Educational Philosophy

A decade ago, I wrote a blog for MrMyerscoughSaysSo about my top 10 dream international schools. At the time, these schools represented the kind of places many people would describe as “Tier 1.” But after visiting several of them and speaking with friends who currently work there, I have come to see them differently. What once seemed ideal from the outside does not always align with what matters most to me.

When I left my last job and began searching for my next role, I applied to many schools and read more mission statements and strategic plans than I can count. That process taught me a great deal about who I am and what I value most in a school. One school even asked me to present my educational philosophy in the interview, and although I was not offered the role, I genuinely enjoyed the process.

My philosophy may look like a set of admirable principles rather than a tightly argued theory, but it reflects my real values. In the end, what matters most is whether those values can be lived in practice. Often, what looks impressive on the outside — through facilities, marketing, or action research — can feel very different once you immerse yourself within the school culture for an extended period of time.

How closely does your school live the values it says it believes in?