotes student wellbeing and its connection to academic success. She is a published author, NGO Kindred Project co-founder, and CIS/UAE school inspector.

Liz Free

Liz Free

CEO and Director
International School Rheintal
 

Liz Free is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education. With a career spanning across teaching, headship, and directorial roles in some of the world’s leading schools, she is committed to making education a force for positive change. Shortlisted for TES International School Principal of the Year in 2024, Liz is also a globally recognized leader in professional learning and development and a staunch supporter of the #GlobalProfession.

In addition to her role as CEO, Liz serves as a global board member for TES and a strategic lead and trustee for the WomenEd charity, overseeing Europe and Asia. She is a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Fellow of RSA. Liz is a published author in the bestseller Sage 10% Braver Series and regularly contributes to top publications, including TES International, Schools Week, and International Schools Magazine.

As a visible school leader, Liz speaks internationally on leadership development and the global school workforce, working to create outstanding learning environments and brighter futures for all.

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James Wilkinson

Co-Founder
EduTech Alliancce
 
James co-founded The EduTec Alliance to help schools worldwide benefit from the expertise and techniques that large corporations have been using for years— but at a fraction of the cost and with many elements offered for free. Educational technology is now an essential tool for all schools, but it is crucial that it is implemented correctly to ensure quality education for students. As recent studies by McKinsey and others have shown, a poor implementation can be worse than having no technology at all.

Through their role as co-founder of The EduTec Alliance and Chairman of the Board at Fundação St. Paul’s, they are committed to making a meaningful contribution to improving the quality of education for the next generation.

Thomas Duckling

Thomas Duckling

Headmaster
Dubai College
 

Thomas Duckling is the Headmaster of Dubai College, leading the school’s dynamic community since January 2025. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Head and Director of Learning at Aiglon College, Switzerland, where he was responsible for driving academic development and leadership strategy for over five years.

Thomas has also worked as a freelance consultant and author for Cambridge University Press, where he led the development of the TOK Coursebook 2020 and its teacher resource book. Additionally, he has been a TOK examiner for the International Baccalaureate (IB) since 2015, contributing to global education initiatives.

With extensive experience in leadership and educational development, Thomas is committed to fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation.

Dr David Porritt

Dr David Porritt

Principal
Budapest British International School
 

Dr David Porritt is the Principal of Budapest British International School (BBIS), an IB Continuum World School, where he leads a vibrant and expanding community of students, parents, and educators. Under his leadership, the school has grown significantly, expanding its facilities, curriculum, and staff, while maintaining high standards of excellence. Dr Porritt has cultivated a culture of collaboration, innovation, and diversity, all aligned with the IB philosophy, and has overseen the school’s remarkable growth, more than doubling in size over the past three years.

With a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership, Coaching, and Mentoring from UCL Institute of Education, Dr Porritt also serves as Director of Coaching at Karen Ardley Associates, where he designs and delivers leadership training and development programmes worldwide. He specialises in leadership and coaching, particularly within schools, and is passionate about empowering educators to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on their learners and communities.

Claire Nuttall

Claire Nuttall

Head Teacher (Primary) / Vice Principal
St George's International School, Luxembourg ASBL
 

Claire Nuttall is an experienced leader in both International and UK schools, with a proven track record of guiding schools towards excellence. As the Vice Principal at St George’s International School in Luxembourg, she plays a key role in fostering a forward-thinking educational environment, innovation, and a commitment to all-around excellence.

Claire is the founding partner and leader of the European Hub, where she delivers impactful training for leaders and aspiring leaders across Europe, helping to cultivate strong leadership in education. She is also the founder and country co-lead of WomenEd Luxembourg, a platform dedicated to empowering women in education.

A passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Claire has led DEI initiatives within her own setting, creating a culture of excellence. She has shared her expertise on international platforms, including the COBIS and ECIS conferences and WomenEd events, with a focus on developing inclusive practices and creating a sense of belonging for all.

Claire is intentional in placing wellbeing at the heart of school policy and practice, ensuring that all students and staff thrive in a positive, supportive environment. Through mentoring, networking, and facilitation, she is dedicated to sharing best practices and helping fellow educators succeed.

Shireen Ali-Khan

Shireen Ali-Khan

Assistant Principal / Academics
ULP Coordinator/Coordinatrice ULP
Ecole Internationale de Genève, La Grande Boissière
 

Shireen is an experienced educator and senior leader with a passion for advancing human flourishing from the earliest of years into adulthood. With almost two decades of experience in international education, Shireen has lived and worked in London, New York and Geneva, Switzerland. Shireen is a trained psychologist and has been in the field of education since having her own three children. Her work has focused on curriculum development, student outcomes, teacher training, professional development and she is now a PhD candidate focusing on wise leadership and the role of integrity in leadership. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative environments where educators can share good practice and enhance ethical decision making practices. As a committed advocate for innovation in education, Shireen brings a wealth of knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to the Outstanding Schools Strategy Committee. Shireen is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, a network co-lead for WomenEd Switzerland and member of the ISADTF Governance committee.