At one point in our careers, most of us have been teachers, responsible for a classroom of children, their safety, their learning, and their care. In our careers, each new step, new role, new job comes with a new set of requirements, standards, and responsibilities, but all are ultimately aimed at making a positive impact on the lives and education of our students. Afterall, no matter the title, we are all educators. Some of us have moved into administrative positions: Principals, Assistant Principal, curriculum roles, or student support leadership roles. What most of us have not done is be a Head of School, a role with high expectations, unique challenges, and limited peer support.
How much do each of us understand about the role of a Head of School, especially since it can vary depending on the region, or even from school to school? Generally, a Head of School at an international school, sometimes also called the Director or Superintendent, is a senior executive responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and growth and management of the institution. A Head of School typically has a broader scope than a Principal, including significant involvement in global networking and community engagement. This expansive role often involves managing a multitude of complex tasks and responsibilities that go beyond the day-to-day operations of a typical school.
To illustrate the demands placed on Heads of School, consider this: in a recent meeting, Heads of School were asked to allocate their time according to the six International Standards of Practice for a Head of School. Combining the data revealed that their time allocation exceeded 200 percent of what is available, highlighting the sometimes unrealistic nature of the expectations. When there are greater needs than there is time in day, how often are Heads of School confronted with situations where there is no win-win; when it is impossible to make a decision that satisfies all stakeholders?
One of our goals at TIE is to share the various perspectives in our community and we are excited to partner with the Academy for International School Heads (AISH) to focus on the critical and often misunderstood role of Head of School. AISH is a global organization specifically designed to support aspiring and current international School Heads. Founded on the principle of "By Heads, For Heads," AISH is committed to fostering professional development and providing a robust support network for school leaders across the globe.
This series, written by AISH members around the globe, will explore the complexity of the position of Head of School and deep dive into the joys, challenges, and opportunity that come with it.
Stacy Stephens is the Director of TIE.
Jeff Paulson is the CEO of AISH.
AISH is an organization for international School Heads that provides support and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of international school leaders. As an AISH member, you gain access to a wide range of exclusive benefits, including: professional development, networking opportunities, resource access, community support, and collaboration and shared learning.
