Name: Sawsan Natsheh

Title: Charter School Site Visit Consultant/Compliance Specialist

Organisation: Innovative Quality Schools

An experienced educational leader with a strong background in both business administration and educational leadership. With career roles such as School visit consultant/ Compliance Specialist at Innovative Quality Schools (IQS), Executive Director at the Minnesota Association of Charter School Authorizers (MACSA), and Co-Founder and Head of Al-Forsan International School, I developed expertise in school operations, policy development, and fostering educational equity.

Passionate about creating environments where all students can succeed, I worked on several initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, promoting diversity, and enhancing collaboration between schools, families, and communities. I am committed to driving continuous improvement in education through strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on closing achievement gaps, particularly for underserved and marginalized student populations.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Educational leaders usually face a variety of complex challenges in their roles. Throughout my journey, some of the most significant challenges I experienced included balancing administrative responsibilities with pedagogical duties, all while staying closely connected to the needs of the classroom.

Another key challenge was fostering a positive school culture that promotes growth, collaboration, and trust among staff and students. Additionally, integrating technology into the learning environment posed its own set of challenges, particularly ensuring that both staff and students had the necessary skills to use it effectively.

Supporting teacher development and well-being has been another crucial challenge in my leadership experience. Ultimately, I believe the most effective leaders address these challenges through building strong teams, fostering and sustaining a collaborative culture, and maintaining focus on the needs of students.

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

My journey to becoming an educational leader began with a background in business administration, which equipped me with valuable organizational and strategic skills. I started my career in education by working in administrative roles within schools, where I could apply my business background to enhance systems and efficiency.

Through these experiences, I recognized the profound impact that leadership has on shaping the educational experience, prompting me to pursue training and courses in educational leadership. My first significant leadership role came at Al-Forsan International School in Riyadh, where I co-founded the school and served as Head of the International School. In this role, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the school’s operations, including finance and budgeting.

In conclusion, my transition from a business administration background to educational leadership has been driven by my deep passion for creating learning environments. This journey continues to expand, as I build on my foundational skills and experiences to have a continuous impact in the field of education.

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

I structure my workdays to ensure productivity, balance, and well-being. My day begins with a moment of reflection to set a positive tone. Then I review my agenda for the day, prioritize key tasks, and set clear goals. The morning is dedicated to deep work, such as writing reports or responding to emails. Also, I attend scheduled meetings and collaborative sessions, followed by a period for handling emails and administrative tasks.

I wrap up the workday by reviewing my progress and preparing for the next day. Evenings are spent with family, and of course, I get time for relaxation, ensuring I recharge both mentally and physically. Before bed, I may do some light work if needed, but I ensure to get a restful sleep. This structure helps me stay organized while allowing flexibility for the demands of each day.

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

A recent lesson I’ve learned as an Educational Leader is the importance of adaptability and active listening in leading through change. While I have always recognized the value of clear communication, I was reminded of how crucial it is to be flexible in adjusting leadership strategies based on the feedback and needs of staff and students. As an educational leader, I've learned that fostering trust and collaboration through listening can be just as impactful as driving strategic goals.

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?

One book that has had an impact on my journey as an Educational Leader is "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink". This book shifted my perspective on motivation and leadership, particularly in how I approach both students and staff. This book made me realize the importance of creating environments where teachers and students feel empowered to take ownership of their work.

I began to shift my leadership style by offering more opportunities for autonomy, focusing on rewards like personal growth and connection to purpose rather than extrinsic rewards. The book “Drive” reminded me that true leadership is about inspiring others to find their inner motivation and align their work with a greater sense of purpose.

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?

If I could give one piece of advice to a young educator aspiring to be an Educational Leader, it would be this: Never stop learning and building relationships. As an educational leader, your role is not only about managing or overseeing systems; it’s about inspiring and guiding people.

Building strong relationships with your students, staff, families, and community members is important. Leadership is about trust and connection. When people feel heard, valued, and understood, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to achieving shared goals. Successful leaders aren’t just decision-makers; they’re relationship-builders.

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

One meaningful story from my time as an educational leader took place at Al-Forsan International School, where I co-founded the school and served as Head. Early on, we noticed that many students, particularly those from diverse educational backgrounds, struggled with engagement and academic performance.

To address this, I worked closely with the school team to implement differentiated instruction and a social-emotional learning (SEL) program, aimed at helping students build resilience and feel more connected to the school. Students who had previously been disengaged started participating more actively in class.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of creating inclusive, supportive environments where all students have the opportunity to succeed.