#265: Transforming Schools: How Culture Shapes Learning and Leadership with Anne van Dam

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with the brilliant Anne van Dam, an educator, leader, and consultant with a wealth of experience working in schools across the globe. And in our conversation, Anne shares her unique journey—from her early days as a learner to her current work helping schools and organizations build cultures that bring out the best in everyone.

Although she’s most recognized for her expertise in early years learning, Anne’s knowledge spans far beyond that as she brings deep insights into leadership, team culture, collaboration, and what it takes to help schools thrive in today’s ever-changing educational landscape.

Anne opens up about her personal journey—reflecting on how her early learning experiences shaped her as an educator and leader. We also discuss whether or not school helped her discover her passion and what might have better supported her learning during her formative years.

Having worked extensively in a variety of schools and roles around the world, Anne has invaluable perspectives on the role of culture in schools and organizations, so hearing that in mind, we also explore how the relationships we build shape the environments we create and the conditions necessary to foster a culture that elevates everyone involved.

We also dive into how the best educators and leaders use language to inspire and empower those around them and how the words we choose—especially in key moments—can have a profound impact on success.

Another key theme we discuss is the power of personal narrative—how the stories we tell ourselves shape not only our mindset but also our learning and growth. Anne reflects on the pivotal moments in her life that shifted her perspective and helped her evolve as a wife, parent, educator, and leader.

Even if you’re not an educator, there’s plenty in this episode that will help you understand the need for continuous growth and learning in life—and how to prioritize what truly matters.

I encourage you to connect with Anne—after hearing today’s episode. You can find out more about her in the show notes. Although Anne has been a guest on the podcast before, this is our first face-to-face interview, which we recorded last weekend in Budapest, Hungary. It was such a pleasure meeting her in person and getting to know her better. Thanks for listening.

Anne's Bio
Anne van Dam is an experienced educator and educational consultant who is deeply passionate about the role of play in children's learning process. She believes in the power of documentation as a tool for educators to reflect on and grow in their practice by exploring the various threads, ideas, and connections that underpin children's investigations.

Throughout her career, Anne has held various roles in the field of education, including teacher, curriculum coordinator, head of school, and vice-principal. Her international experience includes working in schools located in China, Singapore, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. 

Anne's passion for education and dedication to empowering educators and young learners led her to collaborate with the International Baccalaureate (IB) regional office in The Hague, where she worked with the PYP (Primary Years Programme) development team on the IB PYP review. Her focus areas during this collaboration included learner agency, early years education, inquiry-based learning, and aspects of creating a strong learning community.

Since 2015, Anne has been working as an independent educational consultant. Her primary goal is to support schools and educators in developing a shared pedagogy that recognizes and honors young children as incredible learners and meaning makers.
Connect with Anne:
Website