Jim Laney

Head of School

August 2012 marks the start of my eighth year at ICS Addis Ababa, and the start of my 28th year as an educator. I am from the state of Oregon in the USA. Two of our daughters were born in Cyprus, and two were adopted here in Ethiopia. My oldest daughter, Amalia, graduated from ICS in May 2009, and will graduate from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in May 2013. Tiphanie graduated in June 2011 and is at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. My wife Ruth is the Middle School Counselor at AIS Dhaka this year, and has taken the two younglings with her. Samrewit and Bemnet will both be in grade four.

I have taught physics, computer programming & computer literacy, physical science and remedial math in middle and high school programs. I have also taught computer literacy in the elementary. I served as the IT Director for Taipei American School (2200 students), and have been an Activity Director, a school Business Manager, an Assistant Principal and an Elementary Principal prior to coming to ICS Addis. I have worn three jackets here at ICS Addis…for my first three years I served as Principal for both the Middle and High School, and then I served as HS Principal and Deputy Director for two years. This coming year will be my third year as the Head of School.

I began my teaching career in the US Peace Corps in Kenya in the early 1980s. Since then I have taught in or worked at schools in New York City, Nicosia, Taipei and Warsaw. My first degree was a BSc in Computer Engineering, my MA is in Secondary Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and I am a doctoral candidate in International School Leadership at Boston University. Beyond certification as a physical sciences teacher, I am certified as a K–12 school administrator in New York state.

I am active in the International Lutheran Church here in Addis Ababa, and also serve as treasurer on the Board for the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). I also enjoy woodworking and working on cars. In Poland my project was a 1969 VW Bug, nicknamed "Ol' Blue." In Ethiopia I restored a vintage 1965 VW double-cab Transporter pickup truck, named “the Surf Rod.” With quieter evenings at home this school year I hope to get back to work on my doctoral dissertation, which is focused on the topic of effective teaching and learning with educational technology in international schools. Ask me how it’s going!