AISJ’s Page-Smith Is Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Andy Page-Smith, Director of the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), has been named AAIE’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year. Andy is described by others as an internationalist, an innovator, and a leader who thinks strategically and implements with integrity. A visitor to his school in Johannesburg describes the learning climate and connected community in this way: “There is unmistakable integrity in how the AISJ community speaks with one voice, has set strategic direction, and seeks to live the vision and mission. The school’s aspirations are vivid and highly accessible, completely focused on teaching, learning, and the student experience.” To say that Andy has rebuilt AISJ is an understatement. Although both campuses now have fully purpose-built and instructionally responsive facilities, he is even more proud of the school’s approach to innovative teaching practices founded on the Four Pillars for learning and the Leading School Indicators that have driven continuous improvement in programming. Born in Britain, Andy emigrated to Tasmania, Australia as a child. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Australia teaching all levels K–12. Before entering international education, he worked as a consultant in a literacy development and as an associate professor of education. He earned his doctorate degree from the University of Sarasota, Florida with research on “Mentoring in Cross-Cultural Contexts.” This is Andy’s 26th year overseas, having held leadership positions in Kuwait, Vietnam, Qatar, and Hong Kong, as well as serving on the Board of the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) and as President of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) for four years. In August 2010, he took up his current appointment as School Director of the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ). A tribute to his innovation instincts, in 2016, Andy co-founded the Collaborative for Innovative Education, a group of six international and U.S.-based schools committed to innovative education. He also currently serves on the Board of the Academy of International School Heads (AISH), as well as working as an adjunct professor for Lehigh University. He has particular interest in leadership, governance, teaching and learning, and school coaching. After ten years as AISJ’s Head of School, in July 2020 Andy will take up a new position as CEO – Executive Director of AISH.

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