illustration of the usa's electoral college map and how many seats each state is allotted

The 2024 U.S. presidential election has resulted in Donald Trump’s return to office, a development that is expected to bring significant changes to education policies in the United States.

As international school leaders, staying informed about global education trends is crucial, and this shift in U.S. leadership offers valuable insights for educators worldwide.

The proposed changes, outlined in detail in Project 2025, primarily affect U.S. schools but may have ripple effects on international education. While these shifts may present challenges, they also offer opportunities for school leaders to innovate and adapt.

Understanding these potential changes can help international educators prepare for evolving global education landscapes and identify strategies to enhance their own institutions.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 is a conservative policy agenda aimed at shaping the future direction of federal governance, including education. 

Department of Education

Trump has repeatedly called for abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, viewing it as federal overreach. While this would require Congressional approval, he could immediately reflect his priorities through the federal budget proposal in early 2025.

This could lead to:

  • Decreased federal oversight of education policies
  • Potential consolidation or elimination of certain federal education programs
  • More authority given to states and local districts on education matters

For teacher recruitment, this may result in:

  • Changes to federal teacher preparation and certification requirements
  • Shifts in how teacher quality and effectiveness are measured
  • Potential reductions in federal funding for teacher recruitment and retention programs

International perspective: 

This shift towards decentralization might offer insights into managing schools with greater autonomy, a familiar concept for many international schools.

  • It highlights the importance of developing robust internal quality assurance systems, as many international schools already operate with significant autonomy.
  • The potential reduction in standardized federal requirements may parallel the diverse regulatory environments international schools navigate across different countries.
  • This change emphasizes the need for international schools to continually refine their self-evaluation processes and maintain high standards without external mandates.

School Choice Expansion

A second Trump presidency is likely to expand school choice, including options for families to use public funds (tax credit scholarship) for private schooling. 

This could lead to:

  • Options for families to use public funds for private schooling
  • Increased funding for charter schools and private school vouchers
  • Tax credit scholarships to allow families to use public funds for private schooling
  • Potential redirection of federal funds to support school choice initiatives

These policies may impact teacher recruitment by:

  • Creating more competition between public and private schools for qualified teachers
  • Potentially shifting some teachers from public to private/charter schools
  • Changing the landscape of where teaching jobs are available

International perspective: 

This could create a more competitive educational landscape, similar to what many international schools already navigate in their markets.

  • Many international schools already operate in competitive markets, offering insights into maintaining distinctiveness and value proposition.
  • The potential increase in school options in the U.S. mirrors the growth of international schools globally, reinforcing the need for clear differentiation strategies.
  • International schools can leverage their experience in attracting and retaining students in diverse educational markets to advise on best practices in a choice-driven environment.

Title IX and Civil Rights Policies

Trump is expected to overturn the Biden administration’s recent changes to Title IX which extended new protections for transgender students and staff

This could affect:

  • School policies on gender identity and expression
  • Handling of discrimination complaints
  • Training requirements for staff on LGBTQI+ issues

These changes may impact teacher recruitment by:

  • Altering the legal landscape for teacher protections and responsibilities
  • Potentially affecting school climate and culture, which can influence teacher retention
  • Changing professional development needs for new and existing teachers

International Perspective:

These changes might influence global discussions on inclusivity and diversity in education, topics many international schools are at the forefront of addressing.

  • As global institutions are often at the forefront of diversity and inclusion, international schools can offer valuable insights into creating inclusive environments that respect various cultural perspectives.
  • The potential policy shifts underscore the importance of developing comprehensive, culturally sensitive approaches to civil rights that can be adapted to different national contexts.
  • International schools can position themselves as leaders in fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding, skills increasingly valuable in a polarized world.

Teacher Tenure and Merit Pay

Trump’s campaign platform called for favorable treatment of states and districts that:

These policies could significantly impact teacher recruitment and retention by:

  • Changing job security expectations for teachers
  • Altering compensation structures and career advancement opportunities
  • Potentially increasing turnover in school leadership positions

Potential opportunities:

Potential changes to teacher tenure and pay structures may prompt schools to:

  • Create new career advancement pathways for educators
  • Develop innovative compensation models that reward excellence
  • Implement mentorship programs to support and retain new teachers

International perspective: 

Many international schools already operate without tenure systems and use performance-based compensation models. This shift in the U.S. could align more closely with international practices.

