Dr. Pieter Hernus Bosman PD, M.Ed. Psych, MBA Senior School Leader | Educational Visionary | Lifelong Learner
They say education is a journey, not a destination—which is perfect, because I’ve spent most of my adult life on the scenic route through academia. I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration, a Master’s in Educational Psychology, and an MBA in International Leadership—all of which have helped shape my approach to leading with purpose, compassion, and the occasional Excel spreadsheet.
An EIU-Paris doctorate is more than just a title—it represents years of research, critical thinking, and my commitment to the educational profession, and most importantly, being an example to all my students to show what it truly means to be a lifelong learner. It also comes with a complimentary Doctorate in patience, caffeine consumption, and mastering the art of looking serious while reading academic papers.
My roots were proudly formed in Mzansi (South Africa), where the rhythm of ubuntu and a deep respect for education shaped who I am. From there, I ventured to the UAE, where I learned the true meaning of inshallah when waiting on school approvals. In China, I discovered the fine art of navigating WeChat, chopstick diplomacy, and 12-hour workdays with a smile. And now in Australia, I’m embracing the world of mateship, flat whites, and the glorious reality of school starting at 9 a.m.—while most other countries are already prepping for first break. It’s the first time I’ve experienced such a calm, balanced approach to the school day… and honestly, I’m here for it. I consider myself an international educator and a true citizen of the world—passport stamps, cultural faux pas, and all.
As a senior school leader, I strive to build environments where curiosity is contagious, and success looks different for every student. When I’m not knee-deep in school improvement plans or leadership strategy sessions, you’ll find me mentoring future educators—or possibly just trying to remember where I put my coffee.
So, why do I lead? Because leadership is about more than meetings, policies, or improvement plans—it’s about people. It’s about unlocking potential, building trust, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. I lead because I believe in the transformative power of education, and I’ve seen how one spark of encouragement can change the trajectory of a student’s life. Because nothing beats the look on a student’s face when they finally “get it”—except maybe the quiet satisfaction of building a team that helps make that moment possible.
There’s a certain magic in watching ideas click, confidence bloom, and curiosity take root. I lead to nurture that magic. I lead to create environments where teachers feel valued, where students feel seen, and where everyone—from the quiet thinkers to the loud dreamers—knows they belong. I lead to champion the often unseen, always essential work of educators, and to shape school cultures that are as inclusive as they are inspiring.
And why will I never stop learning? Because education evolves—and so must we. Each country I’ve worked in has taught me something new: how culture shapes classrooms, how systems rise and fall, and how resilience is often spelled in tiny victories. I’ve learned as much from late-night parent meetings and unexpected fire drills as I have from academic journals. I’ve learned from students who challenged the lesson, from colleagues who challenged the system, and from the quiet moments in between when I’ve had to challenge myself.
Learning keeps me curious. It humbles me. It reminds me that no matter how many degrees I hold or titles I carry, there is always more to know, more to unlearn, and more to become. If leadership is my compass, learning is my map—and the journey is far from over.
Let’s connect and keep learning together—because the best part of education is that it never ends.
Stay Lit, Don’t Quit: 5 Reminders to Keep Your Teaching Flame Alive
- You Plant Seeds You May Never See Grow
Some kids will thank you in five years. Others in fifteen. A few might only realise it while yelling at their own kids to do homework. But the impact? It’s there—quietly growing. - Progress Beats Perfection
Did your lesson go sideways but the kids still learned something? That’s a win. Teaching is less Broadway musical and more improv comedy—just with more worksheets and less applause. - Your Energy Is Contagious—Protect It
You can’t pour from an empty mug—especially if it’s your third coffee and still somehow cold. Rest, hydrate, and know that saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad teacher—it makes you a sustainable one. - Celebrate the Small Stuff
A student remembered a comma? That’s a parade. Someone said “thanks” after class? That’s a festival. The WiFi worked all day? That’s basically a national holiday. - You’re More Than a Job Description
You’re part educator, part counselor, part stand-up comic, part Google. But above all, you’re the person who shows up, stays kind, and keeps trying—even when the printer isn’t.
Lead Like You Mean It: A Pep Talk for Inspired Educators
You don’t need a title to lead. You don’t need an office, a lanyard that opens secret doors, or a nameplate with “Coordinator of Something Very Important” on it.
If you’re the one sparking ideas in the staffroom, lifting others when the term feels long, or pushing for what’s right when it’s easier to stay quiet—you’re already leading.
Leadership isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about how you show up: with integrity, with courage, and with a voice that says, “We can do better—and I’m willing to go first.”
So when someone says, “But that’s not your job,” remember: that’s how change starts. With someone who cares too much to wait for permission. With someone who mentors, advocates, speaks up, lifts up, and leads from wherever they stand—even if that’s a crowded classroom with one working whiteboard and a coffee that’s been microwaved twice.
Don’t let the politics, the paperwork, or the people who only lead on paper shrink your fire. You’re not too much. You’re not out of line. You’re exactly what education needs: a leader with heart, purpose, and the courage to lead authentically.
So lead loud. Lead soft. Lead how you lead best. Because real leadership looks a lot like you.
Submitted to Dr. J Anand on 25.05.2025
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