Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Mr. Rob Stewart, the Head of School at Lanna International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. His commitment to creating a positive and nurturing learning environment for students is evident in his passion for his work. In this interview, Mr. Stewart shares his thoughts on the future of education, the challenges and opportunities in the field, and his vision for Lanna International School.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

At Lanna International School we have a number of projects from construction to establishing a middle school orchestra. Our focus for students is dedicated to feeling they belong, positive well being and achieving academic excellence. We have outstanding results in student achievement and these are moderated and stand up to worldwide standardised norms.

2. How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?

We have a 5-year Strategic Plan to guide us in all aspects of school operations. Additionally, we map out annual plans based on reviewing a diverse amount of data that ranges from Parent/Student/staff satisfaction surveys, Standardised assessments in Mathematics, English, Science, IGCSE and A level results and University placements and offers. The staff and parents review this data through school improvement teams and report back to the whole staff, the PTO and Executive Board. Recommendations are then made and implemented into future annual action plans.

3. What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next 5 years?

Certainly, the use and benefits that AI can bring to both students’ learning and to staff workload practices. The challenge is to monitor the ethical use of AI without burdening the use with perhaps a bias with some staff in its usage.

4. How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

Students will often become disinterested and unmotivated if the course work is not connected , realistic and challenging to the level of the students capabilities. Another factor is if they perceive the teacher is unfair and not interested in them. These factors are what we all keep in mind when developing course work and our pedagogical approaches to delivering the course work. Student agency helps significantly when reviewing course work and the structures within the school. Not all students want to attend top universities or higher education institutions, so the counselling services we provide are essential in matching what we can offer students and enable them to successfully reach their targets and goals.

5. How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

We have worked on a statement of Belonging at LANNA. A sense that we can connect early with new students and their families is critical in successfully retaining these families. Creating opportunities for the teachers to communicate to parents the successful day their child had on Day 1 and then later in the following week. To invite families to parent workshops and events early in their journey with us has amazing results in families belonging to LANNA and developing a sense of loyalty with us.

6. How proactive is the school in matters of student stress and bullying?

We have since Covid  acknowledged the mental fragility that students may have in returning to school life. Our expansion of the Student Services team at LANNA ensures we have wellbeing, safeguarding and attention to support learning needs of our students at the forefront of our partnership with the student and their families. A focus on explicit  Social skills has helped students redevelop these skills they once held and used prior to the extensive isolation Covid placed on all of us.

7. How do you help students build the skills they need for life after graduation?

Student independence is paramount in succeeding in life after Graduation. To this end we start early in giving our students responsibility to manage communication with their teachers and parents, Course selection, leadership and student-led initiatives and opportunities to develop life skills through community services and entrepreneurship based activities.

8. How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?

We are extremely fortunate to have a vibrant and active Parent Teacher Organisation at LANNA. The PTO Committee meets regularly with the school and senior leaders monthly and we enjoy the numerous parent led activities held over the year. Bringing the LANNA community together and enjoying the camaraderie and energy we synergise as a group is what creates such a positive school spirit throughout the LANNA community.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

Teachers will value  several factors in their workplace. Schools that create forums for staff voice and agency, provide excellent Professional Development opportunities, balance workload and wellbeing, empower teachers through team oriented decision making, create opportunities for remunerated benefits direct to the staff member and have fun. These all help create a culture of retention and teacher satisfaction in a school.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

We value leadership and empowering the team at LANNA. To support this we have an excellent distributed leadership model that recognises staff members strengths and despite to lead. These leadership roles have Job Descriptions and come with a special responsibility Allowance that recognises the time and energy the staff member applies in leading their team. Also, we are fortunate at LANNA to be associated with a HIVE of other schools in China, Macau and Cambodia. This network of schools creates opportunities for staff to seek opportunities for transfer and leadership rol;es within the group.

11. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?

Any activity the student enjoys that brings happiness and growth in that student’s world.

12. As a Principal, what is your definition of success?

Without being complicated, success is reaching goals and targets you set for yourself. Being self aware of who you are and what you stand for will ensure you set aspiring goals to attain in life and work.

13. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Love yourself, do the right thing with others and take time to enjoy life.