MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2026

This issue of K12 Digest brings together a range of voices offering insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving expectations placed on schools today. You will encounter ideas that challenge, perspectives that broaden, and experiences that resonate across sectors.

COVER STORY

How Learning Walks and SMART Feedback Strengthen Instructional Leadership in K–12 Schools

Dr. Raymond J. Schmidt, Head of School, Magen David Academy (MDA)

Dr. Raymond J. Schmidt is an accomplished education leader with over 30 years of global experience in teaching, coaching, and school leadership.

FEATURED SCHOOL

J. Addison School

Where Learning Becomes Belonging

Within Canada’s respected education ecosystem, J. Addison School has shaped its identity around a simple but demanding belief. Students are more than grades and test scores. Learning, here, is about developing the whole person and nurturing a lasting curiosity for the world.

FEATURED SCHOOL

The Alice Smith School

Growing Global Minds with Purposeful Education

Founded in Kuala Lumpur by Alice Fairfield-Smith with a clear purpose to deliver high-quality British education, The Alice Smith School began as a small teaching community and has since grown into one of the most respected not-for-profit international schools in the region. Over the decades, the school has developed its curriculum, facilities, and teaching methods in step with global education standards, while staying true to its original mission.

ACADEMIC VIEW

Cultivating Global Citizens for Tomorrow

Emiliano Cori, Head of School, H-FARM International School Venice

Emiliano Cori is Head of School at H-FARM International School Venice. Educated in the humanities, with a background in classical studies and philosophy, he has held senior leadership roles across international schools in Europe.

ADMIN PERSPCTIVE

Building Schools That Put People Before Pace

Abigail Furey, Deputy Director (Academic), International School of Monaco

Abigail Furey is an accomplished international educator and serves as Deputy Director (Academic) at the International School of Monaco. She brings extensive leadership experience from independent schools in the UK, where she has held senior academic and pastoral roles including Head of Department, Head of Year, and Head of House.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

Building a Culture of Excellence and Character

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.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

Empowering Learners for a Brighter Future

Timothy Barraud, Principal, Balmoral State High School

Timothy Barraud is a highly respected Queensland educational leader recognised for leading transformative and future-focused educational innovation. His work embeds innovation, belonging and high expectations across school culture.