Supporting Leadership, Strengthening Community: Search Associates at ECIS 2026

From April 23–25, Search Associates (SEARCH) joined school leaders from across the globe at the 2026 Leadership Conference hosted by Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) in Lisbon. Bringing together between 250 and 500 participants, the conference created a valuable space for connection and reflection. Tim Stuart, SEARCH’s Director of Leadership Recruitment and Global Partnerships, and Senior Associate Gez Hayden spent the conference engaging with many current and prospective member schools, leaders, and educators.

Hosted at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, this year’s event centered on the theme “Love-Based Leadership,” highlighting the importance of empathy, belonging, and purposeful leadership in international education. As ECIS shared in its invitation:

…Transformation unfolds when we travel together, inviting others to reflect what we cannot see alone, offering both strength in belonging and the gift of external perspective… This transformative gathering invites international school leaders to explore how compassion, empathy, and intentional connection can shape thriving school communities.

This message closely reflects Search Associates’ own commitment to supporting schools and educators through meaningful partnerships, trusted guidance, and long-term professional relationships.

Throughout the conference, participants explored keynote sessions and immersive workshops focused on inclusive leadership, community-building, and school culture. Search Associates was proud to sponsor educator and author Homa Tavangar, whose Deep Dive session, “The Pedagogy of Hope,” drew a full audience and sparked thoughtful conversation among school leaders. Tim had the privilege of introducing Homa on behalf of Search Associates and received enthusiastic feedback from attendees following the session.

The conference also featured powerful keynote speakers, including storyteller Djeliba Baba, who brought the theme of love-based leadership to life through the West African oral tradition of Jaliyaa, and Rachel Caldwell, whose reflections on leading through crisis offered a moving reminder of the resilience and strength within international school communities. Her leadership philosophy was captured in the conference program through the words of Margaret Wheatley: “Whatever the problem, community is the answer.”

For Search Associates, gatherings like ECIS are a powerful reminder that recruitment is about far more than filling positions—it is about helping schools find leaders who will inspire communities, support students, and shape the future of international education. Through partnerships with organizations like ECIS, Search Associates remains committed to strengthening the global school community and supporting educators at every stage of their leadership journey.