A Message from Our Executive Director: Building on Our Legacy, Preparing for AMISA at 50

Written by: Dr. Dereck Rhoads

Dear AMISA Community,

Welcome to a new academic year with AMISA! Each year brings fresh opportunities for growth and connection, and I am truly excited about all we have ahead. From expanded professional learning offerings and updated website features to meaningful conferences with well-connected themes, AMISA is well-positioned to continue to support educational excellence.

Join AMISA in Colombia and Brazil

Thank you to Colegio Jorge Washington (COJOWA) and Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro (EARJ) for hosting the AMISA 2025 Leadership Conference, LeadCon25, and the AMISA 2026 Educators' Conference, EdCon26! Join us in Cartagena, Colombia for Navigating Leadership: From Harbors to Horizons. Registration closes October 3 and the hotel deadline for the discounted rate is September 20. Presentation proposals are now open for EdCon26 as we Connect Minds and Cultivate Kindness in Rio.

AMISA Turns 50

It is my pleasure to announce that the 2026-2027 academic year will mark AMISA's 50th Anniversary! The International School Nido de Aguilas and the American School of Guatemala will host the AMISA Leadership Conference and the AMISA Educators’ Conference in 2026-2027. This milestone will be a celebration not only of AMISA’s history but of the incredible network of member schools, leaders, educators, and partner members who have built our community over the last five decades. We could not be more thrilled to gather together in Santiago for LeadCon26 and in Guatemala for EdCon27 to celebrate AMISA's 50th together.

As I reflect on this moment, I am humbled to be only the third Executive Director in AMISA’s nearly 50-year history. That kind of continuity is rare, and it speaks to the stability, consistency, and deep dedication of our association. Together, we’ve created a legacy of service, collaboration, and excellence that will carry us into the next 50 years.

Strategic Planning for the Future

Looking ahead, the AMISA Board of Trustees will convene for a two-day strategic work session in Cartagena, Colombia, immediately following our Leadership Conference in October. During this gathering, the Board will review our Strategic direction for the years ahead. To ensure our strategy reflects the voices of our schools, AMISA Heads of School will soon receive a survey and invitations to participate in Listening Sessions.

Professional Learning and Conferences

This year we are proud to offer more digital credential badges than ever before, alongside conferences that emphasize student and educator well-being, kindness, child protection, and leadership development. These connected themes remind us that academic excellence begins with compassion and care for our students.

Job Fair in Collaboration with GRC

This December, AMISA will host the 2025 Job Fair in Atlanta, GA (December 13–14). In partnership with the Global Recruitment Collaborative (GRC), this event will connect educators with schools not only from the AMISA region but also from Asia, Africa, and beyond. Whether you are a new teacher or an experienced leader, the fair is a chance to meet recruiters face-to-face, explore global opportunities, and secure interviews that could shape the next step in your career.

As we begin this academic year, I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and energized by what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of the AMISA community. We are stronger because of you, and together we will continue to connect what matters. #BetterTogether

Warm regards,

Dr. Dereck Rhoads

AMISA Executive Director