Message from Dr. Sherlock Hirning, Superintendent

As the superintendent at UAS, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to provide leadership for an International American School with a positive reputation amongst other international schools of the world.  UAS is a 21st century learning organization with outstanding visionary educators who strive to inspire students to be responsible, productive and ethical world citizens.  Students graduate with the skills and passion to think creatively, reason critically, communicate effectively, and to continue learning the rest of their lives.  To reach that goal, the faculty and supporting staff at Universal American School dedicate their hearts and lives to building confident and motivated life long learners.  It is our aim to provide curriculum that is both challenging and yet achievable with the balanced rigor, relevance and relationships encouraged at each level of the educational progression.  An effective school is one where teachers can effectively facilitate learning by teaching students “how to think” and not “what to think.”  My leadership efforts advocate for UAS to be predictable, constant, and a place where children are able to count on the fact that there is a routine, an expected way of behavior, and that the people in their lives are consistent, caring, and considerate.  We emphasize the social “3-r’s,” – respect for self, respect for others, and responsibility for one’s actions being as important as our academic “3-r’s.”  As superintendent, I make a concerted effort to be a stabilizing factor for staff and students as we continuously raise the achievement bar.  It is my hope that every educator takes great pride in the potential of being able to profoundly influence the lives of children every single day.  Being a member of such a progressive and diverse population at UAS is an invigorating and exciting experience.

November 2011