About ISS
Helping international schools and educators move forward for 70+ years.
International Schools Services (ISS) is a global nonprofit serving international schools, educators, leaders, and school communities around the world. For more than 70 years, ISS has helped schools recruit educators, develop teams, open and operate schools, simplify procurement, strengthen leadership and governance, and prepare for what comes next.
As international education changes, ISS continues to bring practical services, trusted expertise, and global community together in one connected organization built for where schools are going next.
WHO WE ARE
A global nonprofit dedicated to international education
ISS works with more than 1,200 international schools and thousands of educators each year across a comprehensive suite of services, creating one of the largest global footprints in international education support.
Our work spans recruitment, professional learning, school operations, procurement, advisory services, foundation operations, new school support, school management, and global communities. Across every area, the goal is the same: helping international schools and educators serve students with purpose, quality, and confidence.
Where Would You Like to Begin?
Choose the path that best matches how you want to learn more about ISS or connect with the right support.
Explanation of Services
For Schools
Explore support for hiring educators and leaders, developing staff, procuring supplies, strengthening operations, opening new schools, and planning for what comes next.
Explore support for hiring educators and leaders, developing staff, procuring supplies, strengthening operations, opening new schools, and planning for what comes next.
For Individuals
Find international school jobs, explore leadership opportunities, attend recruitment events, and access professional learning designed for educators and school leaders.
Find international school jobs, explore leadership opportunities, attend recruitment events, and access professional learning designed for educators and school leaders.
Global Communities
Connect with ISS communities focused on leadership, representation, shared learning, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, belonging, and collaboration.
Connect with ISS communities focused on leadership, representation, shared learning, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, belonging, and collaboration.
Meet ISS
Learn more about the people, Board, history, values, and work behind ISS.
Learn more about the people, Board, history, values, and work behind ISS.
Stories from ISS
Read insights, school stories, leadership spotlights, event updates, and practical guidance from the ISS community.
Read insights, school stories, leadership spotlights, event updates, and practical guidance from the ISS community.
Contact ISS
Start a conversation with ISS to find the right pathway, service, or team for your needs.
Start a conversation with ISS to find the right pathway, service, or team for your needs.
ISS Forward
Built for where international education is going next
ISS Forward is not a departure from the ISS mission. It is a renewed commitment to helping schools and educators adapt, strengthen, and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Schools today need more visibility, more flexibility, and more scalable ways to move forward. ISS brings recruitment, professional learning, operations, procurement, advisory services, finance and foundation support, global communities, and new school support together so schools can access what they need, when they need it.
- More visibility in a changing recruitment and school landscape
- More flexibility across services, platforms, events, and access models
- More practical support for school leaders, educators, teams, Boards, and communities
- More ways to move forward through one connected global organization
What ISS Does
One connected organization for international schools and educators
Recruitment
Help schools increase visibility, promote open roles, search educator profiles, and connect with candidates through digital tools and events.
Advisory & Operations
Work with experienced international school experts on strategy, governance, enrollment, operations, academic programs, and financial support.
Professional Learning
Support educators, leaders, support staff, and school teams with practical learning across teaching, wellbeing, leadership, operations, safeguarding, AI, and more.
School Supply & Procurement
Simplify school purchasing through the ISS Supply Marketplace and personalized procurement support for larger projects.
New School Openings
Support new international schools from concept through opening with guidance across feasibility, design, staffing, operations, procurement, and launch readiness.
Global Communities
Create spaces for educators, leaders, and organizations to connect, learn, advocate, collaborate, and strengthen international education together.
Values That Guide the Work
Making a world of difference
ISS values guide how the organization works with schools, educators, leaders, partners, and communities around the world.
Integrity
We do the right thing.
Compassion
We care for all.
Innovation
We champion learning.
Collaboration
We engage the global community.
Equity
We advocate and act on DEIB principles.
Excellence
We practice high standards.
