AISH Leadership Playbook: Inspiring Excellence in International School Leadership

The AISH Leadership Playbook is a powerful, research-based resource designed to support and elevate the leadership of Heads of International Schools. Rooted in the mission of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH)—to serve international school heads through targeted advocacy, support, and professional development—the Playbook is both a reflective tool and a roadmap for growth.

At AISH, we believe in the transformative power of learning and leading together. Our commitment is to foster collaboration, growth, and excellence within the global community of international school leadership. The Leadership Playbook was developed to help leaders positively impact student learning, unlock their professional potential, and shape the future of learning and leading in international education.

What You Will Find in the Playbook

The Playbook captures both the “what” and the “how” of effective school leadership:

• The six AISH Standards of Excellence for International School Heads articulate the key areas of responsibility and expectations—the what of the role.

• The five AISH Leadership Threads highlight the essential skills, behaviors, and mindsets that support growth and professional effectiveness—the how of the role.

The dynamic interplay between these Standards and Threads forms the essence of the Leadership Playbook: a holistic approach that integrates responsibilities with the distinctive strengths and style of each individual leader.

How the Playbook Can Be Used

The Leadership Playbook is intentionally designed as a flexible tool for growth and reflection. It supports International School Heads and their teams by:

• Encouraging self-reflection and goal-setting to guide personal and professional development

• Informing targeted professional learning

• Aligning leadership practices with student learning outcomes

• Supporting performance appraisal processes, if desired by the Head

• Developing leadership capacity across school teams

In addition, AISH uses the Playbook to:

• Guide professional learning opportunities aligned with leadership standards and threads

• Structure the curriculum for the New and Aspiring Heads Institute

• Serve as a foundational resource for the Mentor and Coaching Program

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The AISH Leadership Playbook affirms our belief that continuous improvement and self-regulation are hallmarks of effective leadership. By engaging with this tool, Heads of School take an active role in their own development and, ultimately, in enhancing the learning experience of every student.

Together, through shared learning and leadership, we strengthen the global network of international school Heads—and the communities they serve.