ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Lower School Principal search for the American International School of Bucharest (AISB), Romania. Congratulations to Allison Ziemer for being offered and accepting the position beginning in August 2027! Allison currently serves as Vice Principal of Primary School at United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) in Singapore.
Allison holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria in Canada, a Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University in the United States, and a Master of Counselling from Monash University in Australia. Over more than two decades in education across Canada and Singapore, she has also served as PYP Coordinator, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Curriculum Coordinator. Allison will be joined in Bucharest by her husband, Scott; their children, Riley and Ty, are now at university.
In this feature, read about how Allison found her way from a remote Canadian classroom to international education, why relationships sit at the heart of her leadership, and what drew her to the AISB community.
What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?
Teaching was a natural path for me, as I was always drawn to helping others, and especially to working with children and families. I went straight from high school to university to train as a teacher, and I began my career in a remote part of Canada, where the work was challenging and deeply rewarding. That experience taught me a great deal about building relationships and about how much a community can achieve together.
Some years later, Scott and I decided to pursue international teaching as a way to travel and broaden our experience. We fell in love with Singapore and with UWCSEA, and we have stayed ever since, raising our own family here while growing alongside the school.
Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can the AISB community expect?
As a Canadian educator, parent, and trained counsellor with master’s degrees in both Education and Counselling, each of these perspectives deeply shapes how I lead. My educational philosophy is grounded in the conviction that children thrive when they feel known, valued, and cared for. This sense of security gives them the confidence to embrace challenges that stretch them.
Crucially, that foundation exists only when the adults around them work in genuine partnership, which is anchored in trust built openly through daily interactions. For this reason, I prioritise relationship building across the entire community and am dedicated to empowering teachers as leaders of learning.
Congratulations on your upcoming role at AISB! What are you excited about in this new role?
During my visit to AISB, I felt the energy of a flourishing community. What struck me most was the pride shared across teachers, parents, and students. There is a genuine sense of belonging on campus, and it was inspiring to see children who are so clearly thriving in their learning environment.
Having spent over two decades in international education, I know that strong school cultures are built through intentional care and daily collaboration. AISB has clearly established that foundation. I am eager to immerse myself in this community, to listen and learn from the people who make it special, and to discover how I can best support and build upon the remarkable work already happening in the Lower School.
Many thanks to Allison Ziemer for sharing her insights, experiences, and vision for education. We wish her and the vibrant community at AISB the best in this new chapter ahead!
Connect with Allison 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.
