Julie joined Search Associates in August 2014 as a Senior Associate. She spent the next 7 years mentoring teacher and leadership candidates and collaborating with Search colleagues on leadership searches.
Julie’s career includes primary classroom teaching, serving as a reading specialist at the American School of Paris and in San Jose, CA and then becoming an elementary school principal at two schools on the San Francisco peninsula, one of which was located on the Stanford University campus, serving a very diverse population of international students, many of whom were English language learners. This was followed by the opportunity to return abroad as the Lower School Principal at the American School in London. As is the case for many international educators, her intended “several years away from Palo Alto” turned into two decades.
Since 1998, Julie has been a trainer for the Principals Training Center (the PTC) and has also served as a member of the Executive Committee and as a Commissioner for the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA). She has presented frequently at educational conferences such as the Educational Collaborative of International Schools, ASCD, and at various state and regional reading and curriculum conventions. She was honored to be one of two international school leaders to receive the "National Distinguished Principal Award" from the US State Department and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Julie earned a BA degree in French and Education (Florida Southern College) and an MA in Education with a specialization in Reading at Northern Illinois University, as well as completing additional graduate work in Educational Leadership resulting in the CA Administrative Services Credential. She looks forward to using her own leadership experiences to support schools and candidates.
COMMENTS FROM CANDIDATES HIRED From 2017-2020
(2017)
I really wasn't anticipating getting a job this soon after registering with Search! Thank you for all of your help and always being willing to quickly answer my questions. It was great to know that I had someone who would be there when I didn't know the answers! I will tell more people about you and Search.
My associate Julie Ryan was terrific. She was dedicated, thoughtful and accessible when I needed to communicate with her.
I would just like to say thank you to Julie for all of her help with finding a job through Search Associates. Soon after my account became activated, I was able to find a position within 3 weeks. Thank you for all of your help and I will definitely tell others about Search Associates.
Many thanks to Julie Ryan for assisting me in my job search. I really appreciate the fact that she not only offered her opinion but also took the time to get recommendations from her colleagues to aid in my decision whether to accept a job or not. I am very happy with the level of professionalism offered by SEARCH associates.
This was my first experience with Search Associates and I'm so glad my friend recommended me to sign-up. My Associate, Julie Ryan, was excellent and very knowledgeable about all the schools and different countries. I am excited to begin my first teaching job overseas!
I am excited to work for SCIS. The Cambridge job fair was a great experience and I am so thankful for Search Associates for arranging this opportunity. Julie Ryan was an amazing mentor and I am thankful for all her advice and help at the fair. I will highly recommend this company to friends in the future.
It is my sincere pleasure to write you at this time, Julie. From the depth of my heart, I wish to say a big thank you for your professionalism and support towards my search. Your guidance has helped me to quickly find a position just 3 weeks after my registration. I have been able to get my dream job!
Working with Search Associates was a great experience. Julie, thank you for working with us and helping us with finding our new jobs! We are looking forward to working for the International School of Dakar.
(2018)I loved using Search Associates. Julie was an incredible resource.I just wanted to thank you for all the help you have given me over the years. I know that the personal attention you gave to me 100% helped make this happen. Thank you so much for making me feel like you were my advocate in the things that I wanted to do. It's a hard process to take on and having someone in my corner has meant a lot to me
Even though I was hired at this school through my own direct contact, I still benefitted GREATLY from Julie Ryan's help. She sent a letter of recommendation to the school's principal on my behalf and through similar acts, has helped me get this job at the school. I have LOVED the time and attention SEARCH has given me over the years. I tried ISS and it was a night and day difference when I made the switch to Search so thank you for everything you do. You are literally giving teachers the opportunity to change the world.
(2019) I am so happy to have Julie Ryan as my associate. She always has my best interests at heart as an individual. Julie gives me excellent feedback and support at any point in my job search or placement. She is an asset to international teachers and Search Associates.
I am so honored and humbled by the positive feedback I have received from all of the schools. I also want to say thank you so much for your help at making this happen. This was my first time using Search and I really didn't know what I was doing nor did I expect the response I got. I would definitely use Search again, and I would hope that I would be able to have you as my Associate. Your help and guidance were greatly appreciated.
As I reflect on my last year, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much for all you did for me. I have now completed my first semester at the American School of Bombay and it has been wonderful. I can't believe that this time last year you were helping me get ready for this placement, and your support and willingness to help is so appreciated.
(2020) I appreciate all your help and insights that helped me with this job search. You are a credit to this profession and one of the most caring associates I know. You’re the best!
We would both like to thank you, Julie, for your sound advice and support. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and to seek your counsel at the Cambridge fair. You are greatly, greatly appreciated!
Thank you for reaching out and for your support over the past couple of years! Search Associates is a quality organization that I recommend to schools and colleagues alike.