Leadership Spotlight: Maggie Wollner

Maggie Wollner

ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Secondary School principal search for the Zurich International School in Zurich, Switzerland. Congratulations to Maggie Wollner for accepting the position, beginning July 2026! Maggie currently serves as the Head of School at AEON School.

Maggie holds a Bachelors of Arts in History & Science from Harvard University and a Master of Arts in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Colombia University.

She has previously served as the Associate Division Head, Director of Curriculum Design, and Head of School for the Online Campus at Avenues the World School.

In this feature, read about Maggie’s passion for education, commitment to fostering global citizenship, and how her diverse experiences — both personal and professional — shape her approach to education and leadership.

What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?

I chose education because I’ve always wanted to build a career centered on service. I hoped to contribute meaningfully to people’s lives, and I realized early on that education was where I was both best equipped and most excited to do that. Being around students energizes me. Their openness, their ideas, and their sense of possibility create an environment that feels alive and hopeful.

I’m drawn to international education because of the incredible opportunity it creates to learn and work in a global context. Engaging with people whose lives and experiences differ from our own expands our worldview and helps us appreciate both the complexity and beauty of the world. Contributing to a community that fosters that kind of global learning and connection is deeply meaningful to me.

Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can the Hokkaido International School community expect?

My educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that great learning is effortful, relevant, and relational. Students grow when they’re challenged at the edge of their abilities, and they find meaning when they can connect their learning to a deeper understanding of themselves and the wider world. The real joy and effectiveness come when they do this in community. Classrooms should foster connection, collaboration, and civil discourse, helping students learn from one another and develop the skills needed to thrive in a complex, evolving world.

As a leader, I prioritize trust, clarity, and a shared sense of purpose. I care deeply about ensuring our everyday decisions reflect our values and move us closer to the school we want to become—not just in theory, but in lived experience. Collaboration is equally important to me. Schools are full of joy and possibility, but the responsibility of caring for children is profound. I believe we meet that responsibility best when we work in true partnership and tackle challenges together.

Congratulations on your upcoming role at Zurich International School! What are you excited about in this new role?

ZIS’s strategic framework and direction immediately resonated with me, and I was excited by the possibility of contributing to that vision. When I visited, though, what drew me in most was the people. The school feels poised for an exciting next chapter, and I was genuinely moved by the community’s warmth, its commitment to one another, and its ambition. ZIS is forward-looking and dedicated to continuous improvement, and my hope is to help build the clarity and momentum that will carry this work forward.

Maggie, husband Benjamin, and son Levi.

Many thanks to Maggie Wollner for sharing her insights, experiences, and vision for education. We wish her and the vibrant community at the Zurich International School the best in this new chapter ahead!

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.