How to leave a lasting legacy at your international school

As the end of your contract approaches , or if you’re simply planning for the future, you might find yourself thinking beyond the day-to-day and asking a bigger question: How will I be remembered here? Leaving a lasting legacy at your international school isn’t about grand gestures or having your name on a plaque. It’s about the impact you’ve had on people, culture, and learning. Here’s how to ensure your time at the school continues to make a difference long after you’ve moved on.

Focus on relationships, not just results

The strongest legacies are built through connection. Prioritise authentic relationships with students, colleagues, and families. The way you listen, support others, and contribute to a positive culture will be remembered more clearly than any project or lesson plan. Be the teacher who lifted others up, even in small ways.

Share your knowledge generously

You’ve learned a lot during your time at the school – about curriculum, classroom management, local culture, and more. Pass that knowledge on. Offer to mentor a new teacher, document effective strategies, or host informal PD sessions. Leaving behind well-organised resources or planning notes can also make a real difference for the teacher who follows you.

Create systems, not silos

If you’ve introduced a successful programme, initiative, or classroom system, think about how it can continue after you’re gone. Document the process, include feedback you’ve gathered, and suggest ways it could evolve. A legacy that endures is one others can build upon.

Involve students in something lasting

One way to create meaningful impact is to co-create something with your students that outlives the school year. That might be a student-led club, a mural, a community project, or even a set of values or traditions. When students are part of the process, the initiative becomes embedded in the school culture.

Contribute to school culture and wellbeing

Did you introduce wellbeing check-ins during staff meetings? Organise community events? Start a mindfulness programme? These seemingly small efforts can shape the ethos of a school. If you’ve contributed to a stronger culture or better staff morale, that influence can ripple long after you’ve left.

Say goodbye with intention

A thoughtful farewell can reinforce the relationships and contributions you’ve made. Take time to thank those you’ve worked with, write personal notes, or speak at end-of-year events. This isn’t about self-promotion – it’s about closing the chapter with care and leaving a message of encouragement for those staying behind.

Reflect on what matters most

Ultimately, your legacy will be shaped by how you made people feel. Were you dependable? Kind? Inspirational? Think about the qualities and values you want to be known for, and let them guide your actions in your final weeks.

Leaving a legacy at your international school isn’t about being remembered for a single moment – it’s about the cumulative effect of your presence, actions, and heart. By focusing on relationships, sharing your knowledge, and creating lasting contributions, you ensure that your influence lives on in the classroom and beyond. The true measure of your legacy? The stories others continue to tell about you – and the impact your presence had on their journey.