KED Educators Need Challenges and Goals – Just Like Our Students
It was not a simple decision to take on the role as Academic Head of Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon. My wife and daughters were not easily convinced by the idea of moving to India.
For a month, we discussed arguments for and against this adventure. After all, we decided to go for it. I moved first and my family joined me eight months later. To be honest, it was an easy decision for me. I was ready for a new challenge.
I had worked for Kunskapsskolan in Sweden for 14 years, and been involved with the international expansion almost from the beginning, starting with the UK. For many years, I had nourished the dream of someday working abroad myself. This opportunity was too good to miss.
On paper, my job here in India pretty much resembles my job as a Principal in Kunskapsskolan in Sweden. In practice, it does not. The school has about 850 students and 80 teachers, along with support staff, and I interact a lot more with parents than I did in Sweden. There is no security net for the working class in Indian society, so it important that you have a family to rely on. I witness this closer than a Swedish Principal ever does. Through this experience, I am learning to appreciate all aspects of life.
15 months later, I can reflect and see what I learned here in India so far. To be able to work here, you need to have an open mind, be prepared to change, and adapt. For me, this meant getting out of my comfort zone, and understanding that methods and procedures can be different but still valid. Before, I have been very dependent on my calendar and its structured order of events. In India, schedules change constantly.
Another difference relates to the process of introducing new ideas. As a Principal in Sweden, I liked to test new ideas to see what worked before coming to a resolution. When I tried the same approach in India, I noticed that my team perceived such an idea as a firm decision right from the start.
As a leader, I had to change my approach to get the team and the school in the right direction. I appreciate the progress we are making, although some days it is very hard to accept the many swift changes with people showing up late or not showing up at all.
As employees of KED schools, we need to challenge ourselves and set goals –like we teach our students. If you are up for a change, I highly recommend trying a job with KED in another country. Far away in India, I found fantastic co-workers, students, support staff and parents who give me a challenge full of joy.
The Kunskapsskolan schools are among the leading schools of Sweden. The success of its KED Program can be judged not only by students’ performance being higher than the Swedish national average, but also by the growth of KED schools across international boundaries. Currently, over 100 KED schools and KED Inspired schools are operational across Sweden, UK, the Netherlands, India, USA and the Middle East. The schools follow the curriculum of each country and grade student performance according to national standards.
Kunskapsskolan Education,
Box 11205, SE-100 61 Stockholm, Sweden
Tel +46 8-506 910 00