office of overseas schools and international schools services american overseas schools naesp –...

Office of Overseas Schools

and

International Schools Services

American Overseas Schools

NAESP – April 11, 2010

American International Schools

Locations: Africa, Central/South America, Europe, Near/Middle East, Asia/Pacific Rim, Southeast Asia

Student body: multi-national Governance: independent community based,

company sponsored, church related, proprietary Language of instruction: English / bilingual Curriculum: International, US based, IB, AP

Schools Assisted by theOffice of Overseas Schools196 Schools Receive Grant Assistance

American Republics – 40Europe - 66

East Asia – 26Near East/South Asia – 23

Africa – 41

American-Sponsored Schools Around the World

Jakarta International School Am. Int. School of Mozambique

Lincoln Community School, Accra

International School of Islamabad

Leveraging Human, Financial and Information Resources to Create Quality

American Education Overseas

• support a strong education program for dependents of U.S. Government employees.

• developing model American schools to promote mutual, education and cultural understanding for all.

The Mission of the Office of Overseas Schools

Student Population at Schools Assisted by the

Office of Overseas Schools• 121,970 Students

Enrolled• 27 % US Citizens• 28% Host Country

Nationals• 45% Third Country

Nationals

School Support• Accreditation

• School-to-School Partnerships

• Regional Education Associations

• New Schools

• Security Measures in Overseas Schools

• Grant Assistance

Activities

All US Citizens All Students National Average

in Overseas Schools in OS Schools in US Schools

Reading 574 545 502

Math 585 584 515

Writing 567 545 494

Comparison of 2008 Mean SAT Scores

International School of Dakar

International School of Addis Ababa

American International

School of Vienna

American School of Asuncion

American Embassy School, Reykjavik

St. Stephens School, Rome

Kiev International School Overseas School of

Colombo

International School of UlaanbaatarInternational

School Suva

Copenhagen International School

International School of Beijing

Selection Criteria for Administrators

Master’s degree required At least two years current admin experience Desired career progression is previous successful

experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent Certification preferred by most schools Doctorate preferred for school heads in some of the

larger schools

Yangon International School - Myanmar

Qualities of Successful Overseas Administrators

Flexibility/Adaptability High energy level Sense of humor/adventure Counseling skills Good communication skills – both written

and verbal Collaborative leadership style

Establish a Professional File

Application data / narratives Official transcripts and certification documents Written references from supervisors and their

current contact information Resume and other supporting documents Tandem couples often have an advantage,

especially in smaller schools

Administrative Recruiting Begins earlier than in US – Schools are

beginning now to list positions for 2011-12 Active September through April Often involves site visit of the top 2-3 candidates

(with spouse) for on-site interviews lasting for 2-3 days

Directors/Superintendents hired by Board; Principals hired by school head

International AdministrationPersonal Advantages

Comfortable lifestyleExcellent saving potentialTravel OpportunitiesEducational value for childrenOpportunity to learn and growOpportunity to work with wonderful staff

and motivated students

Professional Advantages

Small organization – most are <800 students Initiatives can be implemented quicklyFlexibility in staffing/high quality teachersFew legal issuesAdministrators are focused on education with few

mandated requirementsSupportive parent community

ChallengesFew support staff – school & communityHigh board turnover – most are electedHigh teacher turnover (challenge/opportunity)Demands of a diverse community IsolationLanguage/cultural differencesResource/counselor: “You are the rock”

Characteristics of Overseas Schools

Focal point of the international communityHigh expectations of parent communityWell educated two-parent familiesHighly motivated, capable, success oriented

studentsWell funded academic programsSmall expatriate community – Fish Bowl

For Information:Office of Overseas Schools - A/OS, Washington, D.C.

William H. Scotti – Regional Education Officer

E-mail: scottiwh2@state.gov Web: www.state.gov/m/a/os

International Schools Services – Princeton, NJ

Ralph Jahr, VP Head Search & Administration

E-Mail: rjahr@iss.edu Web: www.iss.edu

Council of Int’l Schools – Petersfield, Hampshire UK Richard Tangye, Executive DirectorWeb: www.cois.org

Educators’ Collaborative, LLC – San Francisco, CAJudith R. Glickman Web: www.educatorscollaborative.comE-mail – jglickman@educatorscollaborative.com

Search Associates – Dallas, PAJohn Magagna, Search ConsultantWeb: www.search-associates.com

Carney, Sandoe & Associates – Boston, MA

Ralph Davison, Jr. - Senior Search Consultant

Web: www.carneysandoe.com

The International School Experience