Welcome to Ms. Jane Thompson, the next Head of School at the American School of Paris.

“My family and I are thrilled to be joining the ASP community," says Jane. "From the moment I learned of this opportunity, I was inspired and humbled by the chance to lead an organization, already outstanding in so many traditional measures, toward a future that redefines the concept of what it means to be an exceptional school. My first experiences of ASP have been so positive and welcoming; I greatly look forward to getting to know everyone and sharing the next exciting steps in ASP’s ambitious journey.”

An International Head of School for 15 years, Jane offers a broad knowledge of school leadership, both educational and operational. Jane’s experience, strong commitment to education, and enthusiasm mirror and complement ASP’s mission, beliefs and aspirations for academic and personal excellence. Building on Mark Ulfers’s leadership and transformational accomplishments, Jane’s future-focused, student-centered approach to education will continue to move ASP forward in leading young people to thrive in a global society.

Jane comes to us from the Istanbul International Community School in Turkey, a Pre K-12, 600-student, American sponsored international school, offering the IB program in all three divisions. Jane has served as Head of School since 2013. During her tenure at IICS, Jane has led the school through IB, CIS and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditations, strengthened academic results and developed the next phase of strategic planning. Prior to IICS, Jane headed the British International School in Budapest for 11 years. Jane began her educational career as a middle school teacher in Southampton, United Kingdom, moved from there to the Isle of Arran, Scotland and then on to Budapest, where she taught elementary, middle school English, and Drama, became Head of Elementary, and finally Head of School.

A passionate educator, Jane has given students more voice in their own education and more ownership over their learning at IICS. This evolution in education has allowed not only the more able students to thrive, but also more diverse learners to find new pathways to excel. Jane has also empowered her faculty as partners in the exploration of personalized learning through the creative use of professional learning communities (PLCs). A natural community builder, Jane brings tremendous experience in developing school identity, and building partnerships with local organizations to create unique educational and service opportunities for students. Consistent with Jane’s passion for international education, she recently joined the Board of Governors of the Educational Collaborative of International Schools (ECIS).

A bi-cultural British-American family, Jane and her husband Kevin Burns are excited for their two daughters to join ASP in grades 7 and 9 in 2018.

Jane’s appointment culminates a broad-based international search that began last spring. We would like to thank the entire ASP community for your support and enthusiasm throughout this process. It is your feedback which makes us confident that Jane will be a great leader for our community. Thank you!

And a special thank you to Mark Ulfers, not only for his support during this process, but for his incredible dedication to making ASP the best school it can be. We are thrilled to have another year of his leadership.

On behalf of the ASP Board, please join us in welcoming Jane and her family to the ASP community.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Obenshain and Ilse Willems

Co-chairs of the ASP Head of School Search Committee
board@asparis.fr