The role of a Head of School (HOS) is both rich in opportunity and full of responsibility. If you’re considering stepping into this role—or if you're reflecting on why you chose this path—it’s essential to delve deeply into your motivations for wanting to lead an international school community. Being a Head of School goes far beyond managing daily tasks and making administrative decisions. It’s about creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment where students, teachers, and staff can all thrive. As an international school Head, you’ll be tasked with fostering a culture of compassion and resilience, ensuring that every member of the school community feels valued and supported. This role extends well beyond the classroom, shaping a community and laying a foundation that can positively impact students and teachers for years to come. Embracing both the rewards and challenges of leadership will help you align your efforts with the true purpose of your role, enriching the entire school community.
One of the most rewarding, yet challenging, aspects of being an international school Head is leading a culturally diverse community. The variety of perspectives and backgrounds you’ll encounter enriches the school environment and helps students develop a global outlook. While navigating these diverse expectations and communication styles can be demanding, it also offers a chance to innovate, whether you’re revamping the curriculum or developing faculty. Balancing these responsibilities requires resilience and adaptability, but the growth and success of your school community will make the effort well worth it.
At the heart of being an HOS is the realization that your leadership truly matters. Witnessing positive changes—such as the growth of students, the professional development of teachers, and the strengthening of community bonds—brings profound satisfaction. This sense of making a meaningful difference is what sustains and energizes you, making the role not only challenging but also incredibly fulfilling.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the role comes with its challenges. High turnover due to expatriate lifestyles, managing a diverse school board, and balancing local with international regulations can be demanding. If you lose sight of your mission and core values, the pressure can become overwhelming. This role demands more than just a desire for status or financial gain; it requires a deep passion for education, a commitment to service, and a vision for lasting change. When these elements align, you can navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that your school continues to flourish despite inevitable changes. Ultimately, the ability to make a meaningful impact on your school and its community provides a deep sense of purpose, making the role one of the most rewarding in education.
The role of an HOS is complex and demanding, but its true value lies in the potential to shape lives and build a lasting legacy. By understanding the intricacies of this role, the entire school community can offer better support and appreciation for the HOS. With a shared purpose and vision, the community can help the school thrive and empower you to lead with compassion and strength. Additionally, by being part of organizations like Academy for International School Heads (AISH), you contribute to the broader international school landscape, sharing best practices and collaborating with peers globally. This involvement not only enriches your own school but also strengthens the international education community as a whole.
Read more about The Complexities of Head of School Leadership.
Sheena Nabholz's international education career began after a decade of teaching high school mathematics in Canada when she and her husband embarked on an overseas journey. Over the next 21 years, she held various teaching and leadership roles in Egypt, Costa Rica, Syria, and Jordan, and later served as a school head in Cameroon and Ghana. After returning to North America, Sheena joined Search Associates as the Director of School Relations, gaining valuable global insights into diverse educational contexts. Her experience in leadership ignited a strong interest in governance, leading her to serve on the boards of the Educational Collaborative of International Schools (ECIS) as Treasurer, and the Academy for International School Heads (AISH). Sheena has co-facilitated AISH’s course entitled "Cultivating a Positive Culture of School Governance" and has served as a board governance trainer. Now, as Deputy CEO of AISH, she partners with Jeff to drive strategic initiatives, focusing on community engagement, program enhancement, financial stewardship, and operational excellence.
Jeff Paulson serves as the CEO of AISH, bringing over 30 years of experience in international education to his role. He has held teaching, counseling, and leadership positions in six different international settings, including the United States of America (USA), England, Malaysia, Peru, Venezuela, and Switzerland. With 15 years of experience as a Head of School in Venezuela, Switzerland, and the USA, Jeff has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational leadership. Jeff holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Administration (Ed.D.) from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology (Ed.M.) from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (B.A.) from Augustana College. He has also completed the Klingenstein Head of School Program at Columbia University and is recognized as an Executive Scholar with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
