Inspiring leadership and learning at the ECIS Leadership Conference 2025

The International School Ruhr was proud to take part in the ECIS Leadership Conference 2025, held at the International School Stuttgart. Under the theme of “Human Flourishing,” the conference brought together educational leaders from across the globe to explore the evolving purpose of education in a rapidly changing world.

Over several days, participants engaged in thought-provoking sessions and meaningful dialogue around key topics including student agency, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and well-being within school communities. As a newly affiliated ECIS member, IS Ruhr was particularly pleased to see how closely ECIS’s strategic direction aligns with our own mission, vision, and values. Several sessions stood out for their relevance and depth:

• Humans flourishing in the age of AI: Led by Kat Bot and Kathleen Naglee, this session offered a compelling examination of how schools can equip students to navigate a world increasingly shaped by AI. Emphasis was placed on fostering moral awareness, developing resilience through learning challenges, and ensuring that human values remain central in education.
• Translanguaging in International Schools: Jon Nordmeyer highlighted the importance of recognising multilingualism as a strength. By integrating students’ home and school languages in learning environments, schools can support stronger identity development, confidence, and academic engagement.
• Liberated learning environments: Jane Crowhurst’s session explored the impact of school design on inclusion and well-being. She advocated for learning spaces that reflect flexibility, neurodiversity, and student voice, reinforcing that thoughtful design is fundamental – not supplementary – to modern education.
• Leadership and coaching partnerships: LaTyia Rolle presented practical tools to enhance collaborative leadership and reflective practice, including structured routines like “Two Stars and a Wish” and “What’s on your plate?” These strategies support open dialogue and collective growth among teams.
• Organisational learning at the International School of Paris: The International School of Paris shared insights into their school-wide definition of learning and commitment to a strong coaching culture. Their approach to professional development serves as a model for how schools can align vision with everyday practice.

Beyond the formal programme, the conference also offered numerous opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Informal conversations among colleagues from across Europe and beyond underscored the strength of the international school community and its shared commitment to educational excellence.

Participation in the ECIS Leadership Conference reaffirmed our belief in the power of collaborative, values-driven leadership. IS Ruhr looks forward to building on these insights and continuing to foster an environment in which both students, families and educators are empowered to thrive.