“ISP has a deep tradition of excellence and meeting the needs of the whole child. Looking ahead we hope to build upon this tradition while attending to the increasingly complicated student needs of the future. From robotics and artificial intelligence to climate change and changing demography, today’s students will have unparalleled challenges and opportunities. ISP will not only be able to respond to these challenges, but will ensure that our students are leaders, problem-solvers, and contributors to both the local and global community. I am honored to lead during this exciting time in our history.” – Dr. Chip Kimball
Dr. Chip Kimball will be the next Director of the International School of Prague replacing Dr. Arnie Bieber, beginning in July this year. Chip is a deeply experienced educator and administrator and has held educational roles from science teacher and chief technology officer early in his career, to his recent experiences as Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore American School (SAS) and Lake Washington School District in the United States. Most recently, Chip has been working as an executive coach, business consultant, and personal finance coach for young people.
Chip holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, a masters degree in science education, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California. He also completed a LEAD certificate in corporate innovation from Stanford University as part of his work in Singapore.
Best known as an innovator and systems thinker, Chip is an expert in defining a vision, strategic planning, cultivating leaders, building teams, and developing effective strategies for exceptional performance. Chip has successful experience with instruction and learning theory, as well as in business, strategy, finance, communication, and governance. He works effectively with business leaders and government officials as well as with education leaders, teachers, parents, and students. He is a sought-after consultant and keynote speaker on school improvement, innovation, board governance, leadership, and the effective use of technology.
Chip is an avid water-skier and finds great pleasure on the water, around a campfire or at a dinner table contemplating life’s most interesting questions with friends and family. He loves to read, spend time with his wife Cheryl, adult daughters Emilie and Alexis and friends, scuba dive, and travel.
Chip said; “When I arrive at ISP it will be most important to first take time to listen and learn. While I have experience with a lot of schools, I know that no two schools are alike and it is therefore important to understand the specific strengths and weaknesses of ISP, alongside the educational context in central Europe. ISP has done tremendous work over the past decade. I need to understand what the staff and community are most proud of, and where concerns lie. I want to understand the spoken and unspoken values, culture, and priorities for the school. I hope to talk to lots of people from all parts of the community, setting in motion a clear and compelling path for the future.
Beyond the impact of COVID-19, our students are faced with great challenges requiring new skills and aptitudes to solve some of our most complicated and important problems. It will be a key priority to consider what students need most, alongside ISP-specific challenges and aspirations, so that we can plan and execute on priorities that are most beneficial for our students. This will need to be done in the context of new school competition, changing economics, COVID, and shifting needs of today’s students. This is an incredibly exciting time to be in international education and to be an education leader”.
Everyone at ISP looks forward to Chip carrying on the excellent work of Dr. Arnie Bieber! To view an earlier in-depth interview with Chip, view this Inspiration Magazine pages 13-16.
