MAGAZINE

MAY 2026

This issue of K12 Digest explores these ideas from multiple angles through insightful interviews, expert perspectives, and thought-provoking stories from across the education landscape. Together, they reflect a shared realization that the future of education is not about producing faster learners, but wiser thinkers.

COVER STORY

Leading in an Era of AI

Dr. Conrad Hughes, Head of School, International School of Los Angeles

Dr. Conrad Hughes is the Head of School at the International School of Los Angeles. He is Professor in Practice at Durham University, senior fellow at UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education and sits on the Advisory Board of the University of the People.

FEATURED SCHOOL

Bright International School – Algarve

Where Joyful Learning Drives Natural Excellence

Bright International School’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that success should never be reduced to comparison. The school encourages children to grow into their own strengths, talents, and character at a pace that feels authentic and sustainable.

AACADEMIC VIEW

Closing the Loop: Aligning Schools, Universities, and Industry in a Skills-Based World

Dr. Carolyn Mason Parker, Head of School, KIS International School

Dr. Carolyn Mason Parker is an experienced international school leader with a background spanning the UK, USA, Middle East, and Africa.

ADMIN PERSPCTIVE

Building Schools Where People Feel Seen and Learning Follows

Dr Matt Pitman, Head of School (Senior), Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs

Dr Matt Pitman is an experienced educational leader and author passionate about researching connections across school communities.

ADMIN PERSPCTIVE

Empowering School Leaders to Lead AI with Courage

Kip Glazer, Principal, Mountain View High School

Dr. Kip Glazer is the principal of Mountain View High School in Silicon Valley. She is the author of Ready to Lead with AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders, a Google Certified Innovator, and a CSTA Equity Fellow.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

Transforming Online Learning from Access to Academic Excellence

Heather Rhodes, Founder & Principal, Highgrove Education

Heather Rhodes is the founder and Principal of Highgrove Education, an online British secondary school for academically ambitious pupils who want to achieve their potential outside the traditional school environment.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

From Idea to Doors Open: Managing School Development Projects

Denry Machin, Governor, Destiny Education

Dr Denry Machin’s diverse background spans international schooling, independent boarding, and the UK state sector. Denry currently supports the University of Warwick with their iQTS and PGCEi teacher training programmes, and previously lectured for Keele University on their MBA (Education), MA, and Doctoral programmes.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

The Real Risk Is Cognitive Offloading: Building Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

Nick Casey, Head of Primary, Dulwich College Suzhou

Nick Casey is Head of Primary at Dulwich College Suzhou, with over 15 years of leadership experience across Australia and international contexts.