by Amy Lucas
Introduction
Leading a new international school in Yangon, Myanmar, has been a journey filled with both immense opportunities and significant challenges. As the country evolves on the global stage, there is an increasing demand for high-quality education that meets international standards while remaining accessible. For educators driven by a vision to inspire and shape young minds in a vibrant and diverse city, the rewards can be profound. From establishing a school community from the ground up and fostering cultural exchange to providing world-class education, the impact is far-reaching and life-changing for everyone involved.
However, this ambitious undertaking does not come without its hurdles. Navigating complex regulations, understanding the local education landscape, bridging cultural differences, and managing the expectations of both international and local families are formidable tasks. At the same time, overseeing the day-to-day operations and supporting staff and students as they navigate new experiences, environments and friendships adds an additional layer of challenge. In this blog, I will share insights into the rewards and challenges of leading the Scholastic International School Myanmar (SISM) in Yangon and offer a glimpse into the realities of establishing an international school from the ground up.
Opportunities and Challenges
Serving as the founding Principal of SISM has been both an honour and a privilege. Our core mission is to provide affordable, high-quality education that enriches students’ learning experiences beyond the standard academic curriculum. We aim to achieve this by collaborating with industry partners and integrating “passion projects” into the school day, which inspire creativity and foster personal growth.
Opening our doors in August came with its share of uncertainties- whether the building would be completed on time or if staff would receive their visas posed constant worries. Optimism and detailed contingency planning were essential, with plans A, B, C, and D prepared for every scenario. For those unfamiliar with Myanmar, frequent power outages and changing regulations can quickly disrupt well-laid plans. Over the past three months, I have learned that flexibility is essential; embracing challenges with adaptability makes obstacles feel more manageable.
The ability to prioritise effectively is vital in a setting where there are endless tasks demanding attention. From ensuring student and staff wellbeing and obtaining exam board accreditations to coordinating parent meetings, staff observations, event planning, and curriculum development-the workload is immense. The phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day” resonates deeply with the founding leadership team. What has kept me anchored is knowing that every decision must prioritise students’ needs; as long as they are at the centre of our actions, we are on the right path. At times, it feels like swimming the length of the Channel while just keeping your head above water, but the moments of fulfilment far outweigh the difficulties.
The size of our school has proven advantageous in fostering close relationships with students, allowing us to provide tailored learning experiences. In a smaller school, students are not just numbers; they are individuals with unique stories, talents, and potential. This personalised approach enhances student engagement and learning outcomes, creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels seen and valued.
The Strength of a Diverse Team
One of the most rewarding aspects of leading SISM has been working with a diverse team of local and international staff. Founding a school requires a special type of commitment; it calls for individuals who are adaptable, patient, and willing to go beyond their job descriptions. Not everyone is prepared to spend weekends unpacking school equipment or tending to the school garden, but I am fortunate to work with a team that does whatever it takes to provide the best experience for our students.
As Principal, I’ve found myself stepping into various roles to ensure the school operates smoothly. This hands-on approach has given me a deeper understanding of different roles within the school, earning the respect of my team and fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual support. It has also helped me build strong relationships with staff, students, and parents. I believe that true leadership means putting others first, a sentiment captured in the phrase, “Leaders eat last.”
Support Systems
I am incredibly grateful to have a CEO who leads by example, stepping in whenever needed and supporting me in any way possible. In addition, I have the privilege of working with a knowledgeable and supportive board of directors who appreciate and recognise the contributions of every staff member. This sense of gratitude and acknowledgement has played a significant role in motivating our team to go above and beyond.
I am fortunate to have an incredible network of school leaders and friends around the world who are just a phone call away, ready to share their expertise, insights, and advice whenever needed. This global support system has proven invaluable, providing fresh perspectives and practical solutions at critical moments. Having mentors within the education sector has been a true blessing, offering guidance, encouragement, and a wealth of experience that helps navigate the complexities of leading a new school. The reassurance that comes from knowing I can reach out to those who understand the unique challenges of this role has made all the difference in moments of uncertainty and decision-making.
A valuable resource in my journey has been learning from the work of Andre Double, Chris Nash, and Grainne O’Reilly. Their book Starting Your International School is an indispensable guide for setting up a school, covering everything from HR processes and compliance to staff wellbeing. Their practical insights have provided clarity and reassurance, making me feel understood as a leader facing similar challenges. I highly recommend this resource to any Principal or founding CEO; the relatable content and actionable advice are invaluable.
Conclusion
The journey of leading an international school in Myanmar is filled with lessons, growth, and moments of joy and triumph. While the challenges are significant, the rewards of nurturing young minds and building a school community from the ground up make every effort worthwhile. With a dedicated team, supportive leadership, and a shared vision, the possibilities for shaping the future of education in Yangon are endless.
Amy Lucas is the Principal of Scholastic International School Myanmar – SISM
Next week’s blog is written by André Double, Founder and CEO, LYIS
LYIS is committed to providing expert guidance on all aspects of international school leadership. If you would like help and support with adapting your leadership to the school context or any other leadership issue, please speak to André, Email: andre@leadingyourinternationalschool.com
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