Accrediting Schools

I try to do one accreditation visit per year. I am a lead visitor (Chair) for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). I usually accredit international schools along with our partners, the Council of International Schools (CIS). We use CIS protocols when it is a joint visit so I work closely with the CIS Chair. 

I like doing accreditation visits for many reasons. I have enjoyed a long career in international schools and feel it is important to give back and support international schools. My many years of experience help me give support and advice to the schools NEASC accredits. Visiting team members are all volunteers and I am always impressed at how much effort we put in to do our best to help other schools. These 5-year visits affirm the good work schools do and give direction for the future of schools. Ultimately, our work improves students’ learning and development. 

Serving on a team is also great for professional development. I learn from the team members and from the dedicated professionals at the schools we visit. I always get an idea or two to use at my current school. It also helps my current school in our own accreditation process. 

Finally, it is a nice way to see the world and I just completed a week in Izmir, Türkiye, on the Aegean Coast. Not being a capital city and with Turkish law prohibiting Turkish citizens from attending international schools, the school was quite small. It was a fine little school however, and it was a pleasure to go behind the scenes of the school and get to know the students, parents, and teachers in their community.