Ponderings of a Scholar-Practitioner
Echoes of Ancient Rituals
The hanging coffins of Sagada, Philippines, are a profound symbol of the Igorot people’s burial tradition, evoking reverence and reflection on life and death’s interconnectedness.
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Illuminating Journeys: A Metaphor for the Transformative Power of Education
As I stand here, gazing at the mesmerizing sight of runway landing lights stretching over the vast expanse of the ocean, I am struck by the profound metaphor they embody for the transformative power of education. As such, I am compelled to snap the shutter, saving this moment forever.
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Navigating Change and Finding Belonging in a New City and Job
As I found myself amidst the hustle and bustle of a new city, having changed jobs and taken on the role of leading a different school, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of disconnection and disorientation. The once-familiar surroundings had been replaced with unfamiliar streets, faces, and routines. It seemed like…
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Embracing Change: A Journey of Mixed Emotions and New Beginnings
Change. It’s a word that carries both excitement and trepidation, hope and uncertainty. As I sit here reflecting on my recent experiences of changing schools, moving cities, and embarking on a new job, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by the wave of emotions that have washed over me. It is a testament…
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A Bittersweet Farewell: Reflections on Graduation Day
Dear Friends, Parents, Teachers, and Graduates, As I stand here before you, my heart swells with a mix of pride, gratitude, and a touch of melancholy. Today marks not only the graduation of an exceptional class but also the closing chapter of my journey as the principal of this remarkable school. As I…
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The Importance of Positive Relationships
As a school leader, it is essential to cultivate positive relationships within your organization and community. These connections are vital to your school’s success, affecting everything from student performance to the overall school environment. By making relationship-building a priority, you can establish a more unified and encouraging atmosphere for everyone. Staff By fostering…
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Considering Organization Change in an Open System
Managing international schools is a challenging task due to the constantly changing environment they operate in. These schools are interconnected with their surroundings, making them open systems. Any organizational change can have an impact on the entire system, so school leaders need to consider the organization as a whole when implementing any changes.…
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Reflexive Journal: Mourshed et al. (2010)
Questions: How can a leader best identify an individual school’s position on the poor to excellent performance continuum? What if a school defines “success” differently from the OECD and the PISA results? Does their context then put them on a continuum that exists entirely separately from other schools? Mourshed, M., Chijioke, C., &…
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Reflexive Journal: Chen and Yang (2021)
Chen, D., & Yang, X. (2021). “Talk the walk and walk the talk”: Gearing toward a culturally responsive leadership approach. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 31(3), 285–295. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-021-00560-2 Questions: How can leaders in higher education learn to walk their talk about culturally responsive leadership behaviours? Why is it that K-12 institutions and leadership have made significantly…
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Reflexive Journal: Dimmock & Walker (2000)
Dimmock, C., & Walker A. (2000). Developing comparative and international educational leadership and management: A cross-cultural model. School Leadership & Management, 20(2): 143-160 Questions: How does the national/societal culture of students and their families interact with, or influence, the host country culture, local community culture, and organizational culture? What happens when multiple societal…
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Narrative Epilogue
A Viva Voce of sorts. Over the years, I have held numerous leadership positions at multiple national and international schools spread out across four different continents. As an educator in diverse and cross-cultural contexts, I have been constantly nagged by the feeling that the collective knowledge building that leads to exceptional teaching and…
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