ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Executive Director search for EARCOS in Bangkok, Thailand. Congratulations to Laurie McLellan for being offered and accepting the position, beginning August 2027! Laurie is currently the Director at Nanjing International School.
Laurie holds a Bachelors of Arts in History and Education with a Diploma in Education from the University of Stirling, a Masters of Science in Inclusive Education from the University of Edinburgh, a Masters of Arts in International Education from Oxford Brookes University, and a Post Graduate Certification in Information Technology from Glasgow University.
He has been a Head of School at the Overseas School of Colombo, a High School Principal at Antwerp International School, Deputy Head of School at the International School of Ho Chi Minh City, a History Teacher, Head of Department, and Head of Secondary at Colegio Anglo-Colombiano, and a History Teacher at Market Weighton School.
In this feature, read about Laurie’s passion for education, commitment to fostering global citizenship, and how his diverse experiences — both personal and professional — shape his approach to education and leadership.
What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?
When I had been teaching for three years it dawned on me that I had been in school since I was 5 years old. I quit and went traveling. During that 18 month period in Australia and Thailand I realised there were many opportunities to actually live and work outside of my home country rather than just be a tourist. I arrived at a fantastic school in Bogotá to teach IB History and realised this is what I wanted. Working with highly motivated teachers, engaged students and experiencing professional growth has been my constant ever since.
Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can the EARCOS community expect?
It is essential that the leader of EARCOS is an advocate for the mission and purpose in the same way as a School Head advocates for the school purpose and direction. A leader who recognizes the importance of connecting with the members should have communication skills that allow them to naturally draw links between what the organization says it does and the actions that demonstrate the mission are authentically lived. I believe in leading learning, inspiring innovation, and cultivating international education to positively impact learning for all. We all have the capacity to experience the joy of learning which is a fundamentally human trait. Let’s learn together!
Congratulations on your upcoming role at EARCOS! What are you excited about in this new role?
My career has been based in schools as a teacher and leader. I am excited about a totally new challenge. I hope I can work with the EARCOS team, supported by the Board, to continue the great work that has allowed EARCOS to thrive. I look forward to visiting schools, listening to members and continuing to provide the highest quality professional learning for teachers and school leaders. The ultimate goal is to impact the quality of learning for students, and high quality professional support is key in that pursuit. My hopes are that we will work with smiles, empathy, dedication and have fun while we are doing it.
What is an interesting fact or story about you that you would like to share?
A number of years ago we had a very successful PechaKucha club for adults at my school. These evenings were great nights of learning and laughter. I presented about all the famous people I have met, which includes two country presidents, Ray Charles in an elevator at Heathrow airport, Gabriel Garcia Marquez on a beach in Cartagena, Paul Weller after a Jam concert, however the one that caused the most stir was my encounters with Robert de Niro. Why? Because he used to be a fairly frequent visitor in my dreams sharing lengthy tracts of dialogue. You have to decide if I have really met him or not.
Laurie and students watch a game.
Laurie and his wife Jenny in Thailand.
