MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2026

In this issue of K12 Digest, we feature thought-provoking articles, interviews, and perspectives examining the changing landscape of education and the people shaping it. The future may remain uncertain. That is precisely why education must give students something more enduring than a set of answers: the confidence, character, and curiosity to keep learning when the questions change.

COVER STORY

Educating for Human Flourishing

Chris Bradbury, Principal, Radford College

Chris Bradbury, Principal at Radford College, is a distinguished and visionary educational leader whose dynamic contributions have elevated school leadership, teaching excellence, and student achievement in many school contexts.

FEATURED SCHOOL

Stamford American School Hong Kong

Where Curious Minds Learn to Lead

Founded in 2017, Stamford set out to create a learning community where strong academics, innovation and character could meet in a genuinely personalised experience. Today, it has grown into a K12 through-train school that brings together rigorous American standards and inquiry-based learning.

MENTOR’S MANTRA

A New IB Course Sees Students Tackle the World’s Most Complex Problems

Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General, International Baccalaureate

Olli-Pekka Heinonen has served as Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB) since 2021, advancing its mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring students.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

Empowering Young Men to Make a Difference for Good

Nic Ford, Headteacher, Bolton School

Nic Ford is the Head of Bolton School Boys’ Division, one of the UK’s leading independent schools. A Geography graduate from University College London, he completed his PGCE at the Institute of Education and has spent nearly three decades in teaching and leadership roles across the state and independent sectors.

INDUSTRY PERSPCTIVE

Transforming School Advancement into Human Connections

Jeremy Otto, Director of Community Engagement & Advancement, Westbourne Grammar School

Jeremy is currently Director of Community Engagement and Advancement at Westbourne Grammar School, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an MBA candidate at Melbourne Business School.

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Prioritizing Teacher Wellbeing: 4 Takeaways for School Leaders

Dr. Amy Vitala, Leadership Consultant, Educator, & Trauma-informed Coach

Amy Vitala is a leadership consultant, long-time educator, and trauma-informed coach who supports both individuals and organizations.

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

The Untapped Power of Teacher and Student Self-Efficacy

Dr. Twana Young, VP Academic Design – Math, McGraw-Hill

Twana Young, Ph.D., is Vice President of Academic Design, Mathematics at McGraw Hill, leading development of engaging, high-quality K–12 math curriculum for students and teachers.

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Empowering Every Learner Beyond Classroom Walls into Global Access

Julie Young, President, Julie Young Education, LLC

Julie Young is an edupreneur, educator, innovator, and visionary leader renowned for her expertise in school design for diverse educational models, including virtual, blended, and technology-enhanced learning.