  • International schools often lead in innovative compensation models, offering insights into effective performance-based systems that motivate teachers without compromising job satisfaction.
  • The focus on merit pay presents an opportunity for international schools to showcase their approaches to professional development and career progression.
  • As schools that often attract globally mobile educators, international institutions can provide valuable perspectives on creating attractive packages that go beyond traditional tenure systems.

Immigration Policies

Stricter immigration policies could have ripple effects on schools, particularly in diverse communities. 

This may impact:

  • The student population and demographic makeup of schools
  • Demand for ESL and bilingual education programs
  • Community engagement and family involvement in schools

These changes could affect teacher recruitment by:

  • Altering the skills and certifications in demand for teachers
  • Potentially affecting the pool of international teachers or those with specific language skills
  • Changing the cultural dynamics within school communities

Other Policies

Trump has pledged to cut federal funding for schools he believes are promoting “critical race theory,” and other content he deems inappropriate. More details can be found in Project 2025.

Proactive Strategies For Navigating Educational Policy Changes

Given the current political climate and potential changes in education policy, here are some key recommendations for U.S. school leaders:

Enhance Community and Business Partnerships

Think about how you can tap into local strengths by forming public-private partnerships. Engaging parents, local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations can help enrich educational offerings and secure valuable resources. 

This collaborative approach not only strengthens your support network but also aligns with the trend toward greater local control and school choice.

Prioritize Data-Driven Decision Making and Success Stories

Make data your ally! By collecting and analyzing information on your school’s successes and areas for growth, you can make informed decisions that help secure funding and maintain your school’s autonomy. 

Sharing measurable outcomes can highlight your effectiveness, especially in a competitive educational landscape.

Develop Innovative Teacher Support and Leadership Pipelines

Invest in your teachers by creating programs that support their growth and development while also nurturing future leaders. Consider offering leadership roles, specialized positions, and professional development opportunities. 

These initiatives can help address changes in teacher certification, tenure, and pay structures while ensuring you have a steady stream of talented educators.

Expand Career, Technical, and Civics Education

Align with the administration’s focus on workforce readiness and American values by bolstering your Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and enhancing civics education. This not only attracts student interest but can also open doors to federal support while fostering critical thinking and active citizenship among students.

Build Adaptive, Inclusive, and Innovative School Models

Stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on policy changes and being ready to adapt your strategies as needed. Explore innovative teaching methods and alternative school models—like project-based learning or STEM-focused curricula—that meet local needs while aligning with potential federal priorities. 

Don’t forget to maintain inclusive environments through cultural competency initiatives to ensure every student feels supported. This version maintains professionalism while adopting a more approachable tone that encourages collaboration and innovation among school leaders.

These solutions combine proactive measures, adaptability, and alignment with potential policy directions while prioritizing quality education for all students.

Opportunities for International School Leaders

  • Enhance Global Partnerships: As U.S. schools potentially face funding changes, there may be increased interest in international collaborations. Consider reaching out to U.S. schools for exchange programs or shared resources.
  • Showcase Innovative Practices: Many international schools excel in areas like multilingual education and cultural competency. There may be opportunities to share these best practices with U.S. educators seeking new approaches.
  • Attract Talent: Potential changes in the U.S. education system might lead some educators to explore international opportunities. Be prepared to highlight the unique benefits of teaching in an international setting.
  • Emphasize Data-Driven Decision Making: As U.S. schools may face new accountability measures, share your experiences in using data to drive school improvement and student success.
  • Develop Adaptive Leadership Models: The potential for rapid policy changes in the U.S. underscores the importance of flexible, responsive leadership – a strength of many international school leaders.

Next Steps

While Project 2025’s proposals are specific to the U.S., they reflect broader global trends in education policy debates. As international school leaders, staying informed about these developments can provide valuable insights for your own strategic planning and leadership approaches.

By focusing on building strong global partnerships, showcasing innovative practices, and emphasizing adaptive leadership, international schools can continue to thrive and lead in the ever-evolving landscape of global education. 

Moreover, the unique position of international schools as bridges between different educational systems positions them well to offer valuable perspectives and potential solutions to the challenges and opportunities presented by initiatives like Project 2025.