Name: Andy Dailey

Title: Director

Organisation: Evolution International School

Born in Tennessee, I have had a 32-year career in international education, living and working in Egypt, Albania, Jordan, Croatia, and the United States. An expert in IB Continuum education, I have been the Founding Director of two IB World Schools and currently serve as Director of an established CIS/MSA-accredited school. I have served on various IB Curriculum Committees, led IB workshops, and continue to serve as Series Editor of Access to History for the IB with Hodder Education.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Andy's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

A big challenge recently has been an ongoing financial crisis in Egypt, where the local currency continues to devalue, so that budgeting and planning are affected.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I taught for 20 years and really enjoyed it. In 2014, I had the opportunity to help start an IB World School in Albania and soon after, became the school's senior administrator based on my vast IB and international teaching and leadership experience.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My work schedule is determined by my calendar. All meetings, conversations, and interviews are set into my calendar, along with time reserved for independent, silent work from 7:30 am until 3:30 pm. My 45-minute drive to school is when I review news and any notes regarding that day's meetings. My drive home is quiet, and in the evenings I tend to work on non-school-related tasks and run errands.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

I'm continually reminded that there are professional development opportunities for me as a school leader, and recently, I have decided to do a course regarding AI integration in schools.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

I'm tempted to say War and Peace.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

Strong policies and procedures are necessary to ensure that equity and sanity do not get caught up in emotional entanglements and friendships. Work is work.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

I would say that meaningful experiences, instead of a single story, are when I have been able to gather with other Directors in order to discuss common issues. It is always validating to see that regardless of the location, years of experience, and individual circumstances, most of us encounter the same issues and often resolve them in similar ways.