Intentionally Small Schools

INTENTIONALLY SMALL SCHOOLS

Intentionally small schools offer opportunities not to be found in a larger setting. Small schools should not only be unapologetic about their size but should seek the unique learning opportunities that come with it. They can be designed to thrive and we propose that we help each other do so by sharing better practices globally.

Come and join the conversation to access a network of schools that can support each other and be a part of designing the network itself. We look forward to sharing, listening, and planning as we look to collaborate for improved learning for all our students.

CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Do you have a passion for “small schools” – Intentionally Small Schools – those that relish the fact that they are nimble, innovative, and often looked to as examples for how to truly personalise instruction for children?

If you, or someone you know, has interest in being on a committee that paves the way for collaboration and professional learning in small schools, please reach out! We’re currently recruiting members to be a part of this team.

Interested in learning more? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah Kupke (learning@ecis.org) or Jeremy Majeski. We’d love to explore this opportunity with you!

MEET THE TEAM

Jeremy Majeski

Dr. Jeremy Majeski
Chairperson

Dr. Jeremy Majeski is currently the principal at Frankfurt International School’s Wiesbaden Campus, a preschool through grade eight international school. Prior to this, Jeremy served as the elementary school principal at the American School of Barcelona as well as an elementary educator and administrator in the Chicago suburbs. Jeremy has been recognised for his work in leading efforts in making schools more welcoming for LGBTQ+ staff, students, and families.

He recently completed his doctorate in leadership in curriculum and instruction from Aurora University’s School of Education where his research focused on the experiences of gay and lesbian parents and schools. Jeremy has presented on topics of literacy, technology and leadership at conferences including the Illinois Reading Association, National Association of Elementary School Principals, District Administration and The Bett Show. In addition to his work in schools, Jeremy is an adjunct professor, teaching graduate courses in education and leadership.

Owen Murphy

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Owen Murphy is currently the Principal of the City Campus at the Bavarian International School in Munich, Germany. Owen has lived in Germany since 2013, spending nine years in Stuttgart at the Sindelfingen Campus of the International School of Stuttgart. He is now proudly a dual-citizen of the UK and Germany. He was born and grew up in Middlesbrough, a town in the north-east of England.

Owen holds a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership, as well as a Bachelors Degree in Economics and Politics. In addition to his positions in education, Owen previously worked for a radio station in Ontario, Canada. Radio remains one of his passions, as well as finding balance through sports: he has more than 20 years experience as a volunteer soccer referee. He enjoys being part of learning communities with a positive culture of collaboration and caring.

Alison Stark

Alison Stark is Head of Secondary at the International School Breda, an intentionally small international school located in the south of the Netherlands.
As an educator, Alison has spent the last 20 years building her experience in teaching (English and TOK), student mentoring, university counselling, and leadership. Alison is passionate about promoting global citizenship and ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an
increasingly interconnected world.

To Alison, a small school means close links between students, parents and the community, which in turn provides opportunities for individual, student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. She firmly believes that building a professional, human relationship with students based on shared values allows them to grow and learn, and this approach is something she and her team are proud to champion. Alison holds a Masters of Education and postgraduate qualification in school leadership. She is currently focussing on strengthening the supportive and inclusive learning environment at the International School Breda and is taking part in the ECIS DEIJ Circle programme.

Wayne Johnson

Wayne Johnson is currently the Head of School at the International School of Belgium, just outside of Antwerp. He joined there in 2019 after previously working for many years in Asia and Africa. He is originally from the UK but has not lived there for over twenty years and views himself more as a world citizen than British.

He holds a Masters in Education in Leadership and Management and before his career in education he worked for a number of years in the media in London, where he was a writer, editor and producer.

He is passionate about international schooling and how it brings different cultures together and enjoys working in small schools where you can wear many different hats and be involved in all aspects of school life. Outside of school he enjoys sport, boardgames, world cuisine and travel.