Dear Search Associates Colleagues,
On behalf of Dr. Amanda Sunderman, Director of the American International School of Vilnius, I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Doug Woodward has been appointed their new Upper School Principal for grades 6-12, a role he will begin in August of 2027.
Doug brings more than 25 years of experience in international education and currently serves as Middle School Assistant Principal, leading a division of 400+ students at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), one of the world’s leading international schools. His experience includes leadership roles in Jordan and Malaysia, as well as teaching in Peru and the United States. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation as a thoughtful coach and collaborative leader who invests deeply in teachers, helping them grow professionally while building a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Doug is also deeply committed to engaging with students. A longtime coach, he believes some of the most meaningful connections are built outside the classroom. Colleagues often remark that he is more likely to be found in classrooms and hallways engaging with students and teachers than sitting behind a desk.
Professionally, he is an Agency Trainer for Adaptive Schools and Cognitive Coaching and has presented multiple times as part of Thinking Collaborative. He has also presented at various at EARCOS, NESA, and AASSA conferences. He has served as a CIS-WASC Accreditation Team Leader for 15 years, visiting 12 different schools around the world. Further, he co-authored Better Together: Collaborative Teaching and Learning in Inclusive International Schools and Unleashing the Power of Collective Efficacy.
Dr. Sunderman wishes to add the following remarks regarding his appointment: Doug stood out as a leader of integrity, wisdom, and genuine care for people. He demonstrated a strong ability to build trust, navigate complex challenges with humility and confidence, and bring people together around a shared vision. His extensive leadership experience, commitment to student wellbeing, and collaborative approach align closely with AISV’s mission and values. As AISV enters an exciting new chapter, I am confident that Doug has the character, experience, and leadership capacity to guide our community forward.
Doug and his wife, Tracy, an experienced educator and IBDP Language and Literature teacher, have three adult children. They are very much looking forward to becoming part of the AISV community. Doug added: We are overjoyed to become members of the vibrant AISV community and are already super excited about August 2027. What an honor to become a part of a school that lives and embodies its guiding statements, including its deep commitment to relationships among its members as well as the power of ‘Connect. Inspire. Empower’ within its mission statement. It will be a delight to partner and learn together with everyone as a school with so many strengths continues to excel. Labai aciu (many thanks).
I wish to thank Amanda and the faculty, staff, students, and parents of AISV who engaged with this process and congratulate them on their careful and thoughtful search. Also, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the many qualified candidates who expressed interest in serving in this important role.
Sincerely,
Barbara
