Leading as the Head of School (HoS) demands a unique combination of agility, empathy, and innovation—especially in environments shaped by social and economic complexities. As the Director of the American International School of Lusaka (AISL), I navigate the challenges of providing world-class education in a context where stark contrasts of wealth and poverty coexist. Our student body comprises children from diverse backgrounds, including the diplomatic realm, non-governmental organization (NGO) professionals, and local families, creating a rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and expectations.
In this role, leadership is multifaceted: it requires responding to daily operational hurdles, such as power outages and economic disparities, while maintaining a sharp focus on strategic vision. The ability to balance immediate needs with long-term goals is paramount—not only to sustain the well-being of our community but also to ensure the school thrives in an ever-changing world.
Student Voice: The Heart of Learning at AISL
At AISL, we place student voice and agency at the forefront of everything we do. Empowering students to take ownership of their learning journeys means listening to their perspectives, incorporating their insights, and fostering an environment where their voices truly shape decision-making. This approach is anchored in our overarching Impact Goal, “The AISL community is thriving because we are innovative, inclusive, and imaginative.” This vision informs every aspect of our strategic direction, ensuring decisions are data-driven and every stakeholder has a role in shaping the school’s future.
Preparing for an Unpredictable Future
The rapid pace of technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), has redefined how we must prepare students for the future. At AISL, our commitment to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education ensures that learners are equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities of an uncertain world. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies into the curriculum, we create personalized, hands-on, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to adapt and thrive.
Our commitment extends beyond academics to sustainability and environmental responsibility. AISL’s facilities, newly equipped with solar panels throughout the school, reflect these values, also enabling year-round outdoor learning in Lusaka’s climate and supporting innovative, exploratory education. These practices not only prepare students for future challenges but also instill a deep respect for the environment they will inherit.
Service Learning: Rooted in Community Impact
Service learning is woven into the fabric of our curriculum, ensuring students develop a sense of responsibility and contribution to their community. Through impactful local projects, they gain real-world experience while fostering a spirit of empathy, collaboration, and global citizenship. These experiences reinforce our belief that education is not just about individual achievement but also about collective progress and meaningful social impact.
Leading with Vision
While managing the day-to-day operations of the school is essential, the true essence of a HoS lies in shaping a strategic vision. At AISL, we constantly ask, “What will school look like in two, five, or ten years?” The future of education demands that schools evolve into community hubs where students, families, and educators collaborate to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
We are already preparing for this future by fostering innovation, inclusion, and imagination in all we do. This forward-thinking approach ensures that AISL constantly strives to be at the cutting edge of international education, empowering students and their families to thrive in a world that is as challenging as it is full of possibility.
A Call for Collective Leadership
As the role of a HoS continues to evolve, it remains grounded in one fundamental truth: leadership is a shared responsibility. By engaging all members of our community—students, teachers, parents, and partners—we ensure that our school not only meets today’s needs but is also ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Together, we can create educational environments where every learner is empowered to succeed and contribute to a better, more inclusive world.
Ultimately, the role of a HoS is not just about collaboratively managing and leading a school—it is about shaping a vision for the future of education within our unique contexts globally, and making it a sustainable and achievable reality.
Dr. Oli Tooher-Hancock is the Director of American International School of Lusaka in Zambia.
