Leadership Spotlight: Beth Overby
ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Primary Principal search for Vientiane International School in Vientiane, Laos. Congratulations to Beth Overby for accepting the position, beginning July 2025! Beth currently serves as the Lower School Principal at American School of Brasilia, Brazil.
Beth holds an M.S.Ed. in International School Leadership from Wilkes University and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her previous experiences include Lower School Principal and PYP Coordinator at Dwight Seoul, South Korea, and her career has taken her to Egypt, China, Bangladesh, South Korea, and Brazil.
In this feature, learn about Beth’s journey into international education, her leadership philosophy, and her vision for fostering an inclusive, inquiry-driven learning community at Vientiane International School!
What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?
I come from a family of educators, learners, and curious thinkers. I have been inspired by my mother and grandmother in particular, both teachers who cared deeply about their students and an authentically holistic approach to their craft.
I was not aware that international schools were an option until I was offered a role in Cairo, Egypt. That experience changed my life and my career, as I planned on being abroad for 1 year. Now 16 years later, I have had the opportunity to learn from the rich cultures, in both school and host country contexts, that I have been a part of. I have grown as an educator and a person through each of these experiences.
Playing games at recess
Vientiane International School (VIS)
Congratulations on your upcoming role at Vientiane International School! What are you excited about in this new role?
VIS is a vibrant, warm community that is committed to nurturing internationally minded, compassionate, and inquisitive learners. This resonates deeply with my own values and leadership philosophy. I am excited to collaborate with the diverse community of educators, students, and families as we continue to enhance the school’s inquiry-driven approach to learning.
Building strong, trusting relationships within the VIS community is a priority, as is leading with a collective shared vision. I am also looking forward to engaging with the rich culture of Laos, as we continue to deepen community connections within this beautiful country.
Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can the VIS community expect?
My leadership style and educational philosophy are grounded in values-driven decision-making that aligns with the mission and vision of my school community. As an educational leader, I aim to empower students, staff, and families to take thoughtful risks, pursue meaningful action, and develop authentic skills for learning how to think, rather than what to think.
With a strong commitment to the IB and PYP values, I focus on student-centered, collaborative, and reflective practices that create a cohesive and engaging curriculum. With high expectations comes high support! The VIS community can expect me to lead with transparency, empathy, and a collaborative spirit, ensuring all voices are heard. I am dedicated to building strong relationships while providing clear curricular and instructional leadership, aligning teaching with best practices to support high-quality learning and personal growth.
Selling used books at the community book fair
Getting to know parents at a Curriculum Coffee event
What was your experience with ISS Leadership Search like?
ISS facilitated a strong leadership search process. They conducted screener interviews that provided clear and supportive feedback, and they answered my questions regarding the school and the search process with clarity. They also supported both the school and me when there was a potential challenge in our process, providing guidance that allowed us to navigate this successfully.
What is an interesting fact or story about you that you would like to share?
I am in a Dolly Parton music video! As a big fan, I submitted a video to contribute to her video for “Together You and I.” If you don’t blink, you can catch me in front of the Pyramids of Giza. It may be quick, but it brings me a lot of joy to have been included.
Our thanks to Beth for sharing these reflections with us. We look forward to seeing her student-centered learning and collaborative leadership make a lasting impact at VIS! You can connect with Beth on LinkedIn.
If you’re interested in pursuing a school leadership position, please check out our current leadership searches or get in touch with the ISS Leadership Search Team.
Beth celebrating the Brazilian holiday Carnival