Search Associates is pleased to announce that Ms. Kelly Deklinski has been appointed Head of Curriculum, Accreditation, and Professional Learning at the International School of Luxembourg (ISL), effective August 2026.
ISL Director Iain Fish highlighted the qualities that distinguished Kelly throughout the search process:
Kelly was selected from a highly experienced and qualified group of candidates based on how she impressed everybody with her thinking, articulation and energy, and the clarity with which she approaches complex situations.
A respected educational leader with extensive experience in curriculum development, accreditation, and professional learning, Kelly has made a significant impact at ISL, where she currently serves as Assistant Principal and MYP Coordinator. In that role, she has been instrumental in guiding the school through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme candidacy and authorization process. Prior to joining ISL, she held leadership positions at Senri and Osaka International Schools of Kwansei Gakuin in Japan, serving as Academic Affairs Coordinator, MYP Coordinator, and Service Coordinator.
For Kelly, the appointment represents an opportunity to continue serving students and families and working alongside colleagues whom she values deeply. She reflects on the scope of her new role:
What excites me most is the opportunity to connect the bigger picture of curriculum, accreditation, and professional learning with the everyday realities of classrooms. I’m especially drawn to work that brings people and ideas together: helping ensure that learning feels coherent and purposeful for students, while supporting teachers and leaders in ways that are practical and sustainable. For me, the role sits at the intersection of vision and daily practice, with the potential to make a meaningful difference across the whole community.
Kelly holds a Master of Music from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania Robert E. Cook Honors College. Throughout her career, she has been inspired by moments when learning becomes tangible and meaningful for students and educators alike.
As a teacher, I’ve seen this while conducting large student ensembles, accompanying students in outdoor and experiential settings, and watching them gain confidence through challenges. Most recently, I loved watching our Grade 8 students share their Community Project actions, because it showed real ownership and connection to the wider community. As an administrator, I find the same joy in adult learning: seeing teachers collaborate, share ideas, and leave professional learning settings feeling energised.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Kelly enjoys travel, language learning, reading, and creative pursuits in music and art. She also values time outdoors, whether camping, cycling, hiking, or running. “Much of that outdoor time is with my Border Terrier, Atlas, who makes a very good walking companion,” she adds.
Search Associates extends its appreciation to everyone who supported the search process, as well as the many highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in the position.