A Global Footprint
Connected to the realities of international schools
ISS Forward is not a departure from the ISS mission. It is a renewed commitment to helping schools and educators adapt, strengthen, and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Schools today need more visibility, more flexibility, and more scalable ways to move forward. ISS brings recruitment, professional learning, operations, procurement, advisory services, finance and foundation support, global communities, and new school support together so schools can access what they need, when they need it.
- More visibility in a changing recruitment and school landscape
- More flexibility across services, platforms, events, and access models
- More practical support for school leaders, educators, teams, Boards, and communities
- More ways to move forward through one connected global organization
70+ Years of Service
ISS was founded in 1955 and continues to support international schools and educators around the world.
1,200+ Schools Each Year
ISS works with more than 1,200 international schools each year across its suite of services.
Thousands of Educators
ISS supports educators and leaders through recruitment, professional learning, events, resources, and global communities.
ISS Schools Around the World
Practical experience that keeps ISS close to schools
ISS directly owns, operates, or manages international schools around the world. This ongoing work helps ISS stay current with the challenges and opportunities schools face in real time, from leadership and staffing to operations, teaching and learning, procurement, governance, and community building.
The History of ISS
A founding vision rooted in global connection
International Schools Services was founded in 1955 by Arthur Sweetser, whose career reflected a belief in global collaboration, education, and a more connected world.
From its earliest days, ISS has supported the development of international schools and global education. Today, ISS carries that founding spirit into modern support for schools, educators, leaders, students, and communities navigating what comes next.
Commitment to DEIJB and Child Protection
A continued commitment to belonging, equity, and student safety
ISS is committed to supporting organizational and school transformation rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, belonging, and child protection. This commitment shows up through ISS communities, professional learning, leadership conversations, school support, and ongoing reflection across the field.
Get to Know ISS
Learn more about the people and governance behind the work
Meet the Team
Get to know the ISS team members who support schools, educators, leaders, events, communities, and programs around the world.
ISS Board
Learn about the Board members who help guide ISS with educational, nonprofit, global, and organizational leadership experience.
Working at ISS
Explore what it means to work with a mission-driven nonprofit supporting international education across the globe.
Stories from ISS
Insights, updates, and stories from the international education community
ISS Updates
News, announcements, partnerships, and updates from across ISS services and communities.
Leadership Spotlights
Stories featuring leaders, appointments, school communities, and the impact of thoughtful leadership transitions.
Tips and Insights
Practical guidance for schools, educators, leaders, and teams navigating international education today.
FAQ
Questions Answered
Find quick answers about ISS, who we serve, what we do, how long we have supported international schools, and where to begin on the ISS.edu site.
CommonlyAskedQuestions
What is International Schools Services?
International Schools Services (ISS) is a global nonprofit organization that supports international schools, educators, leaders, and school communities through recruitment, professional learning, advisory services, procurement, school operations, finance and foundation support, new school support, and global communities.
Who does ISS support?
ISS supports schools, Boards, ownership groups, leadership teams, educators, job seekers, procurement teams, operations teams, and organizations connected to international education.
Is ISS for schools or individual educators?
Both. Schools can use ISS to hire educators and leaders, develop staff, procure school supplies, strengthen operations, open new schools, and connect through events and communities. Individuals can use ISS to find jobs, attend recruitment events, and access professional learning.
How long has ISS supported international schools?
ISS was founded in 1955 and has supported international schools and educators for more than 70 years.
What services does ISS offer?
ISS services include educator recruitment, leadership search, ISS EDUlearn® professional learning, ISS Supply Marketplace and procurement support, advisory and operations services, finance and foundation operations, new school support, events, sponsorships, and global communities.
Where should I begin?
Start with For Schools if you are looking for institutional support, For Individuals if you are exploring jobs or professional learning as an educator, or Contact ISS if you are unsure which pathway is right for you.
Next Steps
Start a Conversation Worth Having
Whether you are hiring educators, building your leadership team, developing your staff, simplifying operations, opening a school, connecting with a global community, or exploring what comes next, ISS can help you find the right path forward.
Talk with ISS
Explore Advisory & Operations Services