Creating Changemakers: Colin Boudreau’s Guide to Lifelong Skills at AIS-R

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Mr. Colin Boudreau, the Head of School at the American International School-Riyadh, to discuss the school’s plans, strategies, and vision for the future of education. This interview explores the school’s commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and community engagement. Mr. Boudreau shares valuable insights into the school’s approach to fostering a positive learning environment and preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

Like many high-quality international schools, AIS-R created a 5-Year Strategic Plan, and we continue to revisit and adapt this plan each and every year. The creation of this plan allows us to know and plan, well in advance, our focus each and every year. We are currently in Year 2 of the 5-Year plan. In 2025, we will continue to enhance our programs to ensure students are well-prepared for the future. Our focus will be on strengthening academic rigour, expanding student choice and well-being initiatives, global citizenship, and further embedding our mission and values into everyday learning. Additionally, we are exploring ways to integrate more real-world learning experiences, ensuring our students are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and innovative.

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

As stated above, the Strategic Plan helps us decide on our focus each year. Additionally, we have also just completed the work for a 10-Year Vision for AIS-R. Our academic priorities are driven by a combination of student needs, faculty expertise, and global best practices in education. We analyze student performance data, listen to feedback from our community, and align with AIS-R’s strategic plan to determine areas of focus. This year, we are particularly interested in expanding our interdisciplinary learning opportunities, incorporating more experiential education, and ensuring technology is used as a meaningful tool for enhancing student engagement.

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

I think right now, every school is challenged with how to use AI most effectively for teaching, learning, and student engagement. International education is evolving rapidly, and we anticipate challenges related to ensuring student well-being in a digital world and preparing students for careers that may not yet exist. Additionally, fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding will be essential as our students step into an increasingly interconnected world.

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

The first thing any great school does is acknowledge that every child is different and our responsibility is to meet the needs of each and every student. We pride ourselves on that and offer numerous options for our students in order to engage them in some way. This may be academics, sports, clubs, music, drama, or community service. We offer this and many other opportunities, so we may capture the passion of all of our students. Engagement starts with relationships. At AIS-R, our teachers prioritize knowing each student as an individual, helping them connect their learning to their passions and real-world applications.

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

AIS-R’s theme for the past two years is “Where We Belong”. This is at the heart of any child’s learning or any teacher’s teaching. People want to be in an environment where they feel like they matter, and that is what we prioritize in creating. We foster a welcoming environment by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of school life. From our advisory programs to student support services and co-curricular activities, we ensure that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

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

Student well-being is a top priority. We have comprehensive counselling services, advisory programs, and mental health initiatives designed to support students in managing stress. Additionally, our school has a clear anti-bullying policy, and we take a proactive approach through awareness campaigns, peer support programs, and a culture that emphasizes kindness and respect. These issues are not just school issues but are issues in the community and the world. Therefore, the Superintendent of the school is very proactive in holding sessions on a regular basis with parents, so we work with our students as teammates. This has proven to be very successful.

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

Beyond academic knowledge, we focus on developing essential life skills that are written in our mission statement, and we assess them at every age level. These are Independent, Inquisitive, Resilient, and Positive Change Makers. Our community embraces these words in our Mission, and we implement them in many ways. We have a college counselling program, service-learning initiatives, and leadership opportunities to ensure students graduate with both the confidence and competence to navigate life beyond AIS-R. We even have opportunities in our school year for students to intern in businesses in KSA and around the world.

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

AIS-R thrives on strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. This partnership is two-way, and we work very closely together. We actively engage parents through workshops, forums, and volunteer opportunities, ensuring they play a role in shaping the school experience. This parent engagement has significantly increased since COVID-19, and these partnerships are essential. Parents share with the school the topics they may be struggling with, and the school creates workshops, either internally or externally, to support families. Parents are also given many opportunities to directly support students through the PTSO and, Booster Club. and Junior/Senior Moms. It’s a very strong partnership, and when that is the case, our students benefit.

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

AIS-R has accomplished this as we have had a 92% retention rate over the past four years. This is a good sign. A positive and supportive school culture is key to retaining top educators. At AIS-R, we invest in professional development, encourage teacher leadership, and foster a collaborative environment where educators feel valued and empowered. Our mission-driven approach ensures that teachers find purpose in their work and a sense of belonging in our community. We are also sure to offer a salary and benefits package that is very competitive in international education.

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

Absolutely. We believe in nurturing leadership at all levels. Teachers at AIS-R have opportunities to take on leadership roles through professional learning communities, curriculum development, and mentorship programs. We encourage continuous learning and provide pathways for career advancement within the school.

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

While every activity offers valuable lessons, student leadership programs and service-learning initiatives often have the most significant long-term impact. These experiences teach responsibility, empathy, and resilience—qualities that serve students well in any career or life path.

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

Success is seeing students leave AIS-R as confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world. It’s about ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and inspired throughout their educational journey.

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

“Empower every learner to embrace curiosity, act with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”