Professional biography

RICK DETWILER, former head of school of five international schools, now consults with international school Boards of Trustees on governance, policy review/revision, and strategic planning. Since shifting focus from the headship to governance in 2009, Rick has focused his work with Boards of Trustees from over 50 international schools, including a dozen AISA schools, on the concepts and strategies cited in the NAIS International Trustees Handbook, 2nd Edition, 2019, which he co-authored with David Chojnacki. Most recently, Rick and David have developed the AAIE-sponsored “Leading-Together” project, focused on empowering board chairs and heads of schools to work effectively with their boards.

Rick’s particular interest in board development lies in developing school board training experiences that are action-driven and individualized for the specific needs of the client school.

Born and raised in upstate New York, Rick earned his BA degree from Dartmouth College, MA from Tufts University, and CAGS from the University of Vermont. Prior to his career as an educator, Rick served as a Naval officer, including two tours in Vietnam, an experience that ironically, launched him on his international career. After the Navy, Rick joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer, teaching high school science in Botswana, following which he returned to Vermont for ten years as a teacher and principal.

Rick now lives back in Vermont with his wife of 48 years, Sandi, a retired ESL teacher, and they have three grown children, all educated at international schools.

Learning Supported by Rick Detwiler

• International school governance
• Board of Trustees training

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