The data is quite conclusive: young people around the world are struggling. Research and books such as The Anxious Generation highlight the negative effects of technology and social networks on our students.

We also know that two common themes in international schools are academic pressure and high expectations for students applying to university.

On a more positive note, we are seeing a growing trend of schools placing greater emphasis on a holistic approach to supporting students.

In this interview, we learn how the Dean of Students at one school helps lead and coordinate efforts to stay ahead of these trends.

We speak with Andy Vaughan, a Dean of Students at an international school, about his role in providing leadership to help students develop the life skills needed to overcome struggles and chart their pathway toward full and healthy lives.

Andy is a Kiwi who has been living overseas with his family for the past 20 years teaching and leading in South East Asia. Currently working at the High School Dean of Students at International School Bangkok, Andy was previously the Athletics Director at ISB and in the past has taught Physical Education, Science, Health and Outdoor Education. He is passionate about establishing systems in schools that proactively ensure we support student well being to ensure all students feel like they belong and are cared for.

Our guiding questions were: “What does a Dean of Students do? How has the role of Dean of Students evolved over time? What trends are you observing around this role in international schools going forward?”

Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:

• The impetus for and evolution of the Dean of Students role at Andy’s school
• A breakdown of the job description
• The importance of using data to support students
• Lessons learned from the role
• Observations about digital wellness
• Advice on how to move into leadership positions
• Trends in the role of Dean of Students and in international schools in general

Resources shared in this episode:
Mario Education
Google Looker Studio
Parenting in the Digital Age & Family Wellness Workshop (Slideshow)
The show was recorded on June 22, 2025.
Categories: School Life | Parenting | Wellness

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Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.