Want to Empower Students and Staff? 3 Shifts That Actually Work

What does it really take to lead a student-centered shift, especially in exam-driven environments? In this conversation, I sit down with Rikke (pronounced like reggae), an international school leader who is transforming her 600-student campus in Portugal to align with her bold vision: "Together, we educate for change."

Rikke shares the small but intentional moves that created momentum for whole-school innovation, from restructuring timetables to redefining the role of middle leaders. Her story proves that student-centered change doesn’t require perfection. It takes persistence, clear purpose, and the courage to start.

You’ll hear how she:

• Built teacher buy-in by anchoring everything in a powerful “why”
• Designed low-stakes spaces for teachers to experiment with projects
• Structured time for interdisciplinary, SDG-driven experiences without compromising academic outcomes

This episode is a must-listen for curriculum leaders, coordinators, and change agents looking for realistic and replicable strategies to move from good intentions to genuine transformation.

Bio: An actionist creating social change through education, Nordic leadership, and a focus on asking why, connecting ideas, and driving impact.

Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 

Take The 12 Shifts Scorecard to Identity Areas for Growth: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard/