A Year of Connection: Louise Dawson Recognised a Top 20 Edruptor for 2025
I am deeply grateful to share some wonderful news: for the second year running, I have been named one of the 20 Global Edruptors 2025: International Education Influencers of the Year by ISC Research.
Being included in this list for 2024 was a highlight, but to be recognised again in 2025 is truly overwhelming. To me, this isn’t just an individual accolade; it is a testament to the growing importance of Inclusion, Special Educational Needs (SEND) within the global conversation of international schooling; and the team behind me.
What is an Edruptor?
The term ‘Edruptor’ was coined by ISC Research to identify the 20 individuals worldwide who are making a meaningful impact on the international education community through their online presence.
According to ISC Research, this year’s list celebrates those who:
- Actively engage with the global community.
- Share insights openly and authentically.
- Contribute to a global culture of learning.
- Spark debate and challenge the status quo constructively.
In a sector that moves as fast as international education, these digital spaces allow us to make sense of complexity together. Whether it’s through a LinkedIn post, a webinar, or a shared resource, the goal is always the same: to ensure that professional learning is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Reflecting on a Year of Growth
Last year, I spoke about the “whacky” nature of my ADHD/Autistic brain and how it allows me to try new things without fear. That hasn’t changed! However, over the past twelve months, my focus has shifted even more towards the power of the “village.”
As an independent inclusion consultant, I spend my days working with schools across the Middle East. But my evenings and digital hours are spent connecting with a wider network of educators. I have seen first-hand how a single conversation on social media can lead to a breakthrough for a student with additional needs halfway across the world.
Celebrating the Edruptors Class of 2025
One of the greatest joys of this recognition is the company I keep. The 2025 list is packed with innovators, thinkers, and leaders who make me “pause mid-scroll” every single day.
I want to extend a huge congratulations to my fellow 2025 Edruptors. Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective to our global staffroom:
Al Kingsley MBE
Bestselling Author & Speaker on #Education, #Ai, #EdTech #Growth. CEO NetSupport, Multi Academy Trust Chair, DfE Advisory Board, 24 ISC Global Edrupter, DBT Export Champion, #Edufuturist, BESA EdTech Chair. FRSA.
Alan Smith
CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE • Nature Wave – Founder • Sustainability & STEAM Teacher • Rock Pool Project – Co-founder • Edruptor 2025 • GESS Award Winner 2024 • STEAM Programme of the Year 2025 • IBPC 7* Winner
Alex Gray
Head of Sixth Form | AI in Education | Host of The International Classroom Podcast | Founder of DEEP Professional | Leadership | Curriculum Innovation | Speaker & Content Creator
Ben Whitaker
Helping people think differently – IDEAS – Coach, speaker, author. Host of Edufuturists podcast
Clemmie Stewart
Experienced educational leader, based in Riyadh. Chair of Governors at Langford and Wilberforce Primary Schools. Passionate about education, cross-sector partnerships, coaching and developing others. TEDx speaker.
Conan Magruder
As the Vice Principal at Nova Academy, I advocate for the educational journey of students from China to the United States, which sets them on a path towards successful careers, further studies, and a fulfilling societal role.
Dan Fitzpatrick
The AI Educator | Multiple #1 bestselling author | Weekly Forbes contributor | AI for Educators podcast | AI Educator Newsletter
David Ardley
Advisory | Founding Principal | School Leadership & Teaching Coach | Conference Speaker | Digital Strategy | School Startups | Design Educator | Awards for Teaching & Leadership | Husband and Dad | Petrolhead | Human
Fidelis Nzonzo Nthenge
Director of School Systems Design, International Baccalaureate Organization
Georgie McIntyre
Coach, Supervisor & Strategic Consultant| For Values-Led Founders, Leaders, DSLs, Tutors & Coaches (ICF) | Edruptor 2025 |
Joanna Povall
Author of Kind Leadership: Leading Schools with Empathy, Honesty and Impact, Principal, COBIS Lead Improvement Partner, Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024/25
Kai Vacher
Creative, innovative & enterprising school leader, teacher, facilitator, speaker; 3 x ISC Research Edrupter; influential global educator. Host of ‘The Educator’s Corner’ – the podcast for curious educators.
Koen Timmers
Climate Education for All: building a network of 30 million teachers and students – Director TAG inc. – Dr. h.c.
Leisa Grace Wilson
Editorial Director – Teach Middle East & schoolfinder.ae. Host of the Teach Middle East Podcast, School Leader. Speaker & Writer on education in the Middle East.
Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini
ECIS Head of Middle Leadership | IAF Endorsed™ Facilitator | ISC Research #Edruptor 2022 & 2024 & 2025 | WomenEd Trustee & Global Strategic Leader | #ISLECISLoft |+30 years at ISLuxembourg Teacher & Leader
Rachael Wilding
Director of Edsidera, Governor, Strategic Consultant, School Principal, GEMS LAB member ( Local Advisory Board ) NPQH, International Educator for 25+years, Ed tech platform Ambassador
Rhiannon Phillips-Bianco
Zoubiya Ahmed
I eat strategy for breakfast | Bridging leadership & learning | FCCT NPQEL | Advisor | Ambivert | Part-time ‘futurist’
UCL Institute of Education
I encourage you to seek out their work. From EdTech and AI to leadership and wellbeing, these are the voices shaping the future of how we teach and learn.
Looking Forward
My mission remains the same: to bridge the gap between school and community, ensuring that every voice is heard and every child has the best chance of experiencing success. Whether I am facilitating the NPQ SEND, delivering training to thousands of educators, or advocating for specialist pathways, I am driven by the belief that Inclusion is Belonging.
Thank you to ISC Research for the rigorous methodology and for valuing authenticity. Most importantly, thank you to the teachers, parents, and school leaders who engage with my content, challenge my ideas, and join me in this vital conversation.
We are better together.
Read more about the ISC Reserach 20 Global Edruptors of 2025 her:e
© 2026 Movely. All Rights Reserved.
