Leadership Spotlight: Andy Ferguson

ISS Administrative Search was proud to lead the Secondary School Principal search for Vientiane International School (VIS) in Vientiane, Laos. Congratulations to Andy Ferguson for accepting the position, beginning August 2022! He is currently the Middle School Principal at The American International School of Johannesburg.

Andy holds a Masters of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science from Kenyon College, Ohio. He previously served as the Middle School Principal at Cairo American College, Egypt, taught Middle School Science and served as the Middle School Activities Director at the Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia, and taught Middle School Science at the International School of Port of Spain in Trinidad and at the International School of Curacao.

Learn more about the experiences and ideas that shaped Andy’s career path, his vision of school leadership, and what excites him about this next chapter at VIS!

What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?

I began my career as a teacher in residential, outdoor education schools. I worked on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles and in the Santa Cruz mountains outside of San Jose, California. I lived where I worked and hosted students from grades 4 – 12 while taking them on a hands-on, experiential learning journey where they learned about science and ecology in their natural environment and their role as responsible stewards of the planet. These schools and my experience working in them had a profound impact on me and it was within these environments that I was able to learn, live and model the learning by doing and connecting through experience philosophies of John Dewey and Kurt Hahn. The ideals of Dewey and Hahn truly shaped who I became as a teacher and leader as my career moved forwards.

I was drawn to the world of international education in part because of my own desire to learn through experiences, and there has been no greater vehicle for that than the world of international education. My family and I have grown so much as people by immersing ourselves in different countries and cultures. As an international educator, I have loved my work in highly diverse, multicultural communities. Within these communities, we are constantly learning together about appreciation for diverse perspectives, intercultural competence, and what is means to be a citizen for the world. My career in international education has been an amazing journey with so much personal and professional growth.

Andy and school house mascots

Vientiane International School

Congratulations on your new position at the VIS! What excites you about being in this new role and school? What are your hopes?

I am excited to join VIS as it a truly a community school. The VIS Core, which includes the mission, vision statements, core values, and learning principles make it clear what members of the school community value. VIS has developed an aspirational strategic direction and destiny. I share their dreams that envisions a school with an inspired and innovative teaching and learning environment, one that thoughtfully considers decision-making that will lead to sustainable future, an emphasis on balance in life and well-being, and fostering community engagement while making meaningful connections with the host country. I look forward to supporting VIS on their continued journey towards their destiny. Finally, after serving many years as a Middle School Principal, the opportunity to step into a 6 – 12 role will offer me professional challenges and opportunities for growth. This something I have continually aspired to in my career.

Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can your new community expect?

I believe in an inclusive model of education where core learning dispositions such as creativity, curiosity, inquiry, risk-taking, and meaning making provide the foundation for learning. I am also passionate about helping students grow in their personal development, their understanding what it means to be a good person to self and to others, and their intercultural competence.

As a leader, I try daily to serve the needs of those in the school by establishing a culture where all people feel valued and motivated to succeed. As a servant leader, I believe in empowering others and trusting in their ability and expertise, while helping them grow professionally. I try to live my values, among them kindness, fairness, respect, compassion, empathy, and integrity. In my new role at VIS will continue to serve and empower others with the ultimate goal of creating a thriving and happy place for learning.

What is an interesting fact or story about you that you would like to share?

If not for education, my alternative career would have been as a chef. I love the creativity that comes from cooking and the curiosity that comes from playing with new ingredients to make something good to eat. When not at school, the kitchen is my happy place.

And finally, what was your experience with ISS Administrative Search like?

I would highly encourage any prospective candidate for a leadership position in international schools to enlist the services of ISS. My experience in the process was one that was professional and supportive. The search consultants were dedicated and personally invested in ensuring that I felt supported throughout the search. Thank you ISS.

Andy will be joined at VIS by his wife Ingrid, and their child Caiden, who will enter VIS as an 11th grader. Their older daughter, Maia, will continue her studies at McMaster University in Canada

We appreciate Andy sharing his journey! We wish him and his family a smooth transition to Laos and into the VIS community.

If you’re interested in pursuing a school leadership position, please check out our current leadership searches or get in touch with the ISS Administrative Search Team.