About

Head of School Search

Announcing our Next Head of School

Dear ISTP Parents, Faculty, Staff, and Friends,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are excited to announce that Angie Bergeson has been selected as the International School of the Peninsula’s next Head of School, effective July 1, 2020.

Angie’s demonstrated track record of creating and leading schools, deep teaching experience and passion for bilingual and international academic environments, stellar references, and the openness and inclusivity with which she engaged our faculty, staff, students, and parents during her visit to ISTP led to this unanimous Board decision.

Angie holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, has over 10 years of school headship experience and over 15 years of classroom teaching experience. Additionally, she has multiple certifications in elementary education, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, Women in Leadership, and WIDA. Her leadership experience includes being the co-founder and Head of School of the IDEAL School of Manhattan (K-12).

Angie, her husband Soren, and two of their children are currently at the Keystone Academy in Beijing, where they will finish their commitment to Keystone prior to moving to the Bay Area. Angie and Philippe will work closely over the next academic year to ensure a smooth transition, incorporating multiple in-person visits, which will provide our community with opportunities to get to know Angie through various events.

Without a doubt, Angie’s personal and professional experiences and educational philosophy are in perfect alignment with ISTP’s mission and values, and we have every confidence that she will inspire us with her leadership to continue our upward trajectory as a school and community.

We thank everyone who participated in the search process and provided their valuable feedback to the Search Committee and Board, and thank you for welcoming Angie to the ISTP family.

Sincerely,
Eric O'Brien, Board Chair
Stephen Kim, Search Committee Chair, Vice Chair
 

A Message from Angela Bergeson

Dear Members of the ISTP Community,

I am honored to be selected as the next Head of School for the vibrant community at the International School of the Peninsula.

When I first read the opportunity statement, it was clear that your bilingual mission, student-centered inquiry learning, and international mindset resonated deeply with my own core values. Even the words you used to describe your founder, Charlotte de Géry, struck a chord with me. Her “drive and the compelling force of her vision galvanized a group of selfless, dedicated people.”

I understand that type of drive and dedication, having been a founder myself, first at a school in New York City and then joining a new school in its second year of operation in Beijing. I am amazed by the dynamism, innovation, and openness to change that ISTP has demonstrated in its decades-long story. After visiting both the Cowper and Cohn Campuses and meeting with many members of the ISTP community, I was truly impressed. I saw firsthand the maturity of your students, the talents of your staff, and the passionate involvement of your parents and board.

It is apparent that Philippe Dietz continues to be a thoughtful and visionary director of your mission, carrying on the tradition of leading a dedicated staff and nurturing bilingual students for a global world. I am looking forward to working with him, and your Board of Trustees, over the course of next year in preparation for a smooth transition.

I hope that my own experiences, drive, and values will help me play a significant role in the next chapter of your school’s remarkable history. When I started my journey as an educator over 30 years ago, I could not have imagined the paths I would follow or where they would lead. My career and growth as an educator have been full of wonderful surprises and opportunities. I am energized and excited to play a role in helping ISTP build on its many successes and reach for new heights.

It feels like I have arrived at my destination.

Sincerely,
Angie Bergeson
 

Head Search Timeline

List of 4 items.

  • May 2019

    The Board of Trustees selects the ISTP's next Head of School, Angela Bergeson. The announcement of Angie's hiring is shared with the community.

    Angie Bergeson will be ISTP's acting Head of School effective July 1, 2020.



  • March 2019

    Finalist Selection

    The Search Committee narrows the candidate pool and begins preliminary screening and interviews.

    Later, three finalists were selected and are scheduled to visit ISTP on separate dates, to meet the community. The community has been asked to participate in Forums with each finalist. This is an opportunity for families to meet each finalist, speak to them, and have a question and answer session. 

    The Forum Dates are as follows. 
    Forum 1 for Finalist 1: March 28, 2019 @ 5PM
    Forum 2 for Finalist 2: April 1, 2019 @ 5PM
    Forum 3 for Finalist 3: April 4, 2019 @ 5PM
     
      

  • February 2019

    Candidate Interest
     
    ISTP's reputation as one of the leading private international schools draws interest from candidates worldwide. The Board of Trustees' Search Committee, led by Board Vice-Chair, Stephen Kim, begins review of the candidate pool.
     
     
     

  • October 2018

    Head Search Begins

    Longtime Head of School, Philippe Dietz, announces his retirement in 2020. Board of Trustees partners with RG175, world-renowned international school leadership search firm. RG175 visits ISTP community, meets with senior administrators, faculty, and parent groups, and invites community to help inform the creation of a Positioning Statement. This Positioning Statement describes the school's mission, values, and the qualities necessary for ISTP's Head of School.


List of 5 items.

FAQs

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. How will the ISTP community be kept informed about the search?

    A. The Board of Trustees' Search and Communications Committees will be providing updates to the community on a quarterly basis. This is in addition to the upcoming Town Hall event in January.

  • Q. Who will make the final hiring decision?

    A. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the hiring and evaluation of ISTP's Head of School.

  • Q. What is the timeline for the search?

    A. RG175, the firm assisting with the search for ISTP's next leader, will begin their discovery and survey phase in November 2018. It is anticipated that a new Head of School will be hired prior to the summer of 2019. Philippe Dietz, ISTP's current Head of School, will retire at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year (June 2020). 

  • Q. Who will be involved in the search? Will you ask the community for input?

    A. The entire ISTP community is welcome to provide input into the search. RG175 has deployed a survey to all constituents, past and present, and will meet with ISTP's Board, administrative leadership team, and faculty and staff, in addition to holding an open session for any interested parents. 
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE PENINSULA
Ecole internationale de la Péninsule
半島國際學校
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