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Above the Competition
Recruiting the best of the best makes FIS stand out
Every time I hire a teacher, principal or other member of staff, I am asking myself this question: “Is this the type of individual who will be so impactful that, when our students grow into adults, they will look back and remember this person as a key
- Paul Fochtman
influencer in their life?
Incoming faculty
and staff are warmly welcomed into the FIS community at the start of each school year
When I attend conferences or engage with other educational leaders, I am sometimes asked some version of this question: “What has allowed FIS to remain a model for other schools to follow year after year?”
To be honest, part of me would like to answer, “Why, it’s the Head of School, of course!”But those in our community who lead large companies already know the truth: organizational greatness is built from the collaboration of many. While we
may look at a finished product, like a painting, and admire it as a complete work of art, it was the attention to each individual brush stroke that led to its greatness.
In a school, the vast majority of those“brushstrokes” are made daily by FIS professionals. They are the artists who know how to help a child to craft a sentence or essay, who make complex math theorems understandable and scientific puzzles fun to solve. They help students to heal after a harsh exchange with a peer, teaching how to empathize instead of judge.
These thoughts are going through my mind this time of year as transitions begin to take place within our parent volunteer groups – and among our faculty and staff. When the school year ends, we will bid a warm farewell to some wonderful educators, mostly due to retirement, and will look forward to welcoming a new group of professionals to our campuses when the new school year begins in August.
Recruiting the best of the best to FIS is one of the most important parts of my job. Every time I hire a teacher, principal or other member of staff, I am asking myself this question: “Is this the type of individual who will be so impactful that, when our students grow into adults, they will look back and remember this person as a key influencer in their life?” Please know that when the Principals and I interview and hire candidates, we have the FIS Community in mind as well. We know our community wants teachers who represent our school’s rich diversity, and can challenge students intellectually while also nourishing their creativity and character.
I am pleased to share that we have invited some exceptional educators to join our community for the 2022/23 school year. They are equally excited about starting this new international school experience with FIS, because while we offer a competitive package at FIS, what really “sells the school” is the reputation of our students and community. For those who not only want a rewarding career but also a welcoming community, FIS stands far above the competition.
Dr. Paul M. Fochtman Head of School
2 FIS World June 2022