Stepping into a Head of School role after a long serving leader brings both opportunity and responsibility. Schools carry strong traditions and expectations, and new leaders often spend their first months listening carefully to the community while beginning to shape the school’s next chapter.
Recently, Pauline O’Brien, Director of Global Recruitment Strategy and Leadership at International Schools Services, caught up with Jane McGee, Head of School at Graded – The American School of São Paulo, to reflect on her transition into the role and the priorities now guiding the school’s work.
Jane joined Graded following a long established Head of School. With thoughtful support from the board and leadership team, the transition has allowed her the space to listen carefully to the community and understand the school before defining the path ahead.
“When you follow a long term leader, you quickly realise how much knowledge and tradition sits within the people and systems of the school,” Jane reflected. “Part of the work is understanding what has made the school successful and where we can continue to strengthen and evolve.”
For Jane, one of the most positive aspects of the move has been the strength of the Graded community itself.
“It’s a very engaged community with a deep commitment to the school,” she said. “You quickly see how much pride people take in being part of Graded.”
Like many schools emerging from the disruption of recent years, part of Jane’s focus has been ensuring that the structures supporting teaching and learning continue to serve the needs of the school as it moves forward.
“There are moments when it’s helpful for any organisation to step back and refine how things work,” Jane explained. “That kind of work may not always be visible day to day, but it creates the clarity that allows everyone to focus on students and learning.”
Jane also spoke warmly about the leadership team around her. While many members are continuing to grow into their leadership roles, she sees this as an opportunity to build leadership capacity within the school.
“There is a lot of energy and commitment within the team,” she noted. “It’s exciting to work with colleagues who are keen to grow and develop as leaders.”
Like many Heads of School today, Jane is also navigating the complexities of leadership recruitment.
“The challenge is always about finding the right match for the community,” she said. “You want someone who understands the culture of the school and will thrive here.”
During their conversation, Jane also reflected on the value of having opportunities to talk openly with colleagues who understand the realities of international school leadership.
“Leadership can sometimes feel quite solitary,” she said. “Being able to have thoughtful conversations with people who understand the work can be incredibly helpful.”
For Pauline, conversations like these are a reminder that leadership transitions are rarely defined by a single moment.
“Each school community has its own story and rhythm,” she reflected. “What matters most is giving new leaders the space to understand the school and build the relationships that allow the community to move forward together.”
As Jane continues guiding the next chapter of Graded School, the focus remains on strengthening the foundations that support the school community while ensuring the organisation continues to grow and evolve.
Transitions rarely unfold in straight lines. But with thoughtful leadership, strong governance and an engaged community, they often become the moments that shape the future of a school.
You can also read Jane McGee’s original ISS Leadership Spotlight from October 2024, reflections from when she accepted her position at Graded – The American School of São Paulo.
