Leadership Spotlight: Robert Doyle
The ISS Administrative Search Team was proud to lead the Secondary Principal search for Istanbul International Community School (IICS), Turkey. Congratulations to Robert Doyle for accepting the position, beginning August 2021! Robert is currently High School Principal at the American International School Dhaka (AISD), Bangladesh.
Robert’s previous experiences include roles as Teacher at American International School Egypt and Secondary English teacher at Bali Island School. He served as Assistant High School Principal at the Anglo-American School Moscow for eight years before moving to Dhaka.
Robert graduated from Simon Fraser University with a major in History and minor in Geography, plus stayed for a 5th year to earn his Teaching Credential. He holds an MA from Regis University with a focus on Educational Leadership.
In this feature, learn more about his early inspirations to pursue education, his career journey, and his hopes for the leadership and learning ahead of him at IICS!
What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?
I had two high school teachers who left an indelible impression on me in grades 11 and 12. Mrs. Small inspired me to write and and read for enjoyment and Mr. Sponza drew me into the world of historical figures in History class. Upon reflecting, it was not the subjects that hooked me on the profession, it was the way they inspired me to do better and cared for me even when my work was not the best.
I worked in a multicultural school district in Vancouver for my first few years of teaching where there were lots of immigrant and refugee families in the district. The thought of these students arriving in a new country, learning a new language propelled me to consider having the experience of working abroad. I never looked back!
Congratulations on your new position at Istanbul International Community School! What excites you about being in this new role and school? What are your hopes?
Moving to a new school is a fantastic learning experience. I’ll have the opportunity to learn from over 60 new faculty members who bring so much experience and ideas to the table. The promise of new colleagues and friends at IICS is also exciting along with being a part of a school which has such a storied history in Turkey makes me eager to contribute to the growing narrative. I hope to assist IICS in charting an educational path that prepares the community for decades to come.
With two graduating classes of AISD. Top: Class of 2019; Bottom: Class of 2020, before closing campus in March 2020
At ABC School, part of a service learning initiative and regular school visits in Dhaka
Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can your new community expect?
School needs to be fun and memorable! Students will always remember fun classes with great teachers. With fun comes learning — the two go hand in hand. I believe in giving students as much choice as possible in courses taken and with a wide range of assessments. With choice comes the feeling of ownership. It’s not the content that’s important, it’s knowing how we learn.
A school is a community, leaders need to listen. Thus, I work with more of a motion leadership style. Identify the grass roots of change and help facilitate change the community wants to create.
What is an interesting fact, story, or reflection that people should know about you?
I am a huge hockey fan. While living in Moscow for 8 years I played hockey with an enthusiastic group every Sunday evening at the historic CSKA Arena just off of Prospect Leningradskjy in Moscow. Playing hockey in Moscow enabled me to play in a few goodwill tournaments here and there. One tournament I found myself on the ice playing on a line with Igor Larinonov who is a three time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings. Igor started his NHL career in Vancouver, where he was one of my idols growing up. What a thrill to play with the best!
What was your experience with ISS and ISS Administrative Search like?
Pauline took time to review my CV and Cover Letter in detail. I have worked with other agencies before, but not with someone who had such an eye for detail. I believe the help truly aided in my landing the position at IICS. Applying for jobs during COVID times could have been challenging, but working with Pauline made it rather simple.
ISS provided clear support and detailed advice during my leadership search so that I felt I truly had someone working with me to find the right fit.
Thank you to Robert for sharing this journey! We’re wishing the entire Doyle family a good transition into their new home, and look forward to following Robert’s work in the IICS community. Read more from Robert at Musings of an International Principal, plus connect with Robert on Linkedin and Twitter.
If you’re interested in pursuing a school leadership position, please check out our current leadership searches or get in touch with the ISS Administrative Search Team.
The Doyle Family: Robert, Nicole, and sons Caiden and Max