Sean, Secondary Lead/Teacher at International School of Aruba: Advize Career Interview
A career journey beginning with an international affairs degree and a Capitol Hill internship unexpectedly led to a fulfilling career in education.
The International School of Aruba Secondary Lead/Teacher's path showcases diverse roles, from seventh-grade teacher to principal, to even teaching a celebrity's children abroad.
A typical day blends teaching and administrative duties, requiring strong emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and multilingual communication.
The most rewarding aspect is supporting colleagues, students, and parents, while the greatest challenge stems from systemic inefficiencies.
The education world's collaborative spirit and inherent purpose are highlighted, contrasting with experiences in other, more cutthroat fields.
Success in education requires a balance of high expectations and care, strong communication, and self-awareness.
The interviewee's advice emphasizes operating with integrity, seizing opportunities, and focusing on what is within one's control, all crucial lessons learned from a career marked by rapid progression and a commitment to personal values.
Many entry-level opportunities exist, particularly with current teacher shortages. The interviewee's undergraduate experience underscores the value of proactive engagement and hard work as keys to career success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sean Holiday
Secondary Lead/Teacher
International School of Aruba
George Washington University, 2006
Masters in Education, Loyola Marymount University, 2008; Master in Public Administration, University of Southern California, 2012
International Relations & Affairs
Education
Education
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
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Career Path Of A Secondary Lead Teacher At International School Of Aruba
Sean's career path, beginning with an international affairs degree and a Capitol Hill internship, unexpectedly shifted to education after joining Teach for America. The subsequent roles—from seventh-grade teacher to principal, to international school educator, principal mentor, and even teaching a celebrity's children abroad—demonstrate a consistent commitment to "education and public service," showcasing a remarkably diverse and globally-minded career trajectory.
Responsibilities of a Secondary Lead Teacher at International School Aruba
Sean's current role as Secondary Lead/Teacher at the International School of Aruba involves "managing our secondary school team meetings, logistics, problem-solving, and supporting a few teachers," in addition to typical teaching duties. This contrasts with Sean's previous experience as a principal, where responsibilities expanded to include "strategic planning, managing people," and a wide range of administrative tasks, showcasing a career progression from broad leadership to more focused teaching and mentorship.
A Day In The Life Of A Secondary Teacher At International School Of Aruba
Sean's role as Secondary Lead/Teacher at the International School of Aruba blends teaching and administrative duties; a typical day involves "about an hour and a half a day planning," lesson delivery, meetings, and significant time spent on professional development for teachers, with the vast majority of the time spent "interfacing directly with people."
Most Important Skills For A Secondary Lead Teacher At International School Of Aruba
Sean, a Secondary Lead/Teacher at the International School of Aruba, emphasizes that a high level of emotional intelligence is the most crucial skill, noting that "the years that have gone the best...is when my emotional intelligence probably the highest it's ever been". Beyond this, strong strategic thinking—the ability to "build a plan, build a system, build a structure"—and effective multilingual communication are also essential for success in their role, particularly given their experience in diverse international settings.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Secondary Teacher At International School Of Aruba
Sean's favorite aspect of their role as a Secondary Lead/Teacher is the strong interpersonal connection fostered with colleagues, students, and parents; the ability to "support other people in pursuing their own goals and achieving their own dreams" is deeply fulfilling, making even challenging aspects of the job more enjoyable.
Challenges of a Secondary Lead Teacher at International School of Aruba
Sean's greatest career challenge, whether as a teacher or in a leadership role, stems from "functioning within a dysfunctional system," a frustration amplified by witnessing the limitations imposed on achieving educational excellence by systemic inefficiencies and resistance to change. This systemic dysfunction, rather than individual shortcomings, consistently proves the most exhausting and upsetting aspect of their career.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Secondary Teacher
Sean, a Secondary Lead/Teacher, finds the education world special because "people are there because they want to help, they want to teach, they want to contribute," fostering a collaborative environment that helped Sean develop emotional intelligence. This, coupled with the inherent purpose of the work, makes even the most challenging aspects worthwhile, a stark contrast to the "cutthroat" and "egotistical" vibes experienced in other fields during Sean's diverse internship experiences.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To A Teacher At International School Of Aruba
Effective teachers are "warm demanders," balancing care and high expectations to create joyful, structured classrooms; successful principals share these qualities but also possess strategic thinking, strong communication, and crucially, the self-awareness to know "where their locus of control is and where it's not," accepting limitations and focusing energy effectively.
What a Secondary Lead Teacher at International School of Aruba Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Regarding the principalship, the interviewee wishes someone had emphasized focusing on "what's within your locus of control" to maximize impact given the numerous uncontrollable variables. As a teacher, the interviewee highlights the importance of taking ownership of classroom dynamics and acknowledges the pervasive undervaluation of the teaching profession, advising that "you have to find your own sources of validation."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Secondary Leads And Teachers At International School Of Aruba
Many entry-level teaching opportunities exist, including Teach for America and similar programs that allow individuals to begin teaching immediately after college, a reality further enhanced by current teacher shortages and evolving credentialing requirements. Sean's rapid career progression from teacher to principal highlights the impact of hard work, seizing opportunities, and maintaining integrity—a mindset Sean believes is crucial for early career success, noting, "I'm gonna work really hard. I'm gonna take every opportunity. I'm gonna operate with integrity".
A Career Lesson From a Lead Teacher at International School of Aruba
Sean, a Secondary Lead/Teacher, emphasizes the paramount importance of operating with "the highest level of integrity 100% of the time," encompassing honesty, kindness, and respect in all interactions, even during challenging situations. This principle guided their career decisions, including unconventional moves to Central Africa and the Caribbean, prioritizing personal fulfillment over solely financial gain, demonstrating that following one's intuition and values leads to a more rewarding career path.
College Experiences That Helped a High School Teacher at International School of Aruba Succeed
Sean maximized every moment of their undergraduate experience, "always had a job," participated in numerous extracurricular activities and leadership roles, and excelled academically, graduating in the top 2% of their class. This proactive approach, combined with a "yes" attitude towards seizing opportunities, set a strong foundation for their career success and instilled a work ethic that continues to benefit them.
Advizer Personal Links
www.seanholiday.com; Instagram @sholiday