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Reflections on Half a Century

in International Education

Continued from Page 1

today provide much richer learning opportunities for the students in our schools.

Diversity
Early in our careers, international schools tended to be staffed with teachers from
the USA and offered American style curricula. Administrators tended to be white
males. That has changed and, while we are not where we ought to be, a concerted
effort is being made by many to accelerate change. More women are in leadership
positions. When I now attend AAIE conferences, they are no longer dominated by
the “old boys” – most of whom were white. International educators now come from
an array of countries and cultures. More individuals of color are joining and being
welcomed into our community. In most places, there is more acceptance of LGBQT
individuals. Curricula has changed to include more about our host countries. More
non-English language instruction is taking place. Students come from a wider variety
of backgrounds – including more host country students.

Technology
For years we asked ourselves if all the money being spent on technology was really
making a positive impact on student learning. I am not sure we ever answered that
question, but try to imagine how we would have handled this pandemic situation
without the technology we have. In general, it is not as rich as in person instruction, but
teachers are able to connect with students and learning is happening. Even without
Covid, think of all the virtual connections and learning opportunities that are available.
For example, an art teacher in Shanghai can arrange for a student trip to the Louvre in
Paris without leaving China. Teachers and students can connect in a wide variety of
ways and even collaborate on projects. Webinars, such as the many being conducted
by ISS, help us all learn how to better educate students at this time. Virtual conferences
have taken place. It is all rather exciting.

Governance Dave offering advice at an international education conference
How schools are managed and governed is critical to success. Today there is a being addressed by committed educators.
plethora of opportunities for boards and school heads to learn about effective ways
to run a school. When I had my first head of school position, I had no training and no I welcome your feedback. One of the many strengths of our international school
guidance. Today, boards and heads have a wide choice of consultants, readings, and community is that we come from a wide variety of backgrounds and beliefs as to what
trainings from which to choose. I have to believe thar schools, on the whole, are much is quality education. None of us has “the answer”, but collaborating has helped us to
better governed than they used to be. create rich learning environments for our students and for ourselves.

I have no idea what the next 50 years holds for our schools. However, I do know that
Types of Schools there will be change – and a lot of it – and that we will continue to contribute to making

In 1969 most of our schools were owned by some type of parent association. School our world a much better place. I also feel confident that many others will reflect that
board members were usually elected by the parents of the students in the school. they have been richly rewarded by being part of the international school community.
While there were religious schools, company schools and private schools, most were I am grateful to those who gave me an opportunity when, by all reasonable thinking,
as described. As we all know, there has been a dramatic expansion of international they should not have, to those who encouraged me along the way, to those who opened
schools. Many of the new schools are established to offer an alternative style of doors, to colleagues who were supportive and to the many students who taught me
education for host country students. Many are proprietary in nature and often they are more than I ever taught them. It has been an exciting and rewarding journey and will
for profit schools. Some are part of large organizations with facilities in various parts continue to be.
of the world. It has been exciting to see the growth. But this has also forced a rethink
as to what is an international school. Hopefully, in 2070 someone who is just now beginning their career will share their
reflections of what happened in the coming half century. To all who are part of our large,
but close, community best wishes for continued success. You should feel justifiably
Child Safety proud of what you do each day.
A concerted effort by many dedicated individuals and organizations is providing
strategies to help us ensure our students are in safe environments. We also now have
guidance for what to do when a child is not safe – either inside or outside our schools.
Fifty years ago this topic was not discussed. Were we not aware or did we just assume
that all children in our schools were safe and secure? We have learned that is not the
case. And we have responded. As with diversity, we are not yet where we want to be,
but we are moving forward.

I could mention other areas of change, but these are the ones that have been most
obvious to me. Others may have selected other areas and some will disagree with
what I have written. Some will say there have been some negative changes. One,
is that schools are no longer off limits to those who want to inflict harm on a large
scale. Our schools have become soft targets, and as a result, we need to commit
significant resources to ensuring our schools are physically secure. The downside
of technology includes issues of cyberbullying and on-line predators. New challenges

ISS.edu • NewsLinks, October 2020 • Page 4