Leadership in International Education: The Application Process, Building Trust, and Global Impact

The ISS EDUlearn AMA podcast's "GRT Summer Series" dives into leadership in international schools 🏫. Join hosts Mike and Celiah, along with seasoned leaders Angela Hernandez, Jim Urquhart, and Pauline O'Brien. They explore the intricate application process 📝, the art of building trust within school communities 🤝, and the profound personal and professional transformations ✨ that come with leading internationally. This episode offers invaluable advice for aspiring and current leaders, emphasizing preparation 📈, relationship-building ❤️, and the unique perspective gained from global educational experiences 🌍.

💬 Key Quotes

• 🗣️ "If I ever go into leadership, that's how it should be. It's about enjoying that Aha! Moment with the kids and just living it." – Angela Hernandez

• 👂 "It's important to hit the ground, learning and listening... to learn about the history of the school, what makes it tick?" – Jim Urquhart

• 🤝 "Relationships drive impact. Everything else, strategy, systems, innovation, flows from those relationships." – Angela Hernandez

• 🧠 "The listening circles that you can conduct will probably be the most powerful thing you could do as a new leader." – Pauline O'Brien

• 🌐 "Leadership internationally has given me is perspective and appreciation... that the world is a wonderful place, despite some of its challenges." - Jim Urquhart

• 🌱 "Every role prepares you for the next one, if you're actively seeking feedback, reflecting on it and seeking for opportunities to grow through the process." - Angela Hernandez

• 📈 "Often you may not hear something... but you have to be prepared for that, and you have to be prepared to follow up on that." - Pauline O'Brien

• 💡 "Showing up at community events is really important... the more community facing work you can do, the quicker you build that trust." - Pauline O'Brien

• 🌍 "I think what leadership in international settings has given me is a deep appreciation for diversity and diverse perspectives." - Angela Hernandez

  
  

🎯 Key Insights

• Master the Application 📝: Preparing for international leadership roles means researching the school and deeply understanding your own values, strengths, and ideal environment.

• Show Your Impact 📊: When applying, provide clear evidence of your past work's impact, results, and outcomes.

• Be Patient & Persistent 🕰️: The recruitment process can be lengthy. Be ready for large applicant pools and always follow up for feedback.

• Listen First, Lead Second 👂: New leaders should prioritize listening and learning in their first 90 days, engaging in "listening circles" to grasp the school's history and culture before making changes.

• Transformative Growth ✨: International leadership offers profound personal and professional development, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity and global perspectives.

✨ Conclusion

Success in international educational leadership truly hinges on meticulous preparation for applications, a deliberate approach to building trust through active listening and genuine relationships, and a readiness to embrace the transformative growth that comes with leading diverse global communities. It's more than a career step—it's a journey of profound impact and broade