About this episode
This episode introduces a practical, curriculum-centred approach to student leadership with Maureen Chapman and James Simons of Cor Creative Partners. They explain why leadership should be taught like any other skill (not left to “natural leaders”), share the memorable chocolate-milk classroom story that reveals how students hide emotions, and show how simple classroom routines and roles make leadership visible and teachable.You’ll get clear, immediate methods to use in class: the Leader Profile (motivate, persevere, communicate, collaborate) and four group roles (motivator, project manager, facilitator, advocate); quick reflection + micro-goal routines you can scaffold; and a low-risk pilot strategy (small team doing a lot vs whole-school doing a little). Shane, Maureen and James also name a psychological finding about why reflection is hard for students (many prefer doing something to “just thinking”), and they give pragmatic fixes you can trial tomorrow. LinksCor Creative PartnersLeaders of the ClassMaureen Chapman on LinkedInJames Simons on LinkedInWilson et al. (2014) “Just Think” — why people avoid sitting with their thoughtsEpisode PartnersTeacher Development TrustInternational Curriculum AssociationJoin Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensiveShane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or
