International Schooling → Dr Jake Madden

Appreciating Teachers During Challenging Times

The COVID-19 crisis disrupted daily life, displacing people from their normal routines. With the sudden closure of retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, and schools, society faced an unprecedented upheaval. Amid these changes, one group has remained steadfast in their dedication: our teachers. And we should be appreciating teachers more than ever!!

The impact of the pandemic has been profound. Jobs have been lost, salaries reduced, and the challenge of balancing work-from-home responsibilities with family life has intensified. These pressures have highlighted the importance of well-being and mental health in every conversation.

For families, supporting multiple children in their learning journey from home is no small task. Parents now have a deeper appreciation for the vital work teachers do daily. Managing classrooms of up to 30 students every lesson, every day, requires patience, skill, and dedication.

The Unseen Challenges Teachers Face

Everyone is aware of the immense challenges teachers face. The pressure on educators has never been greater. Beyond mandated high-stakes testing, diverse student needs, and increasing accountability measures, teachers continue to go above and beyond to support their students. This commitment deserves recognition and celebration.

During the pandemic, many teachers had to quickly master new digital tools to facilitate distance learning. This rapid shift came with little guidance and numerous obstacles. Yet, through perseverance, creativity, and long hours, they successfully adapted. New routines, enhanced communication practices, and innovative teaching methods emerged to ensure learning continued seamlessly.

Teachers Are Essential Workers

Teachers play an essential role in shaping the future, even under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. They, too, experience isolation while providing unwavering support to students, parents, and colleagues. Their commitment extends far beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

If there was ever a time to show appreciation for teachers, it is now. Their resilience and dedication are the foundation of continued learning and student success.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To my staff at Al Yasat Private School, Abu Dhabi, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your commitment ensures our students receive the best possible education. We are fortunate to have you leading the way.

Let us continue appreciating teachers and recognising their invaluable contribution to our future.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your messages of appreciation in the comments below and join us in celebrating our amazing educators.

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Essential Leadership Skills for School Leaders

When you place “leadership” into an internet search engine you very quickly come up with millions of hits. There are as many theories as there are experts. For me there are a few essentials that the school leader must put into practice

A quick internet search for “leadership” brings up millions of results, each offering different theories and perspectives. However, when it comes to leadership skills for school leaders, a few essentials stand out. These are the core principles that help school leaders inspire teams, drive strategy, and create lasting impact.

1. Uniting People Around a Shared Vision

A strong school leader starts with a clear and aspirational vision. This vision should inspire both staff and students, creating a shared sense of purpose. Effective leaders communicate their vision consistently, ensuring that every decision aligns with the school’s long-term goals.

2. Building a Strategy for Success

Leadership is about making choices—what to focus on and what to leave behind. School leaders must develop a clear, actionable strategy that moves their vision forward. This means prioritising initiatives that bring the most impact while staying flexible enough to adapt when needed.

3. Attracting and Developing the Best Talent

A school’s success depends on its people. Leadership skills for school leaders include attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Great leaders invest in professional development, mentoring, and creating a culture of continuous learning to empower their staff.

4. Relentless Focus on Results

Strong school leadership is results-driven. Leaders must set measurable goals and track progress in alignment with their strategy. This involves analysing data, making informed decisions, and ensuring accountability, all while fostering a positive school culture.

5. Encouraging Ongoing Innovation

The best school leaders are always looking ahead. Innovation in education means rethinking how students learn, how teachers teach, and how schools operate. Leaders should encourage creative problem-solving and a willingness to embrace change to keep education relevant.

6. Leading Yourself First

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of leadership is self-leadership. To effectively lead others, school leaders must invest in their own growth—through reflection, continuous learning, and personal development. By understanding their strengths and areas for growth, they can better support their teams and schools.

Final Thoughts

While every leader will implement these essentials differently based on their school’s circumstances, the core leadership skills for school leaders remain the same. A compelling vision, a strong strategy, a focus on people, and a commitment to results and innovation are the foundations of effective school leadership.

By mastering these skills, school leaders can create thriving learning environments that empower both students and educators.

Supporting International School Teachers Through Coaching and Mentoring

One of the unique benefits of working in an international school is the opportunity to engage with a mix of cultures. One of the challenges is the drawing together of a diverse staffing demographics. Raising student achievement is the goal of each individual teacher.

One of the most valuable aspects of working in an international school is the opportunity to engage with a mix of cultures. However, supporting international school teachers comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to staff turnover. With research indicating an annual turnover rate of 20-25% in international schools, leaders must continuously induct, train, and support new educators while ensuring consistency in teaching quality and student achievement.

The Challenge of Teacher Turnover in International Schools

Diversity is not just present in the student body—it extends to the teaching staff as well. While this diversity brings fresh perspectives and innovative teaching practices, it also creates challenges in sustaining learning and maintaining school-wide consistency. Constant staff changes can disrupt continuity in teaching, making it difficult to implement long-term instructional improvements.

The key question for school leaders is: How do you sustain learning and avoid “wasting” time on repeated inductions? The answer lies in a well-structured professional learning approach, one that prioritises ongoing teacher development over one-time orientation sessions.

A Collaborative Approach to Professional Learning

According to an article in the International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, supporting international school teachers requires more than just training in instructional programmes. Instead, schools must focus on collaborative professional learning, where teachers develop their practice through peer engagement, mentorship, and coaching.

Unlike traditional professional development workshops, this model integrates learning into daily teaching practice. It ensures that educators continuously refine their methods rather than simply adopting new curricula without deeper pedagogical understanding.

The Role of Coaching and Mentoring in Teacher Development

This is where coaching and mentoring play a crucial role in supporting international school teachers. Strong school leadership involves guiding teachers through reflective practice, offering personalised feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Benefits of Coaching and Mentoring in International Schools:

Teacher Retention: Providing ongoing support helps new teachers integrate faster and feel valued, reducing turnover.
Improved Instructional Practice: Instead of focusing on implementing standardised programmes, coaching develops adaptive, responsive teaching strategies.
Sustained Student Achievement: With a stable and well-supported teaching team, schools can maintain high academic standards despite staff transitions.
Professional Growth: Teachers engage in a culture of lifelong learning, making the school a dynamic and evolving educational environment.

Sustaining Teacher Development Beyond Induction

While induction programs are necessary for onboarding new teachers, they must be supplemented by long-term learning structures. This includes:

Regular coaching cycles to reinforce best practices.
Peer mentoring programs to create support networks.
Professional learning communities (PLCs) where teachers collaborate on instructional strategies.
Leadership-led development sessions that address school-specific challenges.

By shifting from one-time induction sessions to ongoing professional learning, international schools can reduce instructional disruptions, retain talent, and build a cohesive teaching team.

Final Thoughts

Supporting international school teachers goes beyond initial training—it requires ongoing coaching, mentoring, and collaborative learning. With a well-structured professional development approach, schools can create a strong, adaptable teaching workforce that ensures consistent student achievement, despite staff turnover.

By investing in continuous teacher development, international schools can transform challenges into opportunities, fostering a dynamic and high-performing learning environment for both educators and students.