This series, written by Academy for International School Heads (AISH) members around the globe, explores the complexity of the position of Head of School and deep dives into the joys, challenges, and opportunity that come with it.
The Complexities of Head of School Leadership by Stacy Stephens and Jeff Paulson
This article invites readers to consider the often unseen complexity of the Head of School role, highlighting how expectations frequently exceed capacity and raising important questions about how well we truly understand what this leadership position entails.
Shaping Lives and Building Legacy by Sheena Nabholz
This article offers a reflective look at what it truly means to lead as a Head of School in the international context, urging current and aspiring leaders to examine their motivations, embrace the cultural complexity of their communities, and ground their leadership in purpose, compassion, and long-term impact.
The 200 Percent Dilemma by Melinda Bihn
This article emphasizes that the most effective Heads of School lead by principled prioritization, focusing their limited time on what truly matters, aligning strategic goals with daily actions, and empowering their teams to collectively support the people at the heart of the school community.
The Headship Paradox by Nicholas Alchin
This article offers a candid, personal reflection on the paradoxes inherent in Headship, arguing that successful Heads of School must not simply balance, but embrace contradictions like being both symbolic and substantive, fair and empathetic, resolute and open-minded, ultimately relying on good judgment to lead with authenticity and humanity.
Leadership at the Intersection of Complexity and Vision by Dr. Oli Tooher-Hancock
This article, written from the perspective of the Head of School at the American International School of Lusaka, explores how visionary, community-centered leadership can empower students, navigate socio-economic complexities, and prepare schools to thrive in an unpredictable, tech-driven future.
The Joys of Leading a School by Anne Taffin d'Heursel Baldisseri
This article offers a personal reflection on the daily joys and strategic challenges of Headship, emphasizing how meaningful impact is made through fostering student growth, supporting teachers, and leading with both vision and human connection.
Managing Workload and Wellbeing by Angela Romney
This article explores how Heads of School can navigate the demands of leadership by choosing between work-life balance and work-life integration, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, reflection, and support systems to maintain wellbeing and effectiveness.
The Manager-Leader Conundrum by John Roberts
This article reframes the outdated binary of “manager vs. leader” by illustrating how today’s effective Heads of School must continuously dance along a dynamic continuum, balancing systemic accountability with visionary leadership to drive change, align systems with mission, and build resilient, values-driven school communities.
