Welcome to the Voice of TIE podcast, a space for stories, insights, and conversations that uplift the profession of teaching and inspire positive change in international schools. For nearly 40 years, The International Educator has served this community through recruitment resources and a dedication to amplifying the voices of international educators around the world.
What does it really mean to be a Head of School? In this episode, we welcome Jeff Paulson, Co-Director of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH), to pull back the curtain on one of the most complex and misunderstood roles in education.
Jeff shares his journey across public, private, and international schools, and what drew him to a position many leaders shy away from. Together, we explore the paradox of Headship: the immense responsibility and pressure it carries, balanced against the deep fulfillment and impact it offers. We talk about the short average tenure of Heads, the shifting demands of leadership, and why this role often feels both inspiring and isolating.
This conversation is a continuation of The Complexities of Head of School Leadership series, amplifying the voices of Heads of Schools from across the international school community to share stories that highlight not only the challenges of leadership, but also the values, motivations, and deep humanity behind the role.
Stacy Stephens is the host of the Voice of TIE podcast and the Director of TIE.
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.